The Hitohira Futana Shirogami #1 Migaki Tsuchime Petty 135 mm is a compact Japanese knife designed for precision tasks. It belongs to the Futana series, renowned for its balance between tradition, performance, and meticulous finishes. The blade is forged from Shirogami #1 (White #1), a very pure carbon steel prized for its ease of sharpening and particularly fine cutting edge.
The construction is sanmai, with a Shirogami #1 core protected by stainless steel sides. The migaki finish highlights the temper line, while the tsuchime creates a distinctive hammered pattern that is both aesthetic and practical, as it helps reduce food sticking to the blade.
Its 135 mm length makes it a versatile petty knife: ideal for cutting fruit, vegetables, herbs, garlic, and shallots, as well as for small butchery tasks or delicate preparation work. The ebony handle with blonde horn ferrule provides a stable grip and a sober, elegant look, while adding weight to the back for a pleasant balance.
When cutting, this petty knife stands out for its precise, clean, and controlled feel. The Shirogami #1 blade responds very quickly to sharpening and allows for an extremely fine edge. The thin profile provides good penetration even in firmer foods, but twisting and heavy tasks, such as hard foods or bones, should be avoided.
Shirogami #1 steel is carbon steel, so it will develop a natural patina with use. It must be wiped regularly during preparation and dried completely after each wash to prevent corrosion. Regular sharpening on Japanese whetstones will help maintain its full performance potential.
