Overview

The Hatsukokoro Ginrei Silver #3 Kiritsuke Petty 125mm with Mono Ebony Handle is a compact, precise Japanese utility knife made for detail work, small prep, trimming, peeling, garnish work, and quick board tasks where a full-size gyuto feels too large. The kiritsuke-style tip gives this petty excellent control for scoring, trimming, and precise cuts, while the 125mm blade length keeps it nimble in hand.

Ginrei is Hatsukokoro’s Silver #3 stainless line, also known as Ginsan or Gingami #3. This steel is popular because it sharpens more cleanly than many common stainless steels while offering strong corrosion resistance for daily kitchen use. It is a smart choice for cooks who want a real Japanese knife feel without the higher maintenance needs of carbon steel.

The stainless san-mai construction gives the blade a practical, easy-care build, while the nashiji-style finish adds a subtle forged texture. Paired with a mono ebony octagonal wa handle, this knife feels refined, balanced, and comfortable for both pinch grip and in-hand work. For cooks looking for a small Japanese knife for fruit, herbs, garlic, shallots, proteins, and line work, this Ginrei kiri-petty is an excellent everyday companion.

Common Questions

Q: Is the Hatsukokoro Ginrei Silver #3 Kiritsuke Petty good for home cooks?

A: Yes. Silver #3 is stainless, easy to maintain, and responsive to sharpening, making it a great choice for home cooks who want Japanese knife performance without complicated care. The 125mm size is especially useful for smaller prep tasks and quick detail work.

Q: What is a kiritsuke petty used for?

A: A kiritsuke petty is a small utility knife with a sharp, angular tip. It works well for trimming meat, peeling fruit, slicing small vegetables, cutting herbs, removing silver skin, and making precise cuts where a larger knife feels bulky.

Q: How do I care for a Silver #3 stainless Japanese knife?

A: Hand wash and dry the knife after use. Do not put it in the dishwasher, avoid bones and frozen foods, and use a knife-friendly cutting board such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board. For edge upkeep, regular stropping on the Tokushu Knife leather strop can help maintain performance between sharpenings.

Specifications

Brand: Hatsukokoro

Line: Ginrei

Knife Type: Kiritsuke Petty / K-Tip Petty

Core Steel: Ginsan / Silver #3 / Gingami #3 stainless steel

Cladding Type: Stainless cladding, san-mai construction

Blade Finish: Nashiji

Blade Length: 125mm

Overall Length: 260mm

Blade Height at Heel: 28mm

Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.0mm

Weight: 72g

Handle Material: Mono ebony octagonal wa handle

Hardness: 61–62 HRC

Edge Bevel: Double bevel, approximately 50/50

Origin: Japan