Tsunehisa Petty AUS-10 Nawame Damascus 135mm (5.3")

The Tsunehisa Petty AUS-10 Nawame Damascus 135mm is a versatile, compact Japanese knife perfect for precision tasks. Smaller than standard Japanese knives, it excels at coring, peeling, and other detailed prep work that larger knives can’t handle comfortably. Think of it as your go-to prep knife—ideal for the fine work that sets up every meal.

Suitable for first-time buyers of a Japanese kitchen knife. It can also serve as a wonderful gift!

BLADE SHAPE:
A petty knife is a multi-purpose knife that is smaller in size than other Japanese knives, so it also allows for in-hand work such as coring and peeling, as well as other smaller tasks for which larger knives are deemed unwieldy. It is seen as one of the most important knives to have in the kitchen, coming second only to gyuto (the Japanese version of the Western chef’s knife).

The reason for its popularity lies in its small size and sturdy spine—it can handle most small and intricate tasks that other knives are too big or fragile for, including in-hand work such as peeling, or cutting meat at the tendons. Its smallness is also the source of its name petty, which comes from the French word “petit”.

STEEL:
The blade is made from stainless AUS-10 steel, which makes its maintenance a breeze. Do not wash it in a dishwasher, but rather wash it by hand, wipe with a dry cloth, and then store it in a saya or sheath or display it on a magnetic knife holder to revel in its looks.

LAMINATION:
The hard AUS-10 steel core is clad in softer stainless steel using the traditional san-mai technique. This method enhances durability and protects the core from external stresses and chipping.

BLADE FINISH:
The blade combines a refined damask pattern with a hand-forged tsuchime finish, which gives the knife a distinctive texture and depth. The tsuchime pattern on the blade is designed in a rope or sailor's knot motif, reminiscent of intertwined threads.

The term nawame (縄目) literally means “rope mark” or “rope imprint” in Japanese. In the context of knives, it refers to a pattern that resembles twisted rope or knots, traditionally associated with maritime and craft symbolism.

The nawame pattern is not only a visual accent but also a functional finish, as it reduces food adhesion and improves the cutting process. The texture gives the blade a distinctive character and subtle three-dimensionality.

HANDLE:
The knife features an octagon Japanese (Wa) style handle made out of ebony wood. The octagon shape of the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for precise control during use.

BLACKSMITH:
Tsunehisa is a curated brand that brings together high-quality knives from Japan’s top smithing regions—Tosa, Seki, and Sakai. Each area specializes in distinct steels and techniques: Tosa is known for Ginsanko and AUS-8; Seki for the V-Gold series; and Sakai for its traditional single-bevel Honyaki knives.