Windmühlenmesser K2 4" Petty Carbon Plum

The K2 is an indispensable, wide petty knife. The Windmühlenmesser 'K' series knives are inspired by classic Japanese double bevel designs. They have thin geometry and are easy to sharpen, making them a shop favorite. The blades feature a 'blue' glaze, a shiny final polish from natural stone powder. The ergonomic handles are hand polished and shaped.

These are made with a European carbon steel with at least 1% carbon steel with the addition of vanadium. It is similar to Japanese aogami 2 steel (but with vanadium), which gives it excellent edge life and toughness. Toughness aside, they are ground thin for smooth cutting and will not tolerate misuse. Twisting on the cutting board or cutting hard items like bones or frozen food is not recommended. No Dishwasher use. 

Carbon steel requires care to keep from rusting; it should be dried immediately after use and never left soaking or wet. Carbon steel gets sharper and holds its edge longer than stainless.

Robert Herder Windmühlenmesser knives are made in Solingen, Germany, and still utilize old hand-work techniques. Their fine, hand-ground blades are extremely light and ground thin- they offer a great cutting feel that is not possible with chunky, mechanized-ground blades. Paired with a slight convexity, it makes for reduced friction and sticking during cutting.

Windmühlenmesser has worked hard to establish an extensive apprenticeship program at their workshop. There, craftspeople work to preserve old techniques that have nearly disappeared from Solingen.