Artifex BD1N Paring Knife 80mm

BD1N is a high-chromium, high-carbon stainless steel produced by Carpenter Technology in the United States, and it sits at the foundation of everything in the Artifex line. Hardened to HRC 61 on this paring knife, it delivers edge retention and sharpness well beyond what most knives at this price point are capable of — which is exactly the point. CKTGs Artifex line exists to give professional cooks and serious home cooks access to genuinely capable steel without the cost or anxiety that comes with carrying expensive knives into demanding environments.

At 80mm the blade length hits the most useful range for in-hand paring work — compact enough for precise control through peeling, trimming, and detail cuts, long enough to handle fruit, small vegetables, and the kind of repetitive hand tasks where the size and feel of the knife in the grip matters more than reach. The blade runs 1.8mm at the heel with a 20mm height and a 50/50 bevel at 15 degrees per side, producing a fine, precise edge that stays sharp through sustained daily use on a wide range of tasks. At 2.2 oz the knife barely registers in hand, which is the right feel for extended paring sessions. The full-tang G-10 handle provides a secure, moisture-resistant grip and includes a relieved spine and slight heel bevel — small details that reflect the attention to fit and finish that distinguishes this line. It pairs naturally with the Artifex II gyuto for cooks building a two-knife kit that can handle anything a professional kitchen delivers.

What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers who own both the Artifex II gyuto and this paring knife consistently describe the two as a natural pair — the same steel, the same construction philosophy, and the same strong value at different sizes. Edge retention is the most frequently praised attribute, with multiple owners noting the knife holds its factory edge through weeks of daily home use without needing attention. A bartender who bought several as gifts for colleagues describes every recipient loving them — including one who nicked herself borrowing it, unaware of how sharp it actually was. One detailed reviewer specifically calls out 80mm as the ideal paring length for in-hand dexterity and praises the BD1N steel for being both easy to sharpen and hard enough to hold an edge — a combination that is harder to find than it sounds at this price.

Care Instructions: BD1N stainless steel is low maintenance and highly corrosion resistant. Hand wash and dry after each use — avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when needed and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between sessions. Avoid hard bones and frozen foods.

• Brand: Richmond
• Line: Artifex
• Construction: Laser Cut, Mono Steel
• Steel: Carpenter BD1N Stainless
• HRC: 61
• Edge Grind: Even, Double Bevel
• Bevel: 50/50, 15 degrees per side
• Handle: Western (Yo)
• Scales: G-10
• Blade Length: 80mm
• Total Length: 180mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 1.8mm
• Blade Height: 20mm
• Weight: 2.2 oz (64g)