Shizu Gen VG10 Petty 160mm – Kurouchi Tsuchime – D-Shape Pakka Wood Handle

The Shizu Gen VG10 Petty 160mm is a larger Japanese utility knife that fills the space between a traditional Petty and a compact chef’s knife. With more reach than a standard Petty, it is an excellent choice for cooks who want precision and control without always reaching for a full-size Gyuto or Santoku.

Its combination of VG10 stainless steel, Kurouchi and Tsuchime finishing, and a Japanese D-shaped Pakka wood handle gives it a distinctive appearance while remaining highly practical for everyday kitchen work.

Why Choose a 160mm Petty?

The extra length is what makes this knife interesting. Compared with a smaller 120–135mm Petty, the 160mm blade provides more cutting edge and greater versatility on the board.

It is well suited to trimming and portioning meat, preparing fish, slicing fruit, working with smaller vegetables, chopping herbs and handling detailed preparation. The narrow blade and pointed tip also provide excellent control when precision matters.

For smaller kitchens, or for cooks who simply prefer a lighter knife, this 160mm Petty can comfortably handle many jobs normally reserved for a larger chef’s knife.

VG10 Stainless Steel – Sharp & Easy to Maintain

The blade uses VG10 stainless steel, a popular choice for Japanese kitchen knives thanks to its balance of sharpness, edge retention and corrosion resistance.

It can take a fine cutting edge while remaining relatively straightforward to maintain, making it particularly suitable for anyone wanting the performance of a Japanese knife without moving to a more maintenance-intensive carbon steel blade.

Kurouchi & Tsuchime – Traditional Japanese Character

The blade combines two visually distinctive Japanese finishes. The dark Kurouchi finish gives the upper blade its rustic character, while the Tsuchime hammered texture adds depth and contrast against the brighter polished section towards the cutting edge.

The result is a knife with a unique design that looks very different from a conventional polished stainless-steel utility knife.

D-Shape Pakka Wood Handle

A Japanese-style D-shaped Pakka wood handle keeps the knife light and responsive. Its slim profile works particularly well with the narrow Petty blade, giving the knife an agile feel during detailed preparation.

Who Is This Knife For?

This is a particularly good choice for someone who finds a standard Petty too small but doesn't always need a 180–210mm chef's knife. It also makes an excellent second knife alongside a Gyuto, Santoku or Bunka, covering smaller and more precise preparation tasks.

Specifications

• Brand: Shizu
• Series: Gen
• Knife Type: Petty / Japanese Utility Knife
• Blade Length: 160mm
• Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Kurouchi / Tsuchime
• Handle: Pakka Wood
• Handle Shape: D-Shape
• Handle Style: Japanese
• Stainless: Yes

The Shizu Gen VG10 Petty 160mm stands out because of its size: compact enough for precise work but long enough to become a genuinely versatile everyday knife. Combined with VG10 steel and its distinctive Kurouchi Tsuchime finish, it offers a practical alternative to both smaller utility knives and larger Japanese chef’s knives.

A unique, gift-ready Japanese knife for professional chefs, keen home cooks or anyone looking to expand their kitchen knife collection.