A figured vegetable knife can transform an ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece. With such a kitchen tool, you will surprise both your guests and the customers of the canteen. You will be able to complement the interior, make design accents on certain things, emphasize the importance of a certain event or festive occasion. These tasks are within the power of carving - an art that can be conquered by all owners of special knives, slicers and sets without exception.

Content
Advantages of figured knives for vegetables
Such devices have several characteristic advantages:
- The price is favorable, since the construction of the devices is dominated by plastic. However, you should not buy a knife that is too cheap, since some materials emit formaldehyde.
- Small size and light weight. The knife takes up almost no space, your hand won't get tired holding it.
- Safety. If you cut with a regular knife, there is a risk that it will slip and you will get hurt. This is impossible when using a special device.
- The knives are suitable for many fruit and berry crops due to the expanding plastic vice. The clamp is created by means of a handle or manually.
- The devices are suitable for making marinades for the winter. Cutting is done smoothly and quickly.
How to Properly Use Knives for Cutting Vegetables into Shapes
The most affordable option for table decoration is to cut out elegant baskets of colorful fruits of different sizes. Such decoration from orange peel can be filled with ice cream or berries. The creation from watermelon peel is filled with plums, grapes or other small and colorful fruits.
There are several simple cutting methods:
- Die-cutting – a form with a sharp edge is applied to the fruit, after which pressure is created. Elements made with die-cuttings can complement the most original composition.
- Spiral cutting - a special knife must be inserted into the center of the product and the handle rotated to cut out an extended spiral.
- Channeling – a knife with a long hole is used to create grooves on the surface of fruit and berry crops. When cutting such a fruit, the slices will resemble stars or flowers.
Types of knives for figure cutting and carving
There are many types of carving knives:
- Thai is the main tool for lovers of figured carving;
- standard kitchen - for creating decorations on a cutting board;
- sickle-shaped, carbide-shaped and oval carbide-shaped;
- stainless steel vegetable cutter and peeler;
- model with a wave-shaped blade;
- devices for creating ovals and balls;
- knives for peeling apples from inedible cores;
- devices for round and spiral cutting.
There are many other models for carving. All of them are created for a specific task. A Thai knife creates a small relief cut, the purpose of using carbovochny devices is to prepare corner grooves. Models with a wavy steel blade will help to decorate any vegetable.
Slicer knife for shaped cutting
The word slice is translated into Russian as "slice". Slicer knives help to cut various fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
Housewives use different types of such devices, differing in appearance, scope of application and other characteristics. The main part of the device is a cutting disc that moves along the platform.
The devices are characterized by convenience and stylish design, so they fit well into the kitchen interior. The slicer allows you to effectively, quickly and easily cut any vegetable, including potatoes, cucumbers or zucchini.
In a few minutes you will be able to effectively decorate a dish in the form of fruit or vegetable slices. The properties of slicers are excellent. Their blades do not become less sharp, as they self-sharpen when cutting.
Knife for cutting vegetables into strips
Knives for cutting vegetables into strips have small dimensions and weight. The devices do not require special preparation before use. The cost of the models is lower than that of their analogues.
The form can be different:
- cone-shaped grater;
- ribbed peeler knife;
- straight grater.
There is a particular demand for a cone-shaped device that is used to create very long straws.
Rules for the care of figure knives
The main rules of care are trivial, but mandatory:
- Wooden stands should not be used, although they may seem convenient. Such devices do not allow you to control the blade's moisture. For storage, experts buy a carving kit, which includes a case. If you do not have one, a graphite-rubber stand or a magnetic board will do.
- Sharpening is not always necessary. Often knives have a coating in the form of a solid metal substance that guarantees self-sharpening. If you try to sharpen the knife yourself, you can ruin it.
- A whetstone is an easy way to sharpen a tool, as even a carving expert cannot work with a blunt object. To sharpen the tool, hold it at a 15-degree angle to the right and move the knives towards the end of the point.
- Blade correction. If you want your tools to stay in great condition, use blade correction products. You're unlikely to sharpen anything, but it's quite possible to make it a little sharper.
- Important! Boards – it is better to refuse to use them. If it is still difficult to do without them, use wooden boards. Glass and stone will quickly ruin knives.
- Cleaning – after creating another masterpiece, you need to rinse the object well and wipe it dry to maintain its sharpness.
Manufacturers of knives for cutting vegetables and fruits
Of course, you can cut vegetables into shapes using a simple knife, but for optimal results it is better to use special devices from the following manufacturers.
- Wusthof (Germany). Creates universal, Thai and carburetor knives, models for vegetables and citrus fruits, noisettes.
- F. Dick (Germany). Produces universal devices and kits, including engraving and carbide tools.
- Triangle (Germany). Produces only carving equipment.
- Messermeister (Germany). Manufactures knives for figured cutting and creativity.
- Borner (Germany). Produces special carving tools and a set of 3, 4, 9 or 11 items. The tools may include Thai knives, ribbed vegetable knives, and noisettes.
- Tescoma (Czech Republic). Slicers with a non-stick blade for gentle slicing of vegetables. Food does not stick to the blade, the products are easy to clean. The kit includes covers for safe storage of products.
There are many kits from Chinese manufacturers on the market, often including noisettes, carving knives and vegetable cutters. The products are relatively inexpensive and are perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of decorative cutting of products.