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This CCK Small cleaver was used and recommended in Christopher Kimball's Milk Street Magazine and sales have gone way up as a result. A small Chinese chef’s knife is called a Sangdao and is a great cleaver at an even greater price. It is made from carbon steel with a tough kurouchi finish. It requires extra care to keep from rusting, so it is vital to keep it clean and dry between uses.
The CCK Small Cleaver is our best selling cleaver at CKTG. It is a wonderful introduction to the world of Chinese chef knives. The blade is quite thin for a knife of this type and has a very sharp edge. There is a very slight belly to the edge profile which reduces the chance of the end sticking into the cutting board.
Sangdao are the perfect knives to quickly and precisely chop, julienne, and slice meats and vegetables, but it will not cut any bones...so please don’t try!
This is a great choice for those wanting their first cleaver or for chefs who are looking for a workhorse for vegetable prep.Weight: 8.8 ounces
Blade Length: 209.5 mm (8.25")
Overall Length: 315 mm (12.5")
Thickness at Heel: 2.9 mm
Blade Height: 88.5 mm (3.48")
The CCK Small Cleaver is our best selling cleaver at CKTG. It is a wonderful introduction to the world of Chinese chef knives. The blade is quite thin for a knife of this type and has a very sharp edge. There is a very slight belly to the edge profile which reduces the chance of the end sticking into the cutting board.
Sangdao are the perfect knives to quickly and precisely chop, julienne, and slice meats and vegetables, but it will not cut any bones...so please don’t try!
This is a great choice for those wanting their first cleaver or for chefs who are looking for a workhorse for vegetable prep.
Product Reviews
CCK Small Cleaver , May 17, 2020 Great cleaver!, April 28, 2020 Great Product, March 23, 2020
nice, February 17, 2020Posted By: paul - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
The product is nice im glad I purchased it. Nice balance. However its quality is below what i would expect for the cost. When washing water gets trapped at the handle and blade connection. It will be a failure point if not dried out properly.
1 people found this review helpful
The product is nice im glad I purchased it. Nice balance. However its quality is below what i would expect for the cost. When washing water gets trapped at the handle and blade connection. It will be a failure point if not dried out properly.
nice, February 5, 2020 CCK Small Cleaver, February 2, 2020 Excellent Purchase! , January 1, 2020 Great Knife at a Slightly High Price, December 26, 2019Posted By: Kyle - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
It does get as razor sharp as others say, and makes quick work of any prep. The balance is pretty spot on. Glad I bought it, but I do feel it’s slightly too expensive. That’s directed mainly at the handle, not the blade. But that may just from having lived in China for many years and seeing similar for substantially less, though I doubt the quality is at this level.
3 people found this review helpful
It does get as razor sharp as others say, and makes quick work of any prep. The balance is pretty spot on. Glad I bought it, but I do feel it’s slightly too expensive. That’s directed mainly at the handle, not the blade. But that may just from having lived in China for many years and seeing similar for substantially less, though I doubt the quality is at this level.
Great for the price, December 13, 2019Posted By: James
Needed some touching up OOTB, as it needed a lot of sawing action for penetrating tomato skin (but onions were like butter), but once touched up, a great knife, especially for the money. My first cleaver style, love the height, but still light weight and love also how thin it is. Can't go wrong for the money, especially if you sharpen your own knives, since some touch up may be necessary out of the box.
Needed some touching up OOTB, as it needed a lot of sawing action for penetrating tomato skin (but onions were like butter), but once touched up, a great knife, especially for the money. My first cleaver style, love the height, but still light weight and love also how thin it is. Can't go wrong for the money, especially if you sharpen your own knives, since some touch up may be necessary out of the box.
This is the knife to get!, December 10, 2019Posted By: James - verified customer
This is the cleaver Fuchsia Dunlop recommends. Big fan of hers, been cooking from her books for years. Finally worked up the nerve to buy a cleaver. Not scary, easy to use, lovely to cut things with. You will enjoy using this knife!
This is the cleaver Fuchsia Dunlop recommends. Big fan of hers, been cooking from her books for years. Finally worked up the nerve to buy a cleaver. Not scary, easy to use, lovely to cut things with. You will enjoy using this knife!
I'm buying this knife , December 7, 2019Posted By: Chef Tom
I have purchased the CCK large cleaver, the Lil' Rhino, and the butcher knife and their products are awesome. I like vegetable cleavers and I am going to give this one a try. Good product so I am expecting great knives. I also have no problem putting my own edge on it since I do all my own sharpening and stropping anyway.
I have purchased the CCK large cleaver, the Lil' Rhino, and the butcher knife and their products are awesome. I like vegetable cleavers and I am going to give this one a try. Good product so I am expecting great knives. I also have no problem putting my own edge on it since I do all my own sharpening and stropping anyway.
Love the clever!, November 29, 2019 A Great Knife in and Above its Class, November 15, 2019Posted By: Tanner - verified customer
I wanted to get one knife that I can use everyday for most every cutting task, and this knife certainly fills that role. I've used cheaper Chinese cleavers before and I became a big fan of this style of knife (versus European chef's knives or Japanese gyuto) so that's how I landed on this knife. I'm glad to say the CCK cleaver is definitely worth the price - it's surprisingly light and comfortable to use even for someone with big hands. For under $100, you can get into high-quality, long-lasting knife territory, which makes this a winner for me.
As others have mentioned, it comes with a coat of (cosmetic) lacquer covering the whole blade - after a few weeks of use this has started to chip away at the cutting edge and on the rougher part toward the spine. Since this is made of high-carbon steel (not stainless) you should take care to wash and dry it promptly after use. I don't mind doing this (and I like the look of this metal a lot), but if you like low-maintenance, consider going for the stainless model. So long as you look after it, you shouldn't have problems with serious rust. Out of the box, it was plenty sharp for my needs.
I wanted to get one knife that I can use everyday for most every cutting task, and this knife certainly fills that role. I've used cheaper Chinese cleavers before and I became a big fan of this style of knife (versus European chef's knives or Japanese gyuto) so that's how I landed on this knife. I'm glad to say the CCK cleaver is definitely worth the price - it's surprisingly light and comfortable to use even for someone with big hands. For under $100, you can get into high-quality, long-lasting knife territory, which makes this a winner for me.
As others have mentioned, it comes with a coat of (cosmetic) lacquer covering the whole blade - after a few weeks of use this has started to chip away at the cutting edge and on the rougher part toward the spine. Since this is made of high-carbon steel (not stainless) you should take care to wash and dry it promptly after use. I don't mind doing this (and I like the look of this metal a lot), but if you like low-maintenance, consider going for the stainless model. So long as you look after it, you shouldn't have problems with serious rust. Out of the box, it was plenty sharp for my needs.
Best Knife Ever!, October 29, 2019 CCK Small Cleaver, October 22, 2019 I love it, October 16, 2019 CCK 1303, October 13, 2019Posted By: Michael - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
This knife is perfect for usability - 100%. I would rate it five stars, but at the current price (over $80 USD), the fit and finish is lacking compared to other knives in it's class. That being said, if mine broke or was stolen, I would grudgingly buy another.
1 people found this review helpful
This knife is perfect for usability - 100%. I would rate it five stars, but at the current price (over $80 USD), the fit and finish is lacking compared to other knives in it's class. That being said, if mine broke or was stolen, I would grudgingly buy another.
Nice cleaver, August 3, 2019 Excellent! , July 15, 2019Posted By: Vira - verified customer
I have always loved my 6" Santoku knife, and I still do, but my partner wanted to try a chinese-style cleaver, because he has some hand-control issues that the cleaver can help resolve. I have to say, I really have fallen in love with this knife! And for the price, I can definitely say I'd recommend others give it a try.
I have always loved my 6" Santoku knife, and I still do, but my partner wanted to try a chinese-style cleaver, because he has some hand-control issues that the cleaver can help resolve. I have to say, I really have fallen in love with this knife! And for the price, I can definitely say I'd recommend others give it a try.
You Won't Be Sorry, June 22, 2019 Great knife, great servive., May 25, 2019 The downside......, May 19, 2019Posted By: C L
2 people found this review helpful
What’s the downside? It put all my other big knives back into the knife drawer. I’m about two years into the 1303 cleaver and it changed everything. I have a Japanese knife that will probably never see the light of day ever again. This thing is super slicey. Sharpening it is ridiculously easy. I simply run it on my Spyderco Sharpmaker; arguably not the perfect tool for sharpening, but just using the course ceramics I get the toothiest laser edge ever. I can top a heavy tomato by sitting it on the board and sawing across it. No hands holding the fruit!
Buy this. Be prepared for the ramifications of making your other knives obsolete.
2 people found this review helpful
What’s the downside? It put all my other big knives back into the knife drawer. I’m about two years into the 1303 cleaver and it changed everything. I have a Japanese knife that will probably never see the light of day ever again. This thing is super slicey. Sharpening it is ridiculously easy. I simply run it on my Spyderco Sharpmaker; arguably not the perfect tool for sharpening, but just using the course ceramics I get the toothiest laser edge ever. I can top a heavy tomato by sitting it on the board and sawing across it. No hands holding the fruit!
Buy this. Be prepared for the ramifications of making your other knives obsolete.
Amazing Knife, May 17, 2019 Amazing Knife, May 17, 2019
Nice cleaver but....., March 9, 2019 It's like a food processor for the kitchen, March 6, 2019 Great Cleever, February 23, 2019Posted By: Gary Baulch - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
When I received the cleever I sharpened it before I’ve used it. It is a great cleever! We do a lot of vegetables and it is quick and effective! However I tried cutting a loaf of bread to see how it works and it even sliced bread easily! We have had a Chinese cleever that was my Moms that is very old and it has always worked great but my wife and I were always steeling it from each other during big meals! We have an expensive GERMAN cleever that looks better,but it doesn’t hold an edge.
1 people found this review helpful
When I received the cleever I sharpened it before I’ve used it. It is a great cleever! We do a lot of vegetables and it is quick and effective! However I tried cutting a loaf of bread to see how it works and it even sliced bread easily! We have had a Chinese cleever that was my Moms that is very old and it has always worked great but my wife and I were always steeling it from each other during big meals! We have an expensive GERMAN cleever that looks better,but it doesn’t hold an edge.
Beautiful cleaver, February 4, 2019 Excellent slicer, paper thin, January 16, 2019 Happy with our new kitchen companion...., January 8, 2019Posted By: Dante Birch - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
Very happy, this is a reasonably priced knife. Although the smallest knifek in its family, it's a very nimble and able kitchen companion. This is my second CCK cleaver, the other being more robust for breaking down chicken / turkey carcases and the heavier stuffs. Although I appreciate the concept of only needing one cleaver, it is nice to have options, as this is particularly suited to veg and smaller non boned items. I prefer the CCK attention to form following function as well as the edge retention. They have worked better for me than some other brands.
3 people found this review helpful
Very happy, this is a reasonably priced knife. Although the smallest knifek in its family, it's a very nimble and able kitchen companion. This is my second CCK cleaver, the other being more robust for breaking down chicken / turkey carcases and the heavier stuffs. Although I appreciate the concept of only needing one cleaver, it is nice to have options, as this is particularly suited to veg and smaller non boned items. I prefer the CCK attention to form following function as well as the edge retention. They have worked better for me than some other brands.
A fun blade, December 20, 2018Posted By: Chuck - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
Some things are as good as people say they are. The CCK 1303 is as good as internet reviews indicate.
I have multiple cleavers, but the CCK 1303 is the best of the lot. The blade is very, very thin and it takes a very sharp edge. There is no wedging and it just glides right through veggies.
The fit and finish are no better than a Shibazi and in some ways worse. That said, the grind is much better on the CCK. Edge retention is very good.
Is it worth $80? Yep, every penny. Is the grind that much better than cheaper Chinese cleavers? Oh, yes it is!
This knife is just an absolute joy to use. Like all cleaver-types this knife allows the user to scoop up food to put in the pot. You can smash garlic to peel and cut it. You can smash ginger. You can treat this blade like a tool rather than an object of worship.
The blade is definitely reactive when new, but quickly forms a protective patina that keeps discoloration or off-flavors to a minimum.
I would buy another today if I lost it or damaged it by dropping it.
5 people found this review helpful
Some things are as good as people say they are. The CCK 1303 is as good as internet reviews indicate.
I have multiple cleavers, but the CCK 1303 is the best of the lot. The blade is very, very thin and it takes a very sharp edge. There is no wedging and it just glides right through veggies.
The fit and finish are no better than a Shibazi and in some ways worse. That said, the grind is much better on the CCK. Edge retention is very good.
Is it worth $80? Yep, every penny. Is the grind that much better than cheaper Chinese cleavers? Oh, yes it is!
This knife is just an absolute joy to use. Like all cleaver-types this knife allows the user to scoop up food to put in the pot. You can smash garlic to peel and cut it. You can smash ginger. You can treat this blade like a tool rather than an object of worship.
The blade is definitely reactive when new, but quickly forms a protective patina that keeps discoloration or off-flavors to a minimum.
I would buy another today if I lost it or damaged it by dropping it.
Service, December 14, 2018 Great value, November 6, 2018Posted By: Paul - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I love this cleaver for general purpose prep, especially any chopping or dealing with large items like squashes. I like that I don't have to worry about it as much as my more expensive knives (gyutos) and it serves as a nice complement to a gyuto. My friend also liked it so much I gave her mine and ordered another for myself. Definitely worth a try if you want to try out a cleaver at a decent price.
2 people found this review helpful
I love this cleaver for general purpose prep, especially any chopping or dealing with large items like squashes. I like that I don't have to worry about it as much as my more expensive knives (gyutos) and it serves as a nice complement to a gyuto. My friend also liked it so much I gave her mine and ordered another for myself. Definitely worth a try if you want to try out a cleaver at a decent price.
CCK 1303 Small (Carbon) Cleaver, October 16, 2018Posted By: Desi
4 people found this review helpful
This small cleaver has become a staple of my knife inventory. It has held up to punishment of regular use without shirking, and holds its edge. Its substantial height allows for continuous use without having to clear the blade. Although in some ways it is similar to a Nakiri, it excels when prepping large bunches of leafy vegetables or large onions or when a substantial amount of chopping is required. The handle isn’t fancy, but is functional, although it takes a few moments to become accustomed to such a short grip point. The slight arc to the blade does indeed keep the heel from gouging the cutting board from a poorly executed chop. I recommend purchasing a matching saya at the same time, as knife guards are simply not tall enough to adequately protect the blade. If a carbon blade isn’t to your liking, check out the stainless variant in this same style.
4 people found this review helpful
This small cleaver has become a staple of my knife inventory. It has held up to punishment of regular use without shirking, and holds its edge. Its substantial height allows for continuous use without having to clear the blade. Although in some ways it is similar to a Nakiri, it excels when prepping large bunches of leafy vegetables or large onions or when a substantial amount of chopping is required. The handle isn’t fancy, but is functional, although it takes a few moments to become accustomed to such a short grip point. The slight arc to the blade does indeed keep the heel from gouging the cutting board from a poorly executed chop. I recommend purchasing a matching saya at the same time, as knife guards are simply not tall enough to adequately protect the blade. If a carbon blade isn’t to your liking, check out the stainless variant in this same style.
Review title, August 27, 2018 Prompt service, August 25, 2018 More Oriental Tools, August 9, 2018Posted By: Gerry Bosko - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Upon seeing a demonstration on Milk Street, I knew i had seen the beauty of design and operation of this tool. I am a long time admirer of Oriental woodworking, and this is just another example of the thoughtful design for its application. Sorry it took so long to come to my attention, my children will know.
2 people found this review helpful
Upon seeing a demonstration on Milk Street, I knew i had seen the beauty of design and operation of this tool. I am a long time admirer of Oriental woodworking, and this is just another example of the thoughtful design for its application. Sorry it took so long to come to my attention, my children will know.
Speeds up kitchen work , August 1, 2018Posted By: Dan Carriger
2 people found this review helpful
It's light and easy to handle, which improves speed and control. It's length enables you to make a few preliminary cuts like cutting stalks into thirds, then stacking them to cut everything at once. It's like a food processor fast! Holds edge well and is easy and quick to sharpen. It is my go-to knife for all vegetables.
2 people found this review helpful
It's light and easy to handle, which improves speed and control. It's length enables you to make a few preliminary cuts like cutting stalks into thirds, then stacking them to cut everything at once. It's like a food processor fast! Holds edge well and is easy and quick to sharpen. It is my go-to knife for all vegetables.
Great Cleaver!, July 10, 2018 Vegetable cleaver, April 17, 2018 Just What I Was Looking For..., April 15, 2018Posted By: TC - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
Very sharp and more maneuverable than I expected. I've only had it a short time, so I can't speak to durability. For anyone looking for the knife that Fuschia Dunlap uses (author of Every Grain of Rice) or as featured on Milk Street, this is that knife.
3 people found this review helpful
Very sharp and more maneuverable than I expected. I've only had it a short time, so I can't speak to durability. For anyone looking for the knife that Fuschia Dunlap uses (author of Every Grain of Rice) or as featured on Milk Street, this is that knife.
CCK Small Cleaver, April 9, 2018Click here to review this product
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