The Microtech Paring Knife Merlot 3.5in Plain Stonewash Paring is proof that the smallest knife on the board can still bring serious performance. When you’re peeling, trimming, coring, scoring, or doing any of the delicate prep work that a big chef’s knife can’t quite finesse, this compact cutter delivers the control and precision you want with the premium materials you’d expect from Microtech. It’s sleek, capable, and built to feel like a true go-to, not an afterthought.
The blade is made from M390MK® stainless steel and finished in a durable stonewash. M390MK is a high-end stainless steel known for excellent wear resistance and impressive edge retention, which means this little blade is ready to stay sharp through repeated detail work. Paring tasks can be deceptively demanding—lots of short cuts, frequent contact with cutting boards, and constant changes in angle—so having a steel that holds its edge can make a real difference in day-to-day prep. The stonewash finish adds a practical, low-glare look and helps hide the scuffs and marks that come with regular use, keeping the knife looking clean and professional even when it’s in constant rotation.
At 3.5" of blade length, this paring knife hits a sweet spot for precision. It’s long enough to handle quick slicing and controlled trimming, yet compact enough for tight, tip-forward work where you want maximum control. The 8.25" total length gives you a comfortable grip and just the right amount of reach, so it feels stable in hand without ever feeling bulky. It’s the kind of size that makes peeling apples, deveining shrimp, trimming strawberries, or shaping garnishes feel smoother and more natural.
Microtech’s full tang construction adds strength and confidence you can feel. With the steel running the full length of the handle, the knife stays steady and responsive when you’re doing quick, repeated motions. It also improves balance, which matters a lot on a smaller knife—good balance makes the blade feel like it’s tracking exactly where your hand wants it to go. And at only 3.48 oz., it’s light enough to stay nimble through fine work, reducing fatigue during long prep sessions while still feeling solid and well-built.
The handle is Merlot G-10, a material that’s made for grip, durability, and real-world use. G-10 shrugs off moisture and holds up to daily wear, making it an excellent fit for kitchen work where your hands might be wet, messy, or moving fast. The Merlot color adds a rich, refined tone that stands out in the block without being loud, giving the knife a premium look that still feels ready for work. It’s comfortable, dependable, and built to stay consistent over time.
This is the kind of paring knife that quickly becomes the one you reach for first—not because it’s flashy, but because it performs. It’s sharp, stable, and sized perfectly for the tasks that demand precision and finesse. If you’re upgrading your kitchen tools with a knife that’s compact, premium, and built to keep up, the Microtech Paring Knife Merlot belongs on your board.
Get yours from the world’s largest knife store, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the best online knife store for performance blades that bring precision to every slice.