Tsunehisa ZA18 Damascus Petty 135mm Oak Handle Made in Japan

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.

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after washing
• Hone regularly on a ceramic or leather strop
• Sharpen on Japanese water stones (1000/3000 grit)
• Store on a magnetic strip or in a knife block