Lowest New Price: USD $24.99
Features :
- 3-1/2-inch paring knife simplifies handheld and other small or intricate cutting chores
- VG Japanese steel; Damascus-style blade clad with 33 stainless-steel layers
- Integrated bolster design and ergonomic poly-resign handle for comfort and control
- Washing by hand and promptly drying recommended
- Measures approximately 6-1/2 inches long; lifetime warranty
Named for the sacred sword carried by Japan's Samurai warriors, Calphalon Katana Series cutlery has its roots in a centuries-old tradition of superior cutlery craftsmanship. Like the awe-inspiring swords wielded by the Samurai, Calphalon Katana Series cutlery is crafted using a time-honored layering process that creates a Damascus style blade, clad with 33 stainless steel layers. This unique series of cutlery uses VG Japanese steel, which provides exceptional sharpness and ultimate edge retention. These knives also feature a patented integrated bolster design and an ergonomically designed poly-resign handle. Paring knives are designed to handle the finer tasks of food preparation. This knife is primarily used for paring and trimming vegetables as well as for making decorative garnishes
Customer Reviews
high maintenance knife (2010-07-04)
The knife is sharp but the handle has weird shape and does not sit well in my hand. I feel it is rather slippery and too round, too small.
The edge chips even I use it only for peeling fruits. The blade stains. If you do not dry the knife immediately after use, it rusts.
Overall, the knife has all of the typical flaws of Japanese knives(chips, stains, rusts). It is not bad, but I recommend that you look for a knife with ergonomic handle.
Sharp little guy! (2008-09-03)
I've been looking for some knives to replace my Henckels block set that I got a few Christmas' ago. They're the lower-grade Henckels knives and they just don't cut it--literally. So I've bought this paring knife and the 6" chef's knife from the Katana series to sort of audition them before I commit to buying a full set. Wow! SHARP! I used this paring knife last night to cut up some broccoli and cauliflower and I knicked myself in at least 3 places on my fingers. I guess I always thought I handled my knives well, but I'm starting to think I haven't and that my old knives were just so dull I was never aware! Even though I got cut up, it has me convinced that these are the sharp babies I've been hoping for, and that I just need to practice a lot more! I don't know if I'm going to build my own set and buy the empty block or just go for the big set at some point. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which is a better idea?
I've always been into cookware and kitchen related stuff, but I've been a late bloomer on owning good knives. I like the feel of this paring knife. The handle was very comfortable and the weight was nice. Not too light and not too heavy. And what a great price! Go to BBB and use the 20% coupon and it's barely anything!
It has some flaws but it still cuts (2008-07-23)
First, this blade is made in China, if that matters to you. Second, I found the shape to be a little awkward. The blade edge is low and the spine comes down to meet it. It feels a lot like a sheep's foot blade. In that sense, I had some unhappiness trying to penetrate food.
The steel is very hard and will stay sharp for a long time. It is clad, though, and not damascus. It is simply for looks and does not add any benefits that a paring knife would need. VG 10 is the core and is great steel.
The artistic shape of the handle comes down to the blade but "terminates" past the heel (towards the tip). It doesn't become apparent until you try to sharpen it and the sharpener is hitting the handle. I wasn't a big fan of that.
Overall, I wouldn't buy it again, especially for the price. It certainly cut well and was easy to clean, but the shape of it irritated me in more ways than one. In that sense, I would caution you from all the Calphalon Katana series. Make sure that you would accept the handle shape, for holding and sharpening.
Good value but (2008-07-07)
Loved the knife as it was easy to sharpen, had a continuous handle that gripped well and no parts to fall apart.
Trouble with the 3.5" is too small to make much of a cutting difference. I wouldn't even call this a paring knife, but a mini-cutter...which to me was so worthless that I went out and bought the 6" chef's cutter Katana and LOVE that. Use it exclussively..
now, wife swore she liked this 3.5 incher....and since I used it to cut open a box the other day: I think I 'accidently' threw it out with the box, she has stated she wants it back.
so bottom like: guess it has some value for small items or persons with small hands who don't cut much...I'm the cook in the house.
but, if you have a wife like mine: buy one.
Superb Paring Knife (2008-02-15)
I have the entire set and I like the paring knife so much that I bought a second one for when there are two cooks in the kitchen. Neither one of us want to use another knife for jobs requiring a small knife!!!!!! So comfortable you can work continuously for a long time without cramping up. Extremely sharp and holds it's edge very well. And the folded steel gives it a wickedly beautiful look.
SEE Calphalon Katana Stainless-Steel 3-1/2-Inch Paring Knife at Amazon.com Now