Ginsan - also known as Silver #3 - is one of the most rewarding stainless steels in the Japanese knife tradition. It sharpens like a carbon steel, holds its edge at 62 HRC, and resists staining without the reactive surface care that carbon demands. The combination of performance and low maintenance makes it the steel of choice for serious cooks who want carbon steel sharpening behavior without the commitment. Katsuto Tanaka at Tanaka Kama Kogyo in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture uses it in the Matsubara G3 Nashiji line - four generations of forge-welded craft behind each blade. CKTG is the exclusive US source.
The 120mm petty - labeled petty but notably taller than most at 36.5mm height - gives knuckle clearance on the board that a standard petty cannot provide. At 2.6 oz it is light and precise. The reviewer calls it much taller than a typical petty which is great, with a thicker spine than expected that adds heft without affecting cutting ability. Ginsan at 62 HRC, nashiji (pear skin) stainless cladding. Walnut Octagonal handle. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review from garchtoto - calls it much taller than a typical petty which is great for knuckle clearance. The spine is thicker than expected but adds heft without affecting cutting ability. Fit and finish excellent.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - Ginsan at 62 HRC sharpens more easily than most stainless and takes a fine edge that rivals carbon steel.
The 120mm petty - labeled petty but notably taller than most at 36.5mm height - gives knuckle clearance on the board that a standard petty cannot provide. At 2.6 oz it is light and precise. The reviewer calls it much taller than a typical petty which is great, with a thicker spine than expected that adds heft without affecting cutting ability. Ginsan at 62 HRC, nashiji (pear skin) stainless cladding. Walnut Octagonal handle. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. CKTG exclusive US source for Matsubara. Free US shipping over $100.
What Customers Are Saying: One five-star review from garchtoto - calls it much taller than a typical petty which is great for knuckle clearance. The spine is thicker than expected but adds heft without affecting cutting ability. Fit and finish excellent.
Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - Ginsan at 62 HRC sharpens more easily than most stainless and takes a fine edge that rivals carbon steel.
- Blacksmith: Katsuto Tanaka
- Workshop: Tanaka Kama Kogyo
- Location: Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel
- Cladding: Nashiji (Pear Skin) Stainless
- HRC: 62
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Weight: 2.6 oz (74g)
- Blade Length: 125mm
- Total Length: 250mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.5mm
- Blade Height: 36.5mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Awesome little PettyPosted By: garchtoto
42 people found this review helpful
This Petty is much taller than a typical petty which is great because it has very good knuckle clearance. The spine is much thicker than expected but it gives it a good amount of heft and it does not affect the cutting ability of it. Fit and Finish is really nice considering that it's hand made. The choil is nicely rounded and feels amazing on hand. You can tell that a lot of care went into making this knife. G3 Steel is a great stainless steel that sharpens well and easily while holding a nice edge. If you are looking for a taller petty or even a KO-bunka or Ko-Santoku, I highly recommend this knife from Matsubara!
42 people found this review helpful
This Petty is much taller than a typical petty which is great because it has very good knuckle clearance. The spine is much thicker than expected but it gives it a good amount of heft and it does not affect the cutting ability of it. Fit and Finish is really nice considering that it's hand made. The choil is nicely rounded and feels amazing on hand. You can tell that a lot of care went into making this knife. G3 Steel is a great stainless steel that sharpens well and easily while holding a nice edge. If you are looking for a taller petty or even a KO-bunka or Ko-Santoku, I highly recommend this knife from Matsubara!
