NOTE! The site is under construction but will be ready soon.

★★★★★

5/5 star reviews on Trustpilot

Petty Knives – Utility Knives

Petty knives are Japanese utility knives. It’s great when precision is needed, slicing small vegetables and greens into shapes and forms.

Used by chefs you know – featured in media you trust...

Price

Pris – EN - slider
1499DKK2399DKK
Choose length
Længde – EN
Choose steel
Stål – EN
Select series
Serie – EN

Length

Længde – EN

Steel

Stål – EN

Series

Serie – EN

Japanese Petty Knife

The name “Petty” comes from the French word “Petite”, meaning small. As the name suggests, a Petty knife is a compact, versatile Japanese knife that is easy to maneuver and perfect for various kitchen tasks.

Petty knives excel at precise cutting of small ingredients, making them ideal for herbs, vegetables, fruits, and delicate trimming work. They are also useful for slicing small pieces of meat, fish, and seafood.

Below, you can read more about the tasks Petty knives are best suited for and how to maintain them.

What Is a Petty Knife?

Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, a Petty knife is an essential tool in any kitchen. A good knife set typically starts with a Petty knife and either a Santoku or Gyuto knife.

Despite being known as a Japanese herb knife, Petty knives are not limited to cutting herbs and small vegetables. Many chefs also use them for filleting fish and trimming meat due to their narrow, maneuverable blade.

Petty Knives for Vegetables

Petty knives are great for cutting vegetables, herbs, and fruits—especially smaller items like onions, carrots, apples, and citrus fruits.

With a compact blade length of 120–150 mm, they are easy to handle and allow for precise cutting. Some chefs even prefer to use them in the air rather than on a cutting board, though this requires extra caution to avoid cutting your fingers.

If you’re looking for a Japanese knife exclusively for vegetables, consider a Nakiri knife instead.

Petty Knives for Fish

Many chefs use a Petty knife for filleting flatfish such as Isinger, Turbot, and Plaice. The knife’s narrow profile allows for precise filleting, even in tight spaces.

However, if you need to fillet larger round fish, a Deba knife is a better choice due to its thicker, more durable blade.

Petty Knives for Meat

A Petty knife can be used for trimming tenderloin and other delicate cuts of meat. However, it is not ideal for carving roasts or breaking down large pieces of meat.

For carving roasts or slicing larger portions, a Sujibiki knife is the better option.

Important Note: Avoid using a Petty knife to cut bones, frozen food, or other hard objects. The blade is not designed for heavy-duty cutting and may become damaged.

If you need a stronger knife for chopping meat and bones, a Gyuto chef’s knife is recommended. If you’re looking for an all-purpose knife, consider a Santoku knife.

How to Care for Your Petty Knife

Petty knives are available in stainless steel and carbon steel variations, both requiring proper care:

  • Never put your knife in the dishwasher. Heat, moisture, and detergents can damage the steel and handle.
  • Hand-wash only with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft sponge or brush.
  • Dry immediately after washing to prevent rust or damage.

Storing Your Petty Knife

Proper storage is essential to maintain sharpness and safety:

  • Keep knives out of reach of children and others unfamiliar with their sharpness.
  • Store in a knife block, drawer insert, or magnetic strip.
  • If using a magnetic strip, avoid slapping the knife onto it, as this can damage the blade.
  • Do not store knives loosely in a drawer where they can bump against other objects.

By following these care tips, your Petty knife will stay in top condition for years to come!