Description
Emiliano Carrillo’s devotion to the subtleties that distinguish an heirloom from a mere tool continues to surpass our expectations. Both a lifelong student and teacher of traditional craft, from reproductions of ancient hunting implements to classically proportioned culinary knives, his work is a sustained study of form in function. Every decision is deliberate: the selection of each piece of wood, the placement of horn and reclaimed materials, the restraint of the etch, the balance of polish and texture across the blade’s surface.
The petty chef knife and accompanying parer in this set feature blades forged by hand from Emiliano’s homemade 650-layer carbon damascus steel. Meticulously honed from heel to tip, the petty’s 138mm blade and the parer’s 70mm blade complement one another in scale and purpose, each offering razor-sharp edges supported by thoughtful geometry and balance.
The petty’s tall convex bevels descend from a stiff, rounded spine to a remarkably thin and hardened edge. Standing 43mm tall at the heel, it offers confidence and control for chopping and board work, while its upswept profile and fine tip allow for fluid, precise slicing. The parer, compact and versatile, excels in hand-held work above the board, from peeling and halving to carving and coring. A fine yet resilient tip and ample material behind the edge ensure it remains equal to demanding tasks.
The blades are paired with handles that both unify the set and assert their individuality. The petty is fitted with breathtaking blonde koa, its shifting figure nearly translucent in the light, capped with a traditional cow horn bolster cut and positioned to reveal its natural character. The parer features richly figured maple crotch burl, completed with a bolster of musk ox horn shaped in dialogue with its counterpart. Together, wood and horn create a harmony of tone and proportion that feels both ancient and immediate.
As a pair, these knives read not only as instruments of preparation, but as enduring objects of craft. They carry forward lineage, material memory, and the steady hand of a maker deeply attuned to his medium.
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Petty – Blade length: 138mm / 5.4″. Overall length: 255mm / 10.0″. Blade width at heel: 2.7mm. Blade width 1″ from the tip: 1.4mm. Blade height at heel: 43mm. Weight: 3.6oz / 102g.
Parer – Blade length: 70mm / 2.7″. Overall length: 171mm / 6.7″. Blade width at heel: 2.7mm. Blade width 1″ from the tip: 1.2mm. Blade height at heel: 21mm. Weight: 3.6oz / 102g.
