4" Paring Knife
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The STEELPORT 4” Paring Knife is designed for a high level of maneuverability and application. A paring knife is an essential tool and the second most frequently used knife in the kitchen after a chef knife.
The smallest knife in the STEELPORT lineup, our team designed the 4” Paring Knife to perfectly complement the STEELPORT 8″ and 6″ Chef Knife, using the same materials, handcrafted methods and rigorous attention to detail.
It’s a perfect choice for any “minimalist” who enjoys a tool that can multitask. Its unique shape and size allows the 4” Paring Knife to perform many functions of a petty or utility knife as well, from preparing smaller produce like shallots and garlic, to light precision butchering tasks such as processing small game birds and trimming fat.
Blade Material / Heat Treat
STEELPORT knives have solid one-piece traditional drop forged construction from blade tip to end cap with an integral bolster for a well-balanced and long-lasting knife. Through STEELPORT’s proprietary differential heat treatment, American 52100 Carbon Steel achieves an unmatched 65HRC hardness at the blade for exceptional long-lasting sharpness, while maintaining a softer 30HRC spine for lifelong durability.
The bolster and spine are hand-polished smooth for comfort.
Blade Shape
The sheepsfoot tip allows the blade to have a flatter profile which means it can make more contact with the board. It is intentionally taller and larger than an average paring knife, allowing for precision without being too delicate, and the contoured handle provides a comfortable close grip for finer control and finesse. The longer-than-average 4” length allows for use on a cutting board and finer kitchen tasks as well as use holding in-hand for peeling and coring.
Handle
The more generous overall size, contoured handle, and rounded spine of the STEELPORT 4” Paring Knife allows for more comfort and versatility than a typical paring knife. For all STEELPORT handles, we use Oregon Big Leaf Maple Burl, a locally sourced, naturally unique burl wood, stabilized with resin to meet tough kitchen requirements and won’t shrink or swell.
Sheath
Custom Engraving
Every STEELPORT knife has a unique individuality only found in handcrafted products that use natural materials. You can now choose to further customize your STEELPORT collection by having your wooden sheaths engraved, sharing an even more personal gift. We’ll laser engrave your special message, initials, names, dates, family mottos, etc. on your sheath to mark milestone occasions, like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, work promotions, and more.
Let STEELPORT’s heirloom quality kitchen knives help you create treasured memories and family traditions. Text is limited to 30 characters, using only alphanumeric symbols (letters, numbers, and punctuation found on a standard keyboard).
If you’d like us to engrave a larger number of sheaths and with an image (like a company logo or other art) for group and corporate gifting, please email us directly to coordinate: hello@steelportknife.com.
Care & Use
Carbon Steel is for those who take pride in keeping their tools at peak performance through basic maintenance. Carbon Steel knives like STEELPORT are not stain or rust resistant. Day to day, it is as simple as remembering to hand wash and dry after each use. Learn more about Carbon Steel Knife Care and Use.
Free Lifetime Sharpening
STEELPORT’s SharpForever program provides FREE sharpening for all STEELPORT knives for life. SharpForever is an extension of our existing Lifetime Warranty, created to provide our customers total coverage, convenience and care of your premium American handcrafted kitchen knives.
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
All orders ship within 48 hours. For expediting shipping, please contact us at hello@steelportknife.com. You can also text or call 503.498.8132.
Specifications
Blade Length:4″
Total Length:8.5″
Height:1″
Weight:4oz / 110g
Recommended By:
FAQs
What is the 4" paring knife made for?
The paring knife is more agile and handles the work a chef's knife can't do comfortably: peeling fruit and vegetables, trimming, deveining shrimp, segmenting citrus, detail work that needs close control rather than board space. Most of it happens in-hand but at 4" long blade, it also us for use on cutting boards for smaller jobs and garnishes. Made from the same 52100 carbon steel as every knife in the collection.
How Does the 4" Paring Knife Feel To Use
The full tang construction and contoured Oregon Maple handle balance the weight of the blade naturally in a pinch grip. The hand-polished bolster and finger groove sit where your index finger rests. It's designed to feel deliberate and responsive, substantial without being heavy.
Is carbon steel hard to maintain?
No more than any good knife. Hand wash, dry right away, and hone regularly. That's it. In addition, STEELPORT knives get a polished finish followed by Coffee patina which combined provide additonal protection for a controlled patina. Carbon steel develops this change of hue, patina, over time based on usage and from contact with hands, food and air. That's normal (not rust) and it doesn't affect performance.
Where are STEELPORT knives made?
This 4" paring knife is made in Portland, Oregon, USA. Every STEELPORT knife passes through seven pairs of hardworking American hands, from steel selection through final inspection, before it ships.
What Steel Is Used in STEELPORT Knives?
This 4" paring knife is made from American-forged 52100 high-carbon steel, heat treated to 65 HRC. 52100 is a ball-bearing grade carbon steel prized for exceptional edge retention and toughness. Combined with our Proprietary heat treatment, it takes a sharper edge than most stainless steel and holds it significantly longer.
Do I need a honing rod, and how do I use one?
Yes. Honing is how you keep a sharp knife sharp between sharpenings. A honing rod (STEELPORT uses a ceramic rod) realigns the edge without removing a lot of steel. Run the blade along the rod at 17 degrees, 3–5 strokes per side, regularly. It takes only seconds and makes a real difference.
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Gabriel Rucker
James Beard Award-winning Chef/Owner of Le Pigeon in Portland, Oregon
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Paul Kahan
James Beard Award-winning Chef and Owner of Publican and avec in Chicago
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Elias Cairo
Co-Owner/Salumist of Olympia Provisions
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Katy Millard
Chef and Co-Owner of Coquine in Portland
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Lauro Romero
Chef and Co-Owner of República in Portland, a Bon Appétit Top 10 Best New Restaurant
Iconic Design
- Contoured Oregon Big Leaf Maple burl handle
- Half octagonal top handle shape with smooth rounded base
- Integral end cap with engraved STEELPORT logo
- “Sheepsfoot” blade tip shape
- Distinctive visible Temper Line
Functional Detail
- Proprietary differential heat treatment to 65 HRC hardness at blade for edge retention and sharpening while maintaining durability at less than 30 HRC along spine
- Integral bolster with a smooth transition to polished spine for a comfortable “pinch grip“ hold
- Full tang construct for ideal balance and added strength
- Tall 2” blade at handle allows for plenty of hand clearance
Handcrafted Locally With Traditional Processes
- Drop hammer forged from a single round billet
- Traditional high performance 52100 Carbon Steel
- All materials ethically sourced in the USA
- Manufactured and hand sharpened in Portland, Ore.