The Japanese Petty Knife: What It Is and How It’s Used❓

Petty knife uses include a variety of small-scale kitchen tasks such as peeling, trimming, and slicing fruits and vegetables, as well as detailed work like mincing garlic or deveining shrimp. Petty knives are particularly suited for situations requiring more precision than a chef's knife but more versatility than a paring knife, making it a valuable tool in both professional and home kitchens.

What Is a Petty Knife?
Japanese petty knives are small utility knives that typically measure between four and six inches in blade length, about 1-2" longer than a paring knife. This makes them great for producing cuts that are more precise than those you could achieve with a larger chef's knife. Some people also prefer petty knives simply because they’re easy to use. Somewhat like a large paring knife, Japanese petty knives come with both Western-style contoured handles or Japanese style wa handles. Most styles come in double-bevel, meaning they are sharpened on both sides for a 50/50 balance and can be used in either your right or left hand. Petties are also available in more acute angles like 70/30, which is more suited to right hand use.

What To Use It For
Designed for dexterity, Japanese petty knives’ are great for cutting smaller ingredients with great precision or performing delicate tasks. Petty knives are the go to choice for mincing herbs, slicing vegetables and peeling fruits. The shorter blade is also great for small butchery tasks like deboning poultry and meat.

Overall, petty knives can serve a wide variety of functions in the kitchen. Their small size allows you to perform all kinds of useful, detailed tasks in the kitchen. Shop FAMCÜTE Knives collection of Japanese petty knives and add one to your collection.

5-inch Japanese hand-forged paring knife