Details
Product Specs & Technical Highlights
- Primary SKU: 1019502
- Model Number: 34400-093
- Blade Length: 3.54 in (90 mm)
- Steel Type: MCD67 (Micro-Carbide Powdered Steel / ZDP-189)
- Hardness: 67 Rockwell (HRC)
- Blade Construction: 133 Layers (MCD67 Core encased in 132 layers of Damascus)
- Edge Finish: Honbazuke honed (Symmetrically 50/50)
- Handle Material: Bigleaf Maple Burl (Black Ash finish)
- Handle Shape: Traditional 'D' Shape
- Spine Thickness: 2.1mm at heel
- Manufacturing Method: Welded/Handcrafted
- Origin: Seki, Japan
- Weight: 0.20 lbs
- Total Length: 7.99 in
Technical Insight: While most 67 HRC steels chip when they encounter resistance, the powdered metallurgy of the MCD67 allows for a more uniform distribution of carbides. This results in a blade that behaves more like a 61 HRC knife in terms of impact resistance while providing the legendary edge life of ZDP-189.
When We Recommend the Miyabi Black Paring Knife
Who it Fits Best
Anyone doing off-the-board work, fine garde manger prep, decorative cuts, tournée, peeling, or other precision hand work where control and edge retention matter. Especially valuable for cooks who rely heavily on a paring knife throughout service and want something that stays consistently sharp through long prep sessions.
Where it Excels
Peeling fruit in-hand, trimming strawberries, segmenting citrus, tournée cuts, delicate garnish work, and other detail-oriented prep where a clean, effortless cut improves both speed and presentation. The thin edge glides through delicate ingredients without crushing or bruising.
Professional Comparisons
Compared to lines like Shun Classic or Miyabi Kaizen, the Miyabi Black simply stays sharp longer and offers a more premium fit, finish, and overall cutting feel. It is also impressively tough for such a high-performance edge. The biggest trade-off is cost - this is a serious investment piece built for users who genuinely appreciate top-tier steel performance.
Chef Feedback
"Paring knives are often the most annoying knives to sharpen because the small blade gives you very little room to work consistently on the stones. That's why cooks love a paring knife that can go weeks or even months between touch-ups. Users consistently mention how the Miyabi Black keeps that fine, aggressive edge far longer than most small utility blades."
Trade-offs & Considerations
This is still a thin Japanese edge, so it should not be used on bones, frozen foods, or hard twisting cuts. But compared to many high-hardness Japanese knives, the Miyabi Black is surprisingly durable and forgiving in normal kitchen use. The primary consideration is simply whether you want to spend this much on a paring knife.
Additional Info
| Blade Length (Inches) | 3.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Blade Length (mm) | 90 mm |
| Blade Width (inches) | 1.14 |
| Grind | 50/50 Bevel |
| Steel Type | ZDP-189 (MCD67) |
| Rockwell Hardness | 67 |
| Stainless | Yes |
| Handle Material | Bigleaf Maple Burl Wood |
| Spine Thickness (mm) | 2.1 |
| Brand | Miyabi |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
| SKU | 1019502 |
| Manufacturer's Part Number | 34400-093 |
| Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $307.00 |
