Discovering the Petty Knife: The Small Yet Mighty Japanese Chef’s Tool

  • JUNE 5, 2023

  • The Petty knife may be compact, but it is one of the most versatile tools in Japanese kitchens. From peeling fruit to mincing herbs, it excels in tasks that demand precision.

  • What Is a Petty Knife?

    A Petty knife, sometimes called a fruit or paring knife, typically measures 12–18cm. Its slim design makes it perfect for detailed work, offering control and versatility that larger knives cannot match.

  • ZDP189-Petty-210mm-Mirror-Polished-both-sides

  • Key Uses

    • Fruit and Vegetable Prep:
      Its thin, sharp blade excels at peeling and finely slicing fruits and vegetables, ensuring minimal waste and impeccable presentation.
    • Small Ingredients Mastery:
      The petty knife shines when working with small items like garlic and herbs, allowing for detailed cuts without crushing delicate textures.
    • An Alternative to Paring Knives:
      With its compact size and ease of use, many chefs opt for the petty knife over traditional paring knives for its broader utility.

  • Care & Maintenance

    Wash and dry immediately after use, store safely in a sheath or knife block, and sharpen regularly to preserve its edge. With proper care, a Petty knife will serve reliably for years.

  • Why Add a Petty Knife?

    While not essential in every kitchen, a Petty knife adds convenience and precision. It shines in everyday prep as well as in finishing touches for special occasions, making it a valuable addition to any culinary toolkit.

  • Conclusion

    Small yet mighty, the Petty knife represents the finesse of Japanese craftsmanship. For professionals and home cooks alike, it offers control, versatility, and elegance in every cut.

The Petty Knife: Small Blade, Big Precision

  • The Petty Knife: Small Blade, Big Precision

    The Petty knife shines through its quiet precision, delivering delicate control where larger blades feel excessive. Its compact size turns detailed work—peeling, trimming, fine slicing—into an extension of your fingers, embodying the Japanese belief that mastery lives in the smallest movements.

Petty Knife

  • Small Blade, Big Possibilities

    Small in size, mighty in spirit.
    The Petty Knife handles the little things—with the same precision and artistry as a master’s blade.
ZDP189 Petty 210mm-Polished(both sides)

Petty Knife

A compact, versatile knife for everyday tasks, from peeling fruit to trimming meat and fish. Made with the same care as larger knives, it offers precision, comfort, and beauty in a nimble form.

Petty Knife

The Soul of Craftsmanship

  • Even Doubt Can Forge Mastery

    As an artisan devoted to the craft of bladesmithing, doubt and uncertainty are constant companions. The challenge of mastering new techniques, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the lingering question of whether our work will truly bring joy to others—these thoughts often weigh heavily on my mind.

  • But I’ve come to realize something: doubt is the hallmark of ambition. It is the necessary discomfort that pushes us to transcend our current limits. The greater the soul, the deeper the doubt, because there is always a higher peak yet to be reached.

  • The process of forging steel—where fire and metal clash and merge to form a blade—mirrors the struggles we face as craftsmen. Through relentless questioning and experimentation, a single masterpiece finally emerges. And when I imagine that blade in someone’s hands—bringing life to a dish or transforming an ordinary moment into something extraordinary—I find myself cherishing even the struggles that shaped it.

  • So, trust in your doubts. They are not obstacles but signposts, guiding you toward your next breakthrough.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. Forged in the Legacy of Sakai

    From Sakai City—Japan’s renowned birthplace of professional kitchen knives—each blade is crafted by master artisans with over six centuries of tradition. Perfectly balanced, enduringly sharp, and exquisitely finished, every cut carries the soul of true craftsmanship.

  • 2. Thoughtful Care for Everyday Use

    Every knife includes a hand-fitted magnolia saya for safe storage. Upon request, we offer a complimentary Honbazuke final hand sharpening—giving you a precise, ready-to-use edge from day one.

  • 3. A Partnership for a Lifetime

    A KIREAJI knife is more than a tool—it is a lifelong companion. With our bespoke paid aftercare services, we preserve its edge and beauty, ensuring it remains as precise and dependable as the day it first met your hand.