To be wholly honest, I couldn't give further info on maker/type of steel. I bought it from a little shop in Asakusabashi is what I can tell you. I was wowed by the wood grain-like pattern on the blade. And yes, it is a smaller paring knife. I feel the photo may have aided the impression of a curiously large handle. The handle is a proportionate size.
To be wholly honest, I couldn't give further info on maker/type of steel. I bought it from a little shop in Asakusabashi is what I can tell you. I was wowed by the wood grain-like pattern on the blade. And yes, it is a smaller paring knife. I feel the photo may have aided the impression of a curiously large handle. The handle is a proportionate size.