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Hand-forged in Nagasaki by third-generation blacksmith Junichi Ide, this petty is a compact, exceptionally lightweight utility knife with a wonderfully traditional feel.
The blade is made from White #2 carbon steel, clad in soft iron and finished with a rustic kurouchi surface. At just 70g it feels incredibly light and nimble in the hand, making it ideal for smaller, more precise kitchen tasks and a natural partner to a larger gyuto or santoku. This version is fitted with a walnut handle.
The petty is the Japanese equivalent of a utility or paring knife, designed for smaller jobs where a full-sized chef’s knife can feel cumbersome. It’s ideal for fruit and vegetables, trimming, garnishes, herbs and smaller cuts of meat or fish.
Its narrow profile and pointed tip make it particularly useful for precise work, while the additional blade length gives it more versatility on the board than a traditional Western paring knife.
The kurouchi finish is the dark surface left from the forging process, giving the blade its characteristically raw, traditional appearance. As with any handmade knife, the exact finish and appearance will vary slightly from piece to piece.
The cutting core is White #2 (Shirogami #2), a traditional Japanese carbon steel prized for its fine grain, keen edge and ease of sharpening.
The blade uses san mai construction, with the White #2 core sandwiched between softer iron cladding. Both the exposed cutting edge and the cladding are reactive, so the blade should be washed and thoroughly dried immediately after use. With use it will naturally develop a patina.
Yosimitu Kajiya is a family-run forge founded in 1937 on the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture. The forge is now led by third-generation blacksmith Junichi Ide, continuing the production of traditionally forged Japanese kitchen knives.
Their knives have a particularly honest, functional character: hand-forged carbon steels, simple finishes and traditional construction, without unnecessary refinement. They represent exceptional value for anyone looking for a genuinely handmade Japanese knife.
• Always hand wash immediately after use — never in the dishwasher.
• Dry completely with a towel to prevent rust or discolouration.
• Use wooden or soft plastic cutting boards to preserve the edge.
• Store safely — in a knife block, magnetic rack, or saya cover.
• Sharpen regularly using whetstones for best long-term performance.
• Carbon steels will form a patina over time — this is normal and protective.
Blade shape: Petty
Maker: Yosimitu Kajiya
Blacksmith: Junichi Ide
Construction: San Mai
Core steel: White #2 (Shirogami #2) carbon steel
Cladding: Soft iron
Finish: Kurouchi
Handle: Walnut
Blade length: 150mm
Total length:
Age restriction: Knives are only available to persons aged 18 or over. Proof of age is required at checkout and upon delivery.
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.
