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noel reed I bought a knife for my mum I’m a chef but as she does most of the cooking at home I thought it was about time she had a fine knife and the best is the only choice now I just have to safe up for one of my own
67-layer Damascus steel with a 10Cr15CoMoV high-carbon core at 60 HRC, paired with a classic rosewood handle for timeless warmth and balance.
Reach for this when a job is too small for the chef knife. Peeling a mango in-hand, hulling strawberries, coring a tomato, deveining prawns: these are the tasks that actually need a 3.5-inch blade, not a knife that's dragging the board and fighting you for control. It's the one you use closer to your hand than the cutting board, and it does those jobs the big knives can't.
Don't let the size fool you. The same 10Cr15CoMoV high-carbon stainless core wrapped in 67 layers of Damascus goes into this blade as the rest of the Yi Series. Vacuum heat-treated to 60-62 HRC, the edge holds its sharpness on detailed repeat contact. Trimming silverskin, peeling kiwi without tearing the flesh: a soft blade would roll on that kind of work. This one doesn't.
The rosewood handle is triple-riveted with full-tang construction, so the balance point sits right where your fingers wrap rather than tipping into the blade. At 90g it's light enough to use in-hand for extended prep without fatigue. The same rosewood and Damascus pattern ties it visually to the rest of the Yi Series if you're building out the set.
Pair it with the Yi Series 8.5" Chef Knife for board work and the 7" Santoku for push-cut vegetable prep. Add the 5" Utility Knife if you want a blade that bridges the gap between this paring knife and the chef.
All our knives arrive in a beautiful, premium gift box that's ready to impress. (Whether it's for a very lucky cook, or just for you.)
Steel Type: 10Cr15CoMoV Core
Hardness: 60±2 HRC
Construction: 67-Layer Damascus
Handle: Rosewood
Heat Treatment: Vacuum & Cryo Treated
The Yi Series pairs a 10Cr15CoMoV core with 67 layers of Damascus cladding at 60 HRC. The same proven steel found across Xinzuo's premium Damascus range, wrapped in a classic rosewood handle that honours traditional knife-making aesthetics.
CLASSIC DAMASCUS. PROVEN PERFORMANCE.
Handle Design
A premium blade is built to last decades when looked after. Here's how to keep yours performing like the day it arrived.
Hand-wash with warm water and mild detergent immediately after use, then dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Never leave the blade wet, soaking in the sink, or in contact with acidic foods (lemon, tomato) for long periods.
Store in a knife block, magnetic strip, or protective sheath — drawer storage where the edge can knock against other utensils is the fastest way to dull the blade.
No. The combination of heat, harsh detergents and metal-on-metal contact will dull the edge, damage the handle, and risk corrosion to the blade. Hand washing takes ten seconds and protects an investment built to last decades.
For home use, hone the edge weekly with a fine ceramic rod and sharpen on a whetstone every 6 to 12 months — sooner if you cook daily. Our high-carbon Damascus steel holds its edge significantly longer than typical kitchen steel.
Avoid pull-through sharpeners — they grind away too much steel and leave an uneven bevel. A 1000/3000 or 1000/6000 grit whetstone is the right tool. See our whetstone sharpening guide for the technique.
Every Xinzuo knife is covered by a lifetime manufacturing warranty against defects in steel and craftsmanship. Accidental damage from misuse (hitting bone, prying, dishwasher) isn't covered, but we offer a paid re-handle and re-grind service for the life of the knife — get in touch via our contact page with photos and we'll talk you through it.
All Xinzuo knives are manufactured in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, China. Yangjiang has been a centre for blade-making for over 1,400 years, making it one of the world's oldest knife-making regions. We use modern CNC-controlled forging and vacuum heat treatment to ensure consistent quality.
Every Xinzuo product comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. This covers blade delamination, handle cracking under normal use, and premature corrosion. We also offer 30-day returns if you're not completely satisfied. As an Australian company, all purchases are protected under Australian Consumer Law. See our warranty page for details.
No, and this applies to all quality kitchen knives. Dishwashers use harsh detergents and high heat that damage blade edges and can corrode steel. Hand wash with warm soapy water, dry immediately, and store properly. It takes 10 seconds and protects your knife for life.
Supreme: German steel, low maintenance, great value. Retro: Japanese-grade steel with Damascus, better edge retention. Mo: VG10 core with 67-layer Damascus, premium performance and aesthetics. Lan: Powder steel at 62 HRC, our sharpest and longest-lasting edge. See our series comparison page for a detailed breakdown.
Yes — we ship to every state and territory. Orders placed before 12 PM AEST on business days are dispatched same day from our Australian warehouse. Regular Post ($9.95, 1-7 business days, free over $100) and Express Post (calculated at checkout, 1-2 business days, free over $250) are available. See our shipping page for details.
Experience Precision
in Every Cut
The perfect balance of sharpness, comfort, and design.