Makoto Sakura Petty SG2 135mm (5.3")

A nimble petty knife from Makoto Kurosaki’s Sakura line, expertly sharpened from SG2 powder steel and fitted with a traditional cherry wood handle. Laser-like performance, minimalist design, and a premium SG2 steel core make this knife ideal for precision tasks both on and off the board. Whether you're slicing shallots, trimming herbs, or breaking down smaller proteins, this Petty is your go-to blade.

The use of cherry wood—referred to in the knife's name "Sakura"—adds symbolic value and ties the blade to Japanese tradition.

BLADE SHAPE:
The Petty is a compact all-purpose knife designed for smaller tasks that require finesse and control. It’s also a perfect fit for cooks who prefer a lighter, more maneuverable knife. Its slim profile and thin grind offer precise control and make it a versatile tool in any kitchen lineup.

STEEL:
SG2, also known as Super Gold 2, is a high-end powder steel made at Takefu Steel Plant. With 64 HRC hardness, it holds an edge for a long time while remaining easy to sharpen. Thanks to its high chromium content, it’s also stainless and low-maintenance—ideal for busy kitchens. The fine grain structure allows Makoto-san to grind this knife incredibly thin, contributing to its effortless cutting feel.

LAMINATION & GEOMETRY:
A stainless cladding protects the SG2 core and adds resilience. Thanks to the high grind and precise edge, the knife glides through ingredients with minimal resistance, ideal for meticulous kitchen work.

Expertly ground and laser-thinned by Makoto-san himself, the fine edge tapers to a precision tip, giving you full control over every movement. Despite its light weight, the knife powers through ingredients thanks to the forward balance created by the Japanese handle style.

BLADE FINISH:
The minimalist migaki finish is paired with a clean kanji signature—no excessive decoration, just quiet confidence in the craftsmanship. This subtle beauty echoes traditional aesthetics while showcasing the blade’s modern steel. 

HANDLE:
The handle is made of natural cherry wood—hence the name “Sakura,” which means cherry blossom in Japanese. It has a traditional octagonal shape, providing a secure and comfortable grip for both left- and right-handed users. The lightweight handle shifts the balance of the knife toward the blade, enhancing control and responsiveness during detailed prep work.

SYMBOLISM:
Sakura means cherry blossom, a powerful cultural symbol in Japan representing beauty, impermanence, and renewal. In the spirit of hanami (flower viewing), the knife comes adorned with cherry blossom petals in the box, celebrating craftsmanship, new beginnings, and the poetic essence of Japanese knife-making.

MAKER:
Makoto Kurosaki is a renowned sharpener and blade designer based in Takefu Knife Village. The older brother of Yu Kurosaki, he trained under Hiroshi Kato and other legends of the Takefu Cooperative. While Makoto-san doesn’t forge blades himself, he collaborates with top local blacksmiths—like Kato-san, Ikeda-san, and his brother Yu—to source hand-forged blades that he then grinds and sharpens with surgical precision under his brand Style K.

Often overlooked, the work of a sharpener is what turns raw steel into a true knife. Makoto-san’s mastery lies in this transformation—refining a forged blank into a beautifully finished blade that performs like a scalpel.