I'm an old school chef, even if I went to school and learned about all the different knives and uses, give me a paring and a 8" chef knife and I can do almost anything (Though a good Santoku works well also). That all changed recently when I received the Fusionwood Petty knife.

When the knife first arrived, I wasn't sure what to think. Was it an over-sized paring knife, or an under-sized chef knife? What was I going to use this for? The one nice thing right off the bat was the embossed leather sheath that came with it. Most knives that are in the price range only come with a plastic sleeve, and you need to go buy your own guard. The sleeve was well made, sharp looking, and even after a couple of months of use, its still keeps the knife nice and snug.

Okay, back to the knife. I guess I was a bit out of my element, as for the first week it sat with my other knives, untouched. Maybe I was a bit scared or intimidated by the small size size, I don't think I will ever know. I can't quite remember what I was doing that caused me to pull it out and use it but from then on we formed a friendship. (Oh, don't act like you don't know what I am talking about) I started using it for everything. Peeling citrus, brunoise vegetables, peeling tenderloins. You name it, I was using it. It was almost to the point that I didn't need the chef or paring knife, as this was so versatile.

The blade is very thin and is only 5 3/4" long. It is made with A-8 Japanese, high carbon, stainless tool-steel (HRC 58-59). I'll admit, I don't understand what all these numbers mean when they talk about the hardness or softness of the steel, What I do know is this small, thin blade, it has a pretty good staying power. It stays quite sharp for quite a while, and to resharpen the knife is also quite easy.

An overall length of 10", this doesn't seem to leave much for the handle, but it is enough to complete the knife. It is comfortable, smooth and honestly, quite attractive. Granted I don't normally gauge my knives by how good it looks, but with this multi-color "marble" wooden handle, it started several conversations, on the knife alone. We got the "Tahoe" color, which has several different browns and blue.

I have to say that this old school chef, has had his eyes opened, and learned that there are times that another knife may be better. After using this knife, its now in my kitchen tools arsenal, wherever, and whatever I may be doing, and can't imagine not having it around. With a $99.00 price tag, its is really worth it. 

Score:4/5

For More Information:

New West KnifeWorks    
PO Box 1669, 2180 Coyote Loop
Wilson, WY 83014
Phone: 877-258-0100
Website: www.newwestknifeworks.com