If you have been researching Japanese kitchen knives for any length of time, you have encountered the TOJIRO DP line. It is one of the most consistently recommended entry points into serious Japanese cutlery - knives that are thin behind the edge, hard enough to get and hold a genuinely sharp edge, and priced so that the performance-to-cost ratio embarrasses most of the competition. The CLASSIC line is the DP line. The knives are completely unchanged. Only the name is new, at the request of the manufacturer. TOJIRO has been making these in Sanjo City, Niigata, since 1955.
At 180mm, the CLASSIC petty sits at the longer end of the petty range - a versatile utility knife that handles board work and in-hand tasks equally well. The profile suits trimming, butchery prep, breaking down smaller proteins, and any task where the gyuto would feel like too much blade.
What Customers Are Saying: Tim calls it his favorite knife from CKTG - loves the size, profile, value, and feel in hand, and has bought multiples to give as gifts. Ralph praises the out-of-the-box sharpness and calls it a nice in-between knife for medium prep tasks with a thin, light handle. Eric appreciates the extra reach of the long petty format - calls it thin yet strong, sharp and true. John gives the most detailed assessment: outstanding value, sharp out of the box with better edge possible with sharpening skill, low maintenance, excellent balance, nimble in hand, and fit and finish surprisingly good for the price. Calls it a great entry into Japanese steel.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.Brand: TOJIRO
Line: CLASSIC (formerly DP)
Location: Sanjo City, Niigata, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Steel: VG10 Stainless
Cladding: 13 Chrome Stainless
HRC: 60
Edge Grind: Even, Double Bevel
Handle: Black Micarta - Full Tang
Bolster: Stainless Steel
Rivets: 3 Stainless
Weight: 3.3 oz (94 g)
Blade Length: 180 mm
Total Length: 290 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height: 31 mm
At 180mm, the CLASSIC petty sits at the longer end of the petty range - a versatile utility knife that handles board work and in-hand tasks equally well. The profile suits trimming, butchery prep, breaking down smaller proteins, and any task where the gyuto would feel like too much blade.
What Customers Are Saying: Tim calls it his favorite knife from CKTG - loves the size, profile, value, and feel in hand, and has bought multiples to give as gifts. Ralph praises the out-of-the-box sharpness and calls it a nice in-between knife for medium prep tasks with a thin, light handle. Eric appreciates the extra reach of the long petty format - calls it thin yet strong, sharp and true. John gives the most detailed assessment: outstanding value, sharp out of the box with better edge possible with sharpening skill, low maintenance, excellent balance, nimble in hand, and fit and finish surprisingly good for the price. Calls it a great entry into Japanese steel.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.
Reviews
5 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) My Favorite, April 16, 2025 Amazing utility Great knife great price? Petty knife Great for the pricePosted By: John F. Maesaka - verified customer
32 people found this review helpful
This is an outstanding knife for the value. Sharp out of the box, although one can get a much better edge if they know what they're doing. Very low maintenance. Excellent balance. Nimble to use. Fit and finish surprisingly good for the price. Great way to get Japanese steel and performance.
32 people found this review helpful
This is an outstanding knife for the value. Sharp out of the box, although one can get a much better edge if they know what they're doing. Very low maintenance. Excellent balance. Nimble to use. Fit and finish surprisingly good for the price. Great way to get Japanese steel and performance.
