Yaxell Ketu SG2 4" Paring Knife

I own several Japanese knives, a gyuto, nakiri, bunka, ko-bunka, and a bread knife. Except the bread knife, they all have traditional Japanese octagonal Wa handles. With the ko-bunka, I found out that for any blade below 6 inch the Wa handles are not comfortable for me. Above 6 inch blades, I like the Wa handles. I also have a Zwilling 4 star pairing knife that I have been using for years and have been very happy with. But it requires more frequent sharpening to keep its edge very sharp compared to the Japanese knives I have. I was looking for a Japanese pairing knife with western or hybrid handle and with a steel that has good edge retention that I can keep it on the side and pull it out when I needed very sharp delicate work. I settled on this knife, it had SG2, ergonomic looking handle and hammered finish for aesthetics, plus the price was very good for what it had. When I received the knife and saw it in person, it looked much better than what the pictures showed. This is a beautiful knife. Fit and finish is perfect. And it was hair popping razor sharp out of the box. To test it, I peeled a mango, and was able to peel its whole skin from start to finish with no interruption in the cut, whole skin came out one long string. The knife exceeded my expectations and very happy with the purchase!

Excellent quality