noun
knife carving; small knife work
Refers to delicate carving or handiwork done with a small knife, often as a craft or hobby.
祖父は小刀細工が得意で、木の箸をよく作っていた。
My grandfather was good at knife carving and often made wooden chopsticks.
noun
Figurative use: a small, cunning scheme or trick, often with a negative connotation of being underhanded or trivial.
彼の言い訳は小刀細工に過ぎない。
His excuse is nothing more than a cheap trick.