OZH-600 Petty
Petty (paring) knife, made in Seki, Japan. The blade is from stainless steel and the handle is magnolia wood with a resin ferrule.
A petty knife refers to a "petite chef's knife". A Japanese paring knife is a small, versatile kitchen tool ideal for tasks that require precision and control. With its short blade, typically 90 to 130mm long, it is perfect for intricate tasks such as peeling fruits and vegetables, trimming, or deveining shrimp. The petty excels at tasks like creating decorative garnishes, slicing small ingredients like garlic or strawberries, and removing seeds or blemishes. Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre, especially when working on delicate or handheld tasks. While not suited for heavy-duty chopping or cutting through tough materials, the paring knife is indispensable for fine, detailed work in both professional and home kitchens.
This is an ideal entry-level knife to start a Japanese kitchen knife collection. It can also be added to an existing collection as a daily workhorse for finer tasks, thanks to the durability of the materials. 420J2 stainless steel is very rust resistant and durable and sharpens easily. While it is stainless, we recommend that cooking knives are washed and dried by hand.
- Sides: Double-sided (for left or right handed use)
- Blade steel: 420J2 stainless steel (HRC 55-56)
- Handle: Magnolia wood with ABS resin ferrule
- Total length: 235mm
- Blade length: 120mm
- Weight: 42g
- Packaging: Cardboard & clear plastic box
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Seki, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, has a rich history as a knife-making city that dates back over 700 years. The craft began during the Kamakura period when swordsmiths were drawn to the area for its high-quality water, charcoal, and iron sand—key resources for forging. Seki quickly became renowned for producing samurai swords, prized for their exceptional sharpness and durability. Following the decline of samurai culture in the late 19th century, Seki's artisans adapted their skills to crafting knives, scissors, and other cutlery. Today, Seki is celebrated as a global hub for high-quality blades, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation. Seki Tsubazo is a knife maker based in Seki which specialises in making practical kitchen knives for home cooks and aspirant chefs.