Christopher Kimball's Milk Street paring knife 3.5-inch Kitchin-kiji — 1.4116 German steel, ergonomic handle

The Milk Street Kitchin-kiji 3.5-inch paring knife is a compact, ergonomically shaped utility blade made from durable 1.4116 German stainless steel for precise, everyday kitchen tasks.

Small but capable, this paring knife combines a short, nimble blade with a handle shaped to keep knuckles raised and provide a comfortable grip. Designed by Christopher Kimball's Milk Street, the Kitchin-kiji is intended for peeling, trimming, pitting and detailed cutting where control matters. Its steel composition balances edge retention with corrosion resistance so it stays useful through frequent home use.

How does the Kitchin-kiji improve control during delicate cutting?

The knife's 3.5-inch blade and balanced profile let you guide fine cuts with confidence. The short length reduces blade flex and lets your fingers sit closer to the cutting edge for better tactile feedback.

• 3.5-inch blade for tight, precise cuts
• Low-flex German 1.4116 steel for predictable performance
• Short blade-to-handle distance improves fingertip control

What features protect my knuckles and improve ergonomics?

The handle is angled away from the blade so your knuckles clear the board during rocking or push cuts. That knuckle clearance, combined with a shape molded for comfort, reduces hand strain during repetitive prep work.

• Angled handle keeps knuckles elevated from the cutting surface
• Ergonomic contours fit the natural curve of your hand
• Balanced weight distribution for reduced wrist fatigue

How durable is the blade and how should I care for it?

Forged from 1.4116 German stainless steel, the blade resists rust and holds an edge better than softer steels, making it reliable for daily use. To preserve sharpness, hone regularly and hand wash with mild detergent, then dry promptly; occasional professional sharpening will refresh the edge.

• 1.4116 stainless resists corrosion and retains edge
• Hand wash and dry to protect the finish and handle
• Hone frequently; sharpen when needed for peak performance

What small tasks can this paring knife handle better than larger knives?

Its compact blade excels at tasks that demand precision: trimming, coring, segmenting, and decorative work. The pointed tip and short heel let you access narrow areas and flick out cores or blemishes without switching to a larger blade.

• Peeling and paring fruits and vegetables with accuracy
• Removing cores, eyes, or seeds using the pointed tip
• Detailed prep like segmenting citrus, deveining shrimp, or shaping garnishes

Who is this for? Home cooks who value control and comfort will appreciate the Kitchin-kiji: it's designed for anyone who does regular prep work that requires precision, from busy weekday cooks to home bakers and garnish-minded hosts. If you want a dependable small knife that stays sharp, keeps your hands comfortable, and tackles tricky utility tasks without swapping tools, this paring knife fits into any kitchen knife kit.