SLD is a semi-stainless tool steel that occupies a useful middle ground in the Japanese kitchen knife market. It is harder and more wear-resistant than standard stainless steels, tougher than pure high-carbon steels, and easier to sharpen than many high-alloy powdered steels - a combination that produces strong edge retention without the brittleness or maintenance demands that come with more extreme options. Sentan builds this petty around that steel in a san mai construction, with stainless cladding that keeps the flanks protected and a nashiji (pear skin) finish on the blade road. At HRC 61, the SLD core takes a keen edge and holds it well through the sustained work that a petty faces in daily use.
With a 151mm blade length, this petty sits between the compact 120mm and the longer 180mm - long enough for comfortable board work through vegetables, herbs, and protein trim while remaining maneuverable enough for in-hand tasks. The 31mm blade height keeps the profile narrow and precise. The 2mm spine runs thin, and both spine and choil are polished smooth for comfort during extended use. The olive wood handle is warm and comfortable in hand, and the green acrylic ferrule adds a durable, distinctive accent. Steel and cladding are made in Japan; final manufacturing is in China.
Care Instructions: SLD is semi-stainless and may develop a light patina over time - this is normal and does not affect performance. Hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not store wet or leave the knife in a saya while damp. Avoid hard or frozen foods. Use a wood or soft synthetic cutting board only.
With a 151mm blade length, this petty sits between the compact 120mm and the longer 180mm - long enough for comfortable board work through vegetables, herbs, and protein trim while remaining maneuverable enough for in-hand tasks. The 31mm blade height keeps the profile narrow and precise. The 2mm spine runs thin, and both spine and choil are polished smooth for comfort during extended use. The olive wood handle is warm and comfortable in hand, and the green acrylic ferrule adds a durable, distinctive accent. Steel and cladding are made in Japan; final manufacturing is in China.
Care Instructions: SLD is semi-stainless and may develop a light patina over time - this is normal and does not affect performance. Hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not store wet or leave the knife in a saya while damp. Avoid hard or frozen foods. Use a wood or soft synthetic cutting board only.
- Brand: Sentan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: SLD Semi-Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless Steel
- HRC: 61
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Spine and Choil: Polished
- Handle: Olive Wood
- Ferrule: Green Acrylic
- Origin: Steel and Cladding Made in Japan / Final Manufacturing in China
- Weight: 2.6 oz (74 g)
- Blade Length: 151 mm
- Total Length: 270 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 31 mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great line, July 1, 2026Posted By: Larry Johnson
I’m familiar with SLD as D2, which is my favorite steel for EDC. It is hard, so it takes a wicked edge, but tough enough to take a fair amount of abuse. Most of my pocket carries are some form of this steel.
So I was confident that this blade would handle my daily hand work in the kitchen. And it delivers handsomely. I haven’t had to sharpen it yet because it has an affinity with leather and comes back sharp with only a few passes. It’s very light so no cramping my arthritic hand after a flat of strawberries.
And it’s quite the looker too; my wife wants it but I’ll have to buy her one.
I can afford to buy her one because they are such a great value. When I do I’ll get myself a matching gyuto.
I’m familiar with SLD as D2, which is my favorite steel for EDC. It is hard, so it takes a wicked edge, but tough enough to take a fair amount of abuse. Most of my pocket carries are some form of this steel.
So I was confident that this blade would handle my daily hand work in the kitchen. And it delivers handsomely. I haven’t had to sharpen it yet because it has an affinity with leather and comes back sharp with only a few passes. It’s very light so no cramping my arthritic hand after a flat of strawberries.
And it’s quite the looker too; my wife wants it but I’ll have to buy her one.
I can afford to buy her one because they are such a great value. When I do I’ll get myself a matching gyuto.
