The petty format is where a carbon steel blade of this quality shows its character most directly. Precise in-hand work on fruit, aromatics, and small ingredients demands an edge that is genuinely sharp and stays that way through a session - White #1 (Shirogami 1) delivers both. Kawasaki Kajiya has been forging with Hitachi White #1 for over a century in their family shop in Shiroishi-cho, Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. Mr. Kawasaki leads the shop in its third generation alongside his nephew Mr. Mizokami as the fourth, keeping all production in house with the kind of attention to craft that a small family operation can sustain in ways that larger manufacturers cannot.
At 142mm with a 38mm blade height and a 2mm spine, this is a lean, precise petty - longer than the tall petty version but narrower, which gives it a faster, more dart-like feel in the hand for detailed work. The White #1 core is forged san-mai with iron cladding and finished with the kurouchi (black finish, as-forged surface) treatment that characterizes the whole lineup. The iron cladding and reactive core will develop a patina together as the knife is used, and the kurouchi surface on the jigane (outer cladding steel) is a natural protector for the softer iron around the hagane (inner core steel) at the edge. The ho wood oval handle and plastic ferrule are traditional and practical. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. The iron cladding will also develop color over time. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - White #1 responds exceptionally well to good sharpening technique.
At 142mm with a 38mm blade height and a 2mm spine, this is a lean, precise petty - longer than the tall petty version but narrower, which gives it a faster, more dart-like feel in the hand for detailed work. The White #1 core is forged san-mai with iron cladding and finished with the kurouchi (black finish, as-forged surface) treatment that characterizes the whole lineup. The iron cladding and reactive core will develop a patina together as the knife is used, and the kurouchi surface on the jigane (outer cladding steel) is a natural protector for the softer iron around the hagane (inner core steel) at the edge. The ho wood oval handle and plastic ferrule are traditional and practical. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. The iron cladding will also develop color over time. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - White #1 responds exceptionally well to good sharpening technique.
- Blacksmith: Kawasaki San
- Location: Shiroishi-cho, Saga Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Hitachi White #1 (Shirogami 1)
- Cladding: Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black Finish)
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Ho Wood Oval
- Ferrule: Plastic
- Weight: 2.4 oz (68g)
- Blade Length: 142mm
- Total Length: 266mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 38mm
