Petty Knife
Small, precise, and sharper than anything it has to compete with.
A petty is a Japanese-style knife that sits between a paring knife and a small chef's knife — typically 4 to 6 inches, designed for precise, detail-oriented work rather than bulk prep. This one is made by Cabin Knives, a small British maker, from AEB-L steel with a red linen micarta handle. At 4.5 inches it handles shallots, fruit, and fine knife work like slicing garlic with more control than a full-size blade and more reach than a paring knife. Like all Cabin Knives, stock is limited and sells out when it drops — follow Alfie on Instagram or check the website for availability.
Why I use it
The petty fills a gap I didn't know I had. For shallots, fruit, or anything where a chef's knife feels like too much blade, this is what I reach for. The AEB-L steel takes a fine edge and holds it, the micarta handle is comfortable for detailed work, and like the chef's knife, the geometry lets you choke right up to the heel for proper control. It also looks genuinely beautiful on a magnetic strip.
No affiliate link, no commission — just a genuine recommendation for kit I love and use myself.
