Miyabi
Miyabi 3.5-inch Paring Knife
Best precision tool for home cooks performing intricate knife work.
Experience precision with the Miyabi 3.5-inch Paring Knife from the distinguished Mikoto collection. Ideal for intricate kitchen tasks like mincing herbs and detailed handwork, this knife features a blade forged from 101 layers of high-performance FC63 steel, showcasing a distinctive diamond pattern. Its balanced, octagonal micarta handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, the blade is expertly honed to an ultra-sharp edge using the traditional three-step Honbazuke process, guaranteeing exceptional performance and durability for your culinary endeavors.
$279.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
68
/ 5007
#68 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+109%
Above average
Series Name
4500
/ Mikoto FCD
Who it's for
- Detail-oriented chefs requiring thin blades for intricate, controlled cuts
- Home cooks seeking effortless, razor-sharp precision for delicate tasks
- Culinary enthusiasts valuing ergonomic comfort and traditional Japanese craftsmanship
Who should skip it
- Beginners lacking the skills or tools for manual whetstone sharpening
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable, everyday kitchen tools
- Busy cooks needing a durable knife that withstands rough handling
Performance breakdown
Edge Sharpness
Honbazuke honing delivers a scalpel-like edge for effortless, precise cuts.
Ergonomic Balance
The octagonal micarta handle provides a secure, fatigue-free grip for detail.
Edge Retention
FC63 steel core maintains its razor-sharp profile through extensive culinary use.
Build Quality
Masterful Japanese craftsmanship evident in every one of the 101 layers.
Corrosion Resistance
High-carbon stainless steel construction offers excellent protection against kitchen moisture.
Maneuverability
Lightweight design makes intricate handwork and delicate mincing feel completely natural.
Key Specs
Series Name
Mikoto 4500 FCD
Blade Length
3.54 inches (9 cm)
Core Material
FC63 steel forged from 101 layers
Handle Material
Micarta (double-riveted octagonal)
Edge Angle
9.5 to 12 degrees (3-step Honbazuke)
Overall Length
8.07 inches (20.5 cm)
Weight
0.22 lb (0.1 kg)
Care Instructions
Hand wash only
Features
- 101-layer Damascus steel blade
- Ultra-sharp Honbazuke hand-honed edge
- High-performance FC63 steel core
- Comfortable, balanced octagonal handle
- Durable and warp-resistant micarta handle
- Corrosion and edge retention
- Authentic Miyabi craftsmanship
- Handcrafted in Japan
What customers say
This premium paring knife earns high praise for its exceptional sharpness and superior control, transforming detailed kitchen tasks into effortless experiences. Reviewers consistently highlight the high quality of the Japanese steel and meticulous craftsmanship, noting the precision minimizes waste. The traditional design, featuring an ergonomic handle, is lauded for its beauty and comfortable balance, feeling like a natural extension of the hand. While the investment is significant, users agree the stunning performance and durability justify the cost, making it a cherished tool. Proper hand washing and care are essential due to the hard steel, confirming this is a precision instrument demanding respect.
Know before you buy
This knife is designed for intricate, precision-based tasks that require control, such as peeling fruits, deveining shrimp, mincing small herbs, or trimming vegetables. Its compact size makes it ideal for hand-held work rather than heavy-duty chopping on a cutting board.
The FC63 steel core is a high-performance, high-carbon stainless steel that allows for an exceptionally sharp edge. It provides a superior balance between hardness for edge retention and the durability needed to resist chipping during delicate tasks.
Honbazuke is a traditional Japanese three-step sharpening process. It involves grinding and honing the blade on vertical and horizontal stones, followed by a leather stropping, which results in a scalpel-like edge with an angle between 9.5 and 12 degrees.
No, this knife must be hand-washed only. While the micarta handle is durable and warp-resistant, the high-heat environment and harsh detergents of a dishwasher can damage the blade's edge and degrade the handle material over time.
The octagonal handle is a classic Japanese design that provides a secure, ergonomic grip. Its shape prevents the knife from rolling on your cutting board and offers better control and comfort during repetitive, detailed cutting motions.
Beyond its striking aesthetic, the 101 layers of steel provide structural integrity to the core. The Damascus cladding helps protect the high-performance FC63 core while adding to the overall durability and corrosion resistance of the blade.
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$280