Experience ZA18 Damascus Steel in a Compact Petty Built for Detail Work and Precision Prep
The Specs
Steel: ZA18 stainless steel (San Mai) with stainless Damascus cladding
Hardness: 61-62 HRC
Blade length: 135mm
Edge grind: Double-edged (50/50)
Handle: Octagonal oak Wa handle
Origin: Japan
The Petty
ZA18 was developed by Osaka Clad Co. in partnership with Aichi Steel Corp as a direct competitor to VG10 - and it delivers. With higher carbon (1.20%), chromium (18%), molybdenum, and cobalt content than VG10, ZA18 achieves exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance at 61-62 HRC. The San Mai construction wraps the hard ZA18 core in stainless Damascus cladding, adding visual drama and protecting the core from lateral stress. The petty is the Japanese equivalent of a Western paring or utility knife - small, nimble, and designed for tasks that require control over power. At 135mm it is ideal for peeling, trimming, segmenting citrus, deveining prawns, and any close-work prep where a larger knife would be unwieldy. It also works well in-hand for tasks away from the cutting board. The octagonal oak Wa handle keeps the knife light and responsive.
