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The K4 is a compact chef’s knife with generous blade height.
At 123mm long and 45mm tall at the heel, it gives you the depth and board control of a larger chef’s knife, but in a shorter, more manoeuvrable format. Ideal for cooks who prefer agility without sacrificing knuckle clearance.
Balanced, capable and surprisingly light for its size (119g).
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Inspired by Japanese double bevel profiles, the K Series prioritises cutting efficiency over weight.
Each blade is shaped using Windmühlenmesser’s traditional dry-fine grinding technique. This produces a razor-sharp edge and thin cross-section (approx. 0.34mm behind the edge), combined with a subtle concavity along the blade face to aid food release.
The result is a Western chef knife that cuts cleanly and precisely rather than relying on mass.
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This knife is available in stainless steel or carbon steel — please select your preference when adding to cart.
We have a soft spot for the carbon version (approx. 60 HRC) for its ability to take a particularly keen edge and its satisfying sharpening feedback. The stainless option offers easier day-to-day maintenance while retaining excellent cutting performance.
Both benefit from the same thin, performance-focused grind.
If you’re unsure which suits you best, just use the chat button — we’re happy to help.
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Fitted with a plumwood handle — warm, comfortable and well balanced against the blade’s compact profile.
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Founded in 1872 in Solingen, Germany, Robert Herder remains family run and committed to traditional grinding methods.
Their knives are refreshingly thin and light by Western standards — performance driven by geometry and craftsmanship rather than bulk.
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Carbon steel rewards care with exceptional sharpness.
Wash and dry thoroughly after use. If light surface rust appears, a gentle rub with a dry scourer will usually remove it. Over time, a patina will develop — natural, protective and entirely part of the knife’s character.
And for many reasons — never put your knives in the dishwasher.
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Blade shape — Small Chef
Maker — Robert Herder
Construction — Monosteel
Steel — Stainless steel or carbon steel
Hardness — 60 HRC (carbon version)
Edge grind — 50/50
Handle — Plumwood
Blade length — 123mm
Total length — 250mm
Blade height at heel — 45mm
Weight — 119g
Spine thickness at heel — 2.75mm
Thickness behind the edge — 0.34mm
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Age Restriction
Knives are only available to persons over 18 years of age. Due to the nature of our business, all customers will be required to verify their age at checkout.
We ship Tuesday to Saturday using Royal Mail Tracked 24.
All knives ship via an age verified service in accordance with The Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which will mean the postie will need you to be in to receive the delivery & to check your ID if you look under 25.
The law also requires us to carry out a soft age check of the purchaser after checkout, this is done by an automated system that usually doesn't require your input, although we will need to contact you for proof of age if you fail, which can sometimes happen if you use a work address.
of Community Cutlery as a home for enthusiasts, for people who love the ritual of food preparation and who have realised the charm in doing it with quality tools, with items that are as pleasing on the eye as they are practical in the hand.
