A peeler is a small kitchen knife that can be used to peel and slice fruit and vegetables. This type of knives are extremely versatile and can be used in many ways, making them one of the most used in a chef's kitchen. If you don't have any knives in the kitchen yet, this utensil is a great first investment.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Slice
Peelers easily go through fruits and vegetables, including harder ones like sweet potatoes.
![Use a Paring Knife Step 1 Use a Paring Knife Step 1](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-1-j.webp)
Step 1. Place the fruit or round vegetables sideways on the cutting board, so that the ends are horizontal to the work surface
![Use a Paring Knife Step 2 Use a Paring Knife Step 2](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-2-j.webp)
Step 2. Place the knife against the fruit near one end and push straight down, sliding the blade through the pulp to cut the tip
![Use a Paring Knife Step 3 Use a Paring Knife Step 3](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-3-j.webp)
Step 3. Turn the fruit over and repeat the operation on the other end
![Use a Paring Knife Step 4 Use a Paring Knife Step 4](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-4-j.webp)
Step 4. Arrange the fruit vertically by resting it on one of the cut ends to make it stable as you slice it
![Use a Paring Knife Step 5 Use a Paring Knife Step 5](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-5-j.webp)
Step 5. Hold the knife through the top end of the fruit and slice downward
![Use a Paring Knife Step 6 Use a Paring Knife Step 6](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-6-j.webp)
Step 6. Continue slicing according to your needs
Method 2 of 4: Remove Thin Peels
Peelers can be used to peel thin peels of foods such as apples or potatoes. The sharp blade of the knife can make sharper and faster cuts than a peeler.
![Use a Paring Knife Step 7 Use a Paring Knife Step 7](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-7-j.webp)
Step 1. Hold the food vertically with your index finger on the top and your thumb on the bottom
![Use a Paring Knife Step 8 Use a Paring Knife Step 8](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-8-j.webp)
Step 2. Hold the knife with three fingers of your dominant hand
![Use a Paring Knife Step 9 Use a Paring Knife Step 9](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-9-j.webp)
Step 3. Place the tip of your index finger on the blunt side of the knife blade
![Use a Paring Knife Step 10 Use a Paring Knife Step 10](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-10-j.webp)
Step 4. Place the tip of the knife on top of the food under your index finger
![Use a Paring Knife Step 11 Use a Paring Knife Step 11](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-11-j.webp)
Step 5. Lightly penetrate the food, sliding the knife under the peel
![Use a Paring Knife Step 12 Use a Paring Knife Step 12](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-12-j.webp)
Step 6. Remove the peel down towards the thumb
![Use a Paring Knife Step 13 Use a Paring Knife Step 13](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-13-j.webp)
Step 7. Repeat until all the peel has been removed
Method 3 of 4: Remove Thick Peels
A peeler can also be used to peel thick-skinned fruits, such as citrus fruits.
![Use a Paring Knife Step 14 Use a Paring Knife Step 14](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-14-j.webp)
Step 1. Hold the fruit in your free hand
![Use a Paring Knife Step 15 Use a Paring Knife Step 15](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-15-j.webp)
Step 2. Hold the handle of the knife with your dominant hand
![Use a Paring Knife Step 16 Use a Paring Knife Step 16](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-16-j.webp)
Step 3. Wrap all fingers around the handle
![Use a Paring Knife Step 17 Use a Paring Knife Step 17](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-17-j.webp)
Step 4. Place your thumb on the side of the blade
![Use a Paring Knife Step 18 Use a Paring Knife Step 18](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-18-j.webp)
Step 5. Make a small incision on the side of the fruit, cutting the peel right under the white skin
![Use a Paring Knife Step 19 Use a Paring Knife Step 19](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-19-j.webp)
Step 6. Turn the knife slightly to an angle
![Use a Paring Knife Step 20 Use a Paring Knife Step 20](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-20-j.webp)
Step 7. Peel the fruit by rotating it and pushing the blade under the peel horizontally
Method 4 of 4: Use the tip
The tip of this kitchen knife is as sharp as the blade and can be used for finishing work that a larger knife could ruin.
![Use a Paring Knife Step 21 Use a Paring Knife Step 21](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-21-j.webp)
Step 1. Squeeze the knife blade so that your thumb and forefinger are on each side of the blade
![Use a Paring Knife Step 22 Use a Paring Knife Step 22](https://i.sundulerparents.com/images/008/image-23151-22-j.webp)