AUS-8 is a Molybdenum stainless steel containing Vanadium, which adds hardness to the steel, aiding in edge-retention and durability. Molybdenum helps with corrosion resistance. AUS-8 is a great choice for people new to Japanese knives and/or sharpening, line cooks, prep cooks, or home cooks because:
-It is easy to sharpen and/or hone
-Has good corrosion resistance
-Is reasonably priced
-Offers a good balance of hardness and corrosion resistance
Petty is a smaller multipurpose knife, particularly popular with western style cooking. A Petty knife, especially a 120mm and above, can be useful for medium size prep like onions, leeks and potatoes.
Founded in 1926 and based in Osaka Prefecture, Sakai Kikumori, also known as Kawamura Hamono, employs some of the best blacksmiths and sharpeners in Japan, among them is Yoshikazu Tanaka, a highly regarded blacksmith. They have crafted white and blue steel knives that have appealed to traditional and more modern tastes for many years. Sakai’s rich evolution of knife making, which dates back some 600 years, is proudly represented by this company.
