Ginsan - also known as Silver #3 - is one of the most rewarding stainless steels in the Japanese knife tradition. It sharpens like a carbon steel, holds its edge at 62 HRC, and resists staining without the reactive surface care that carbon demands. The combination of performance and low maintenance makes it the steel of choice for serious cooks who want carbon steel sharpening behavior without the commitment. Katsuto Tanaka at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture uses it in the Matsubara G3 Nashiji line - four generations of forge-welded craft behind each blade.
The 120mm petty - notably taller than most - gives knuckle clearance on the board that a standard petty cannot provide. At 2.6 oz, it is light and precise. The nashiji (pear skin) stainless cladding and octagonal walnut handle complete this compact, lovely package. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review calls it much taller than a typical petty, which is great for knuckle clearance. The spine is thicker than expected but adds heft without affecting cutting ability. Fit and finish are excellent.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher and use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - Ginsan at 62 HRC sharpens more easily than most stainless and takes a fine edge that rivals carbon steel.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo
Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Edge Steel: Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel
Cladding: Nashiji Stainless
HRC: 62
Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Weight: 2.6 oz (74 g)
Blade Length: 125 mm
Total Length: 250 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
Blade Height: 36 mm
The 120mm petty - notably taller than most - gives knuckle clearance on the board that a standard petty cannot provide. At 2.6 oz, it is light and precise. The nashiji (pear skin) stainless cladding and octagonal walnut handle complete this compact, lovely package. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review calls it much taller than a typical petty, which is great for knuckle clearance. The spine is thicker than expected but adds heft without affecting cutting ability. Fit and finish are excellent.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher and use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - Ginsan at 62 HRC sharpens more easily than most stainless and takes a fine edge that rivals carbon steel.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Awesome little PettyPosted By: garchtoto
42 people found this review helpful
This Petty is much taller than a typical petty which is great because it has very good knuckle clearance. The spine is much thicker than expected but it gives it a good amount of heft and it does not affect the cutting ability of it. Fit and Finish is really nice considering that it's hand made. The choil is nicely rounded and feels amazing on hand. You can tell that a lot of care went into making this knife. G3 Steel is a great stainless steel that sharpens well and easily while holding a nice edge. If you are looking for a taller petty or even a KO-bunka or Ko-Santoku, I highly recommend this knife from Matsubara!
42 people found this review helpful
This Petty is much taller than a typical petty which is great because it has very good knuckle clearance. The spine is much thicker than expected but it gives it a good amount of heft and it does not affect the cutting ability of it. Fit and Finish is really nice considering that it's hand made. The choil is nicely rounded and feels amazing on hand. You can tell that a lot of care went into making this knife. G3 Steel is a great stainless steel that sharpens well and easily while holding a nice edge. If you are looking for a taller petty or even a KO-bunka or Ko-Santoku, I highly recommend this knife from Matsubara!
