HAP40 is a powdered high-speed semi-stainless steel from Hitachi Metals - and it has earned a devoted following among serious cooks for one reason above all others: edge retention that is simply in a different category from anything else. Kitchen knives made from HAP40 hold their edge three to five times longer than traditional carbon or stainless steels. At 65-66 HRC it is harder than Aogami Super, harder than SG2, and fine-grained enough to take a screaming sharp edge and give it back easily on quality water stones. CKTG has been calling it Voodoo Steel for years - and anyone who has used it understands why.
The petty at 120mm is the most compact knife in the Kohetsu HAP40 line - a pure detail and in-hand tool for peeling, trimming, and fine work where a longer blade is too much. The thin grind lets the blade pass through food with minimal resistance, and the 60/40 asymmetric edge - biased right with a feathered tip - works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding over the HAP40 core keeps daily maintenance straightforward. Octagonal dark grey pakka wood handle, light and well finished. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu HAP40 line.
Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - the stainless cladding fully protects the flanks and the HAP40 core has meaningful corrosion resistance, but hand washing and drying after each use is still best practice. Avoid the dishwasher. HAP40 at 65-66 HRC is harder than most kitchen steels - use wood or rubber cutting boards only and avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that could chip the edge. Sharpen on quality water stones; HAP40 sharpens more easily than most powdered steels but rewards patience and consistent angle. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance.
The petty at 120mm is the most compact knife in the Kohetsu HAP40 line - a pure detail and in-hand tool for peeling, trimming, and fine work where a longer blade is too much. The thin grind lets the blade pass through food with minimal resistance, and the 60/40 asymmetric edge - biased right with a feathered tip - works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding over the HAP40 core keeps daily maintenance straightforward. Octagonal dark grey pakka wood handle, light and well finished. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu HAP40 line.
Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - the stainless cladding fully protects the flanks and the HAP40 core has meaningful corrosion resistance, but hand washing and drying after each use is still best practice. Avoid the dishwasher. HAP40 at 65-66 HRC is harder than most kitchen steels - use wood or rubber cutting boards only and avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that could chip the edge. Sharpen on quality water stones; HAP40 sharpens more easily than most powdered steels but rewards patience and consistent angle. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance.
- Brand: Kohetsu
- Exclusive: CKTG Exclusive - Available Only at CKTG
- Blacksmith: Tsukahara Family
- Location: Seki City, Japan
- Construction: Laser Cut, San Mai
- Edge Steel: HAP40 Semi Stainless (Powdered High Speed Steel)
- Cladding: Stainless Steel
- HRC: 65-66
- Edge Grind: 60/40 Asymmetric Double Bevel
- Engraving: Acid Etched Kanji
- Handle: Octagonal Dark Grey Pakka Wood
- Blade Length: 120mm
Reviews
9 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Oh wow, a real knife!!Posted By: Tim Girvin
52 people found this review helpful
We've had less than stellar knives up until now. Daughter has a couple of Shun knives, and they do not compare to this - not even close. This is a work of art, and phenomenally sharp. No regrets getting this and would love to get a complete set, eventually
52 people found this review helpful
We've had less than stellar knives up until now. Daughter has a couple of Shun knives, and they do not compare to this - not even close. This is a work of art, and phenomenally sharp. No regrets getting this and would love to get a complete set, eventually
Beauty and functionPosted By: Jer D.
62 people found this review helpful
Excellent blade, came shaving sharp. The attractive wa handle came polished to a sheen and the blade has a beautiful and functional profile. Relatively inexpensive for a HAP40 blade. I just wish that CKTG would get more sayas in stock, I waited a long time before buying this knife so I could get a saya to go with it that was compatible with this knife, but after a few weeks of waiting for a restock, still no sayas. Now I have to do guesswork and hope for the best buying sayas from other websites, but as far as the knife goes, I couldn't be happer.
62 people found this review helpful
Excellent blade, came shaving sharp. The attractive wa handle came polished to a sheen and the blade has a beautiful and functional profile. Relatively inexpensive for a HAP40 blade. I just wish that CKTG would get more sayas in stock, I waited a long time before buying this knife so I could get a saya to go with it that was compatible with this knife, but after a few weeks of waiting for a restock, still no sayas. Now I have to do guesswork and hope for the best buying sayas from other websites, but as far as the knife goes, I couldn't be happer.
Great gift! Worth every penny, worth more when cared forPosted By: Matt Z
9 people found this review helpful
Out of the box, factory sharpen was disappointing, wood handle felt rough. Took it to the stones and wow is this steel hard. Developed an actual hair thickness wire when making the burr. Took it to 12k grit for final polish, and the edge wanted more. This steel could honestly go much sharper with 20k+ grit stones. Next I sanded and oiled the handle. It's now buttery smooth in the hand, and cuts better than I imagined. With 10 minutes of sharpening and sanding, this knife is worth double what it's listed here. Love this knife.
9 people found this review helpful
Out of the box, factory sharpen was disappointing, wood handle felt rough. Took it to the stones and wow is this steel hard. Developed an actual hair thickness wire when making the burr. Took it to 12k grit for final polish, and the edge wanted more. This steel could honestly go much sharper with 20k+ grit stones. Next I sanded and oiled the handle. It's now buttery smooth in the hand, and cuts better than I imagined. With 10 minutes of sharpening and sanding, this knife is worth double what it's listed here. Love this knife.
Perfect pettyPosted By: Jordan Magaro
7 people found this review helpful
I wanted to dip my toe into HAP40 and this was the perfect way to do it. The Kohetsu line is quite affordable and I am more than happy with the handle and the steel. It lasers through small veggies like cherry tomatoes and, at least on mine, the sweet spot is pretty far forward, which helps with precision. This was money well spent.
7 people found this review helpful
I wanted to dip my toe into HAP40 and this was the perfect way to do it. The Kohetsu line is quite affordable and I am more than happy with the handle and the steel. It lasers through small veggies like cherry tomatoes and, at least on mine, the sweet spot is pretty far forward, which helps with precision. This was money well spent.
Perfect petty knife Great product and great service Good deal Kohetsu HAP 40 Wa Petty 120mmPosted By: STEVE STRAWN - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
I've had this knife for a while now. I've really wanted to grok it before reviewing. I've repeatedly compared it to other utility/paring knives. What I can say at this point is I really like this knife. I think it has made other paring knives kind of irritating. The HAP40 and fit and finish are great, but I've fallen for the cutting ease and flexibility of the blade's profile and having a really satisfying wa handle to control the fine work and paring with.
5 people found this review helpful
I've had this knife for a while now. I've really wanted to grok it before reviewing. I've repeatedly compared it to other utility/paring knives. What I can say at this point is I really like this knife. I think it has made other paring knives kind of irritating. The HAP40 and fit and finish are great, but I've fallen for the cutting ease and flexibility of the blade's profile and having a really satisfying wa handle to control the fine work and paring with.
