- They’re much more maneuverable than a chef knife or ilk
- They’re safer, especially for kids. Not as much blade to get into trouble.
- They’re cheap—you can supply a handful without a huge cash outlay.
- They’re pretty sharp. Fresh out-of-the-box newer blades can guarantee greater sharposity.
- They’re not scary—won’t intimidate those who are not sure they want to carve in the first place.
Here are five bargain-price paring knives (or sets) that could work well for pumpkin carving. They’re compact and lightweight and some models are selling at highly reduced prices on the Sur La Table website.

Wusthof Silverpoint 3 Piece Colored Paring Knife Set
BUY NOW @ Sur La Table: $19.95 /
Amazon: $19.95

Kuhn Rikon Farmers’ Market Serrated Paring Knives
BUY NOW @ Sur La Table: $11.95 /
Amazon: (set of 3) $31.95
Anyway. . .she tested out the Kuhn Rikon and Victorinox on a small pumpkin. Pumpkin size is significant. Because, she said, while the Victorinox was nimble for a smaller pumpkin, she would be worried about it’s flimsiness on a larger pumpkin with thicker walls. She’d be afraid of snapping the blade. So stick with diminuative pumpkins with Victorinox, and you’ll do fine.
The Kuhn Rikon carved quite well and was much more solid. And because the blade is firmer and thicker than the Victorinox, she would have no qualms about using in on a larger pumpkin. Plus, carving a larger pumpkin would only make the Kuhn Rikon even easier to navigate than it already was.
So . . . for those of you who get a kick out of pumpkin carving and love hosting pumpkin carving parties, go to town with these paring knives! And let me know how they work for you. . . :)
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