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Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus petty knife 135mm full view
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus petty knife 135mm full view
  • Balanced lightweight feel of Tsunehisa ZA-18 petty knife
  • Handcrafted Tsunehisa ZA-18 petty knife made in Japan
  • Choil view showing convex grind and thin edge
  • ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core close-up
  • ZA-18 stainless Damascus blade detail on Tsunehisa petty knife
  • San mai construction on Tsunehisa ZA-18 petty knife
  • Octagonal oak handle on Tsunehisa petty knife
  • Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus petty knife 135mm full view
  • Balanced lightweight feel of Tsunehisa ZA-18 petty knife
  • Handcrafted Tsunehisa ZA-18 petty knife made in Japan
  • Choil view showing convex grind and thin edge
  • ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core close-up
  • ZA-18 stainless Damascus blade detail on Tsunehisa petty knife
  • San mai construction on Tsunehisa ZA-18 petty knife
  • Octagonal oak handle on Tsunehisa petty knife
Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Petty Knife // 135mm // Japanese Stainless Precision Knife

Tsunehisa ZA-18 Damascus Petty Knife // 135mm // Japanese Stainless Precision Knife

$165.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.

The Japanese Petty knife is a small, versatile kitchen knife with a 75–150mm blade, designed for precision tasks such as peeling, trimming, and fine slicing. Its narrow, pointed blade provides excellent control and accuracy, making it ideal for delicate work in both professional and home kitchens.

These knives are expertly crafted with a san mai construction, featuring a ZA-18 powdered stainless steel core encased in stainless Damascus cladding. Renowned for its fine grain structure, ZA-18 steel offers excellent edge retention, outstanding sharpness, and strong corrosion resistance, making these knives reliable, low-maintenance tools for everyday cooking.

Designed for performance and comfort, the knives are well balanced, lightweight, and nimble in hand, providing precise control and reducing fatigue during extended prep work. A gentle convex grind tapers smoothly to a thin, razor-sharp edge, delivering effortless cutting, clean food release, and consistent results across vegetables, proteins, and herbs.

Finished with a one-piece octagonal oak handle, these knives combine durability with refined natural beauty. The oak’s rich grain and subtle figuring create a warm contrast that perfectly complements the flowing Damascus blade pattern. Blending modern steel performance with traditional Japanese design, these knives offer both striking aesthetics and exceptional kitchen versatility.

Product Description:

  • Knife Shape: Petty – compact Japanese utility knife for precision cutting

  • Blade Length: 135mm – ideal for fine, controlled kitchen tasks

  • Blade Height: 28.7mm – nimble profile for detailed work

  • Blade Thickness: 1.6mm – thin geometry for effortless slicing

  • Weight: 71.6g – lightweight and fatigue-reducing

  • Blade Construction: San Mai – durable laminated construction

  • Cladding: Stainless Damascus – corrosion resistant with striking pattern

  • Core Steel: ZA-18 powdered stainless steel

  • Hardness: 61–63 HRC – excellent edge retention and stability

  • Handle: Octagonal oak – balanced, comfortable, and naturally grained

  • Origin: Handcrafted in Tosa, Kochi, Japan

  • Brand: Tsunehisa

ZA-18 is a high-alloy powdered stainless steel developed in Japan and commonly used in premium kitchen knives. While exact specifications can vary slightly by producer and heat treatment, the commonly cited composition is approximately:

ZA-18 Steel Composition (approx. wt %)

  • Carbon (C): ~1.1–1.2 %

  • Chromium (Cr): ~18.0 %

  • Molybdenum (Mo): ~1.0–1.5 %

  • Vanadium (V): ~0.2–0.3 %

  • Cobalt (Co): ~1.0–1.5 %

  • Manganese (Mn): ≤ 0.5 %

  • Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.5 %

What this composition delivers

  • High carbon + vanadium → excellent edge retention and fine edge stability

  • 18% chromium → strong corrosion resistance (true stainless performance)

  • Molybdenum → improved wear resistance and toughness

  • Cobalt → enhanced hardness potential and heat-treat response

  • Powder metallurgy process → finer, more uniform grain structure than conventional steels

In practice

ZA-18 is often positioned as a step above VG-10, offering:

  • Longer edge life

  • Higher achievable hardness

  • Better edge stability at thin grinds

  • Comparable corrosion resistance

Key Features:

  • Powdered ZA-18 stainless steel core for long-lasting sharpness

  • San mai construction enhances strength and durability

  • Stainless Damascus cladding offers corrosion resistance and visual depth

  • Thin, convex grind promotes clean cuts and smooth food release

  • Lightweight design improves control and reduces hand fatigue

  • Octagonal oak handle provides secure grip and natural balance

  • Easy-maintenance stainless steel suitable for daily use

  • Handcrafted in Japan using traditional techniques

Recommended Uses:

  • Peeling and trimming fruits and vegetables

  • Fine slicing of herbs, garlic, and shallots

  • Portioning small proteins and delicate ingredients

  • In-hand work requiring precision and control

  • Ideal companion knife to a Gyuto or Santoku

  • Perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike