Hitohira Ashi White #2 Petty 150mm Ebony Handle

Ashi Hamono, a legendary company based in Sakai. Famed for their mono style and convex grind, Ashi Hamono knives are synonymous with smooth cutting performance. Ashi produces blades from a single piece of steel, known as mono steel knives. It makes for very reliable and strong knives with a very solid feeling. It is true that mono steel knives cannot be hardened to the levels of a San Mai (core-steel w/ cladding construction) knives but Ashi makes up for that with their first-class heat treatment and their superior convex sharpening. Convex sharpening is where the bevels are more rounded instead of flat, minimizing contact between product and blade. This grind, and especially on Ashi level, ensures a smooth cutting performance even when the edge gradually dulls.
In short, Ashi knives are like laser workhorses with surprisingly good edge retention and are a joy to sharpen.
They come in White #2 carbon steel and Swedish stainless steel. Stainless is easier in use, White is slightly more affordable and sharpens the best.

Petty knives (Utilty) have a similar profile as the Gyuto but smaller, commonly ranging from 12 to 15cm. A shape most often used next to any larger all-purpose blade (gyuto & santoku) although there are many households where this is the go-to knife. Very suitable for the smaller cutting tasks such as cleaning, portioning and peeling fruits and vegetables and cleaning smaller cuts of meat or fish. 

Pairing knives are more used for in-hand tasks such as peeling, trimming, scoring and cleaning and fruit or vegetable. 

This is a carbon steel knife. Carbon steel is a non-stainless steel that lacks sufficient chromium and/or nickel to protect it from oxidation. As a result, it reacts to moisture and oxygen. While this may sound like a downside, it’s actually a key feature. Carbon steel forms a unique patina over time, is easy to sharpen, and offers excellent edge retention.

Caring for a carbon steel knife is straightforward and similar to other knives. Store it clean and dry, avoid using the dishwasher, and never leave it to air-dry. Also, steer clear of cutting extremely hard items like frozen food or bones. During use, it’s important to keep the knife dry—wiping it down with a cloth or towel is usually enough. If a carbon steel knife is not properly maintained, it can rust. While rust can be removed, it's best to prevent it from occurring.

Keep in mind that there are many types of carbon steel, just as there are with stainless steels, each with its own properties. Each should be evaluated on an individual basis.

Extra: There is no definitive "right or wrong" between carbon and stainless steel knives, but carbon steel is often considered superior for traditional knife-making methods. As a result, carbon steel knives generally offer better edge retention, sharpening ability, and overall performance compared to others in the same price range.