Fish Knife vs. Butter Knife? Here's When to Use Each

The world of cutlery is vast and exciting—it is to us, anyway! There is just something stimulating about so many hyper-specific tools and learning its place in prepping and serving a meal. But we get that it can be confusing, too. For instance, what's the difference between a fish knife vs. a butter knife? These two types of silverware tend to look similar, so are both really necessary?

To ease any cutlery confusion, we turned to a culinary expert to help break down the differences between the fish knife vs. the butter knife. (No more trying to slyly Google which is which in the middle of dinner.)

The Key Differences

When it comes to some of the smaller knives you may encounter, it may not be completely clear as to which is for what and why. Of course, "the main difference between a fish knife and a butter knife lies in their purpose," explains culinary creative director Rhoda Boone. "Fish knives are for serving cooked fish, while butter knives are for spreading soft food."

"A fish knife usually has a sharp, thin blade, making it useful for removing cooked fish from bones or skin," Boone notes. The blade on a fish knife can also work to scoop sauces, residual pieces, or garnishes from a cooking dish or serving platter. 

On the other hand, says Boone, "a butter knife has a blunt edge and is designed for cutting and spreading butter or other soft spreads."

Fish Knife vs. Butter Knife Uses

Now that we've got the main differences out of the way, it's worth noting when exactly to use each.

Remember, a fish knife is specifically designed for eating fish, so it's not used to "cut" in the traditional sense, but to flake and lift the fish and separate its delicate flesh without mangling it. Opt for one when:

• Eating filleted fish: The blunt edge helps separate the flesh from skin or bone without tearing.
• Eating whole fish: You'll be able to gently lift the fillets away from the bone and remove the skin.
• Formal dining settings: When fish is its own course in formal dinner settings, you’ll likely be provided with a fish knife.
• Serving yourself fish from a platter: A fish knife may be used as a serving utensil to help separate and serve without making a mess of the fillet.

As for butter knives, you don't want to use them for cutting through anything too dense or tough—they're meant for spreading soft substances smoothly. Use a butter knife when:

• Spreading butter or spreads: They're ideal for use on bread, muffins, rolls, or toast.
• Using jam, soft cheese, or pâté: Any soft condiment or spreadable item at the table should get its own butter knife to avoid cross contamination.
• Accompanying a bread plate: A butter knife is often placed on a bread plate as part of a standard place setting.
• For individual use: Each diner may receive their own butter knife at their setting to avoid double-dipping in communal spreads.

Do You Need Both a Fish Knife and a Butter Knife?

While it's certainly nice to have both pieces of cutlery (their individual designs are intended to make cutting fish and spreading butter easier), having a singular set of tools won't necessarily be detrimental to your hosting prowess—especially if you're working with limited kitchen storage space. "While they are designed for specific uses, they could be used interchangeably in a pinch," Boone says. A fish knife can certainly spread butter, and a butter knife can serve fish. 

Even better, each knife can do more than its name suggests. According to Boone, a butter knife can be a great tool for cutting soft foods like cheeses, bananas, and cooked potatoes. Meanwhile, a fish knife can be practical for lifting and serving foods, especially baked goods.

How to Choose Between a Fish Knife vs. a Butter Knife

Choosing between which of these knives to buy, or looking to declutter a set? Consider what you most often cook and serve: If you prefer having guests over for yummy charcuterie spreads over sit-down dinner parties, butter knives will probably earn more use. If you're looking to elevate your seafood spreads—or often find yourself scrambling for tools to serve guests with—it may be time to get a set of fish knives.

While you can make do without one or the other, remember that using the right utensil isn’t just about etiquette—it's about making the meal smoother (and a little more elegant). Fish knives and butter knives may seem like small details on a crowded table, but each plays a specific role in elevating your dining experience.