This knife arrived from the manufacturer with rust on the blade. When we removed the rust, some of the kurouchi finish came off with it. The knife is new and has never been used.
Chopper King is a small, family-run workshop based in Taiwan, producing knives with a handcrafted roughness that factory lines simply cannot replicate. CKTG is their first and only US dealer, which means this is one of those finds you will not stumble across anywhere else. The Son of Orca is built in the funayuki style - a blade format with Japanese fishing and kitchen roots, designed to handle fish efficiently while pulling double duty on general prep. It is the kind of knife that earns its place through honest performance rather than pedigree.
The blade is forged from K5 carbon steel, a reactive high-carbon alloy that responds well to sharpening and develops a natural patina with use. With a blade length of about 215mm, it sits in useful territory - long enough for fish work and slicing tasks, compact enough to stay nimble. The spine runs 3mm thick at the base and tapers to a capable edge, with a blade height of 63mm that gives you good knuckle clearance. The handle is a wood barrel construction, the same style used across the Chopper King cleaver line. It has a clear coat finish and a welded stainless steel tang, which keeps moisture out of the joint. The whole package is deliberately unpretentious - rough around the edges in the best sense, with balance and geometry that have impressed more than a few cooks who expected less.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers have been genuinely surprised by how well this knife performs at its price point. The balance draws consistent praise - several owners noted the forward weight actually adds stability during chopping and butchering tasks without becoming unwieldy. The K5 steel earns high marks for sharpening easily and taking a keen edge, with one reviewer noting it outperformed a majority of knives in their collection for ease of sharpening. The handle is described as comfortably sized with a practical finish. A couple of reviewers recommend sealing the neck joint with wax and oiling the handle to get it dialed in. The general consensus is that this knife overdelivers in a meaningful way - one owner called it the most impressive recent addition to a collection of premium knives.
Care Instructions: K5 is a carbon steel and will react with moisture and acidic foods. Wipe the blade dry immediately after use and do not leave it wet or in contact with food for extended periods. A light coat of camellia oil is recommended for longer storage. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. The blade will develop a patina over time, which is normal and actually helps protect the steel. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge.
Chopper King is a small, family-run workshop based in Taiwan, producing knives with a handcrafted roughness that factory lines simply cannot replicate. CKTG is their first and only US dealer, which means this is one of those finds you will not stumble across anywhere else. The Son of Orca is built in the funayuki style - a blade format with Japanese fishing and kitchen roots, designed to handle fish efficiently while pulling double duty on general prep. It is the kind of knife that earns its place through honest performance rather than pedigree.
The blade is forged from K5 carbon steel, a reactive high-carbon alloy that responds well to sharpening and develops a natural patina with use. With a blade length of about 215mm, it sits in useful territory - long enough for fish work and slicing tasks, compact enough to stay nimble. The spine runs 3mm thick at the base and tapers to a capable edge, with a blade height of 63mm that gives you good knuckle clearance. The handle is a wood barrel construction, the same style used across the Chopper King cleaver line. It has a clear coat finish and a welded stainless steel tang, which keeps moisture out of the joint. The whole package is deliberately unpretentious - rough around the edges in the best sense, with balance and geometry that have impressed more than a few cooks who expected less.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers have been genuinely surprised by how well this knife performs at its price point. The balance draws consistent praise - several owners noted the forward weight actually adds stability during chopping and butchering tasks without becoming unwieldy. The K5 steel earns high marks for sharpening easily and taking a keen edge, with one reviewer noting it outperformed a majority of knives in their collection for ease of sharpening. The handle is described as comfortably sized with a practical finish. A couple of reviewers recommend sealing the neck joint with wax and oiling the handle to get it dialed in. The general consensus is that this knife overdelivers in a meaningful way - one owner called it the most impressive recent addition to a collection of premium knives.
Care Instructions: K5 is a carbon steel and will react with moisture and acidic foods. Wipe the blade dry immediately after use and do not leave it wet or in contact with food for extended periods. A light coat of camellia oil is recommended for longer storage. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. The blade will develop a patina over time, which is normal and actually helps protect the steel. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge.
- Maker: Chopper King
- Location: Taiwan
- Edge Steel: K5 Carbon Steel
- Weight: 9.1 oz (258 g)
- Blade Length: 215 mm
- Total Length: 320 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 63 mm
- Handle Length: 110 mm
