Of course, one of the best things about cooking is that it's a sensory, tactile experience. This Paudin knife looks the part with its layered steel blade and a balanced, ergonomically-shaped wooden handle that provides enhanced comfort as you mince, slice, and chop. You won't need to worry about this tool slipping while you work.

To buy: Paudin Razor Sharp Slicing Knife, $17.39 (originally $28.99) at Amazon.com
The best carving knife has more than 545 five-star Amazon ratings, with reviewers commenting that it "looks and feels like a sword" in the best way possible. Everyone from professional chefs to first-time cooks are raving about how the knife "slices beautiful," allowing them to chop vegetables, and carve pumpkin. Its affordable price is rare in the realm of good-quality kitchen knives and shoppers are taking note, ordering as many of three of them at a time.
"I have a whole kitchen drawer full of various knives, and this is the one I always reach for," one reviewer wrote. "Because this blade has such a smooth, gradual taper from edge to spine, it literally glides through vegetables and meats. The fattest, gnarliest potatoes cut like you are slicing through warm butter. No kidding!"
Snag the Paudin Carving knife before it goes back up to its original price to see why reviewers are calling it an "actual work of art."