Small but mighty: Petty
The Seki Kyuba SHIN Petty, with its compact 15cm blade, is the precision instrument of the Japanese kitchen that punches well above its weight class. “Petty” is derived from the French “petit”, meaning small, which perfectly describes this knife’s role as a smaller, more agile counterpart to larger chef’s knives. However, don’t let its size fool you – this knife is a powerhouse of cutting performance.
Crafted with an SG2/R2 powdered steel core and a 31-layer Damascus construction, the SHIN Petty embodies the absolute best in Japanese metallurgy, just like its larger siblings in the SHIN line. The SG2/R2 core provides unparalleled edge retention and sharpness, while the 31 layers contribute to overall durability, stain resistance, and create a breathtaking Damascus pattern. The blade’s hammered finish, layered over the Damascus, not only adds a stunning visual element but also helps to reduce food sticking during use, enhancing efficiency in your precise cutting tasks.
The 15cm blade length makes the Petty ideal for intricate tasks where larger knives feel unwieldy. It excels at peeling, trimming, and detailed cutting work, making it an indispensable tool for garnish preparation, delicate fruit work, or precise meat trimming. Despite its smaller size, it carries the same premium performance characteristics as the larger SHIN knives, bringing unparalleled sharpness and edge retention to your detail work.
The SHIN Petty offers an impressive Rockwell Hardness rating (HRC) of 63-64, which means the edge stays noticeably sharper for a longer time, even with frequent use. This translates to less frequent sharpening and consistent, precise cuts every time you use it. Whether you’re a professional chef requiring ultimate precision for garnishes, or a discerning home cook looking for a versatile small knife that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Seki Kyuba SHIN Petty offers the perfect blend of size, sharpness, and manoeuvrability to elevate your culinary craftsmanship.
The Blade
The blade in the Seki Kyuba SHIN line is designed to make cooking more enjoyable as cutting through produce will become an effortless task. The blade is handcrafted by skilled Japanese blacksmiths in Seki, Gifu village in Japan with high-end Japanese SG2/R2 high carbon stainless powder steel, with 31-layers Damascus. SG2, also known as Super Gold 2, is a high-end, high carbon stainless steel known for being a tough steel with excellent edge retention and easy maintenance. The sharp blade is set in a premium-cut, waterproof stabilised maple burl wood available in Mediterranean Blue, Olive Green, or Natural Brown. The knife comes in a handcrafted, minimalist wooden box wrapped in a unique illustration strip. SG2/R2 steel offers an excellent balance between toughness, durability, and razor sharpness. The blade has an impressive Rockwell Hardness rating (HRC) of 63-64, which means the edge stays noticeably sharper for a longer time. This means you won’t have to worry about sharpening them often. The blade allows foods to be easily and promptly cut with precision.
The Handle
The beautiful handle is made with extremely limited European maple burl dyed in an Natural Brown colour and feature a subtle copper ring under the oak bog wood kakumaki (collar of the handle). The wood has to be dried for two years before it undergoes the process of stabilisation. This ensures the wood is completely waterproof to avoid bacteria growth and is able to last generations.
The blade’s kakumaki (collar) is made with oak bog wood. A wood ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 years in age. Its age and living conditions give it a unique character and rich natural colour variation determined by its age. Giving you a knife with a rich history.
The stabilised premium-cut maple burl is shaped into an octagonal shaped ambidextrous handle to give you a firm grip on the knife. Not only are the handles aesthetically pleasing, they are also perfectly balanced, light and comfortable. This allows for maximum precision and more controlled movements during use.
No two handle colours or patterns are ever the same as the natural properties of each wood block are unique and will absorb the colour dye differently. This will give each knife a beautiful unique look and it can serve as an unforgettable gift.
The Blacksmith
The spirit of Samurai “Bushido” has never faded away from the history of Japan. The art of greatest sword smiths has been inherited through 780 years till now and it’s present in Japan’s Samurai Knife City, Seki in Gifu Prefecture, where Seki Kyuba knives are made.
High quality katana and kitchen blades are made with Japan’s traditional swordsmith technique and the latest technology, and are famed throughout the world today, especially high end kitchen knives.
Our partnership with one of the most talented and prominent blacksmiths of Japan resulted in Seki Kyuba kitchen knives, that are perfect for those that demand the highest quality. Being part of the Japanese knife community and owning a knife like this is a great honour and pleasure. We welcome you to Kyuba knives world.