The 3.5" blade on this paring knife is sized specifically for handheld work — think hulling strawberries, peeling apples, or trimming artichokes where a larger knife would feel unwieldy. AICHI ACUTO440 steel, sourced from Japan, brings a high chromium content (around 18%) that makes it significantly more corrosion-resistant than standard high-carbon knives, without sacrificing the sharpness or edge retention you'd expect from a serious prep tool. The ergonomic rounded spine and bolster reduce fatigue during extended detail work, a thoughtful detail for anyone who does a lot of fine knife work by hand.
Care is straightforward: hand wash and dry immediately after use, and plan on sharpening every four to six months depending on how often you cook. If you want to build out a full ACUTO440 setup, the 2-Piece ACUTO440 Knife Set pairs this paring knife with a chef's knife in the same steel, or step up to the 3-Piece ACUTO440 Knife Set for even more coverage. The paring knife also comes in several colorways — including black and red — if you prefer a handle that coordinates with your kitchen.