Vegetable knives

Has a characteristic, almost entirely rectangular blade shape, usually between 15 and 18 cm long. Usually completely straight at both the back and the edge, with a slightly curved tip. In Japan this type of knife is called Nakiri or Usaba. Nakiri knives have a double-ground edge while Usaba are single-ground. It's been featured extensively in Ernst's various TV programmes, but don't worry - you don't have to be barefoot to use the knife.