The Daovua Classic V2 line represents a significant step forward for the Nhat family workshop in Vietnam. After years of producing their beloved rustic leaf spring knives, Daovua invested in an improved facility and a new direction: cleaner profiles, better surface finish, and handles with more refined construction. The Classic V2 Santoku at 165mm reflects that evolution — it carries the same honest, handmade character the brand is known for while delivering a more refined cutting experience suited to a wider range of cooks. The santoku profile, with its flat-to-slightly-curved edge and sheep's foot tip, is equally at home with push cuts through vegetables and the rocking motions of everyday prep work. The steel is recycled leaf spring carbon steel, the same material that made the original Daovua line so popular, now worked into a more polished package.
At just 4.0 oz (114g) with a 47mm blade height, this is a nimble, lively knife that handles long sessions without fatigue. The spine runs 2mm at the heel and tapers toward the tip for a responsive feel through the cut. The octagonal wa handle (wood type and color vary) fits naturally in hand and provides a secure, comfortable grip. As with all Daovua knives, each piece is made by hand, so dimensions are approximate and minor variation between examples is normal and expected. We recommend adding our finish sharpening service at checkout to get the most out of this blade from day one.
Care Instructions:
Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately after each use. Do not put in the dishwasher. Carbon steel will develop a dark patina over time that helps protect the blade — this is normal and desirable. If red rust appears, remove it with a rust eraser or Bar Keepers Friend. A light wipe with food-grade mineral oil or camellia oil before storage keeps the blade in good condition. Store in a saya, on a magnetic strip, or in a dry place away from moisture.
What Customers Are Saying:
Customers praise this knife as an excellent entry point into carbon steel ownership. One buyer purchased it specifically to learn proper carbon knife care and maintenance, noting that while it runs a touch light in hand, a quick touch-up on the stone brought the edge to a very capable level. Another reviewer used the santoku page to share feedback on the V2 bunka, calling the blade shape, sharpness, and quality perfect, and highlighting the exceptional customer service from CKTG when a handle issue arose. The overall picture is a well-made, honest knife that punches above its price and rewards those willing to learn the small rituals of carbon steel care.
At just 4.0 oz (114g) with a 47mm blade height, this is a nimble, lively knife that handles long sessions without fatigue. The spine runs 2mm at the heel and tapers toward the tip for a responsive feel through the cut. The octagonal wa handle (wood type and color vary) fits naturally in hand and provides a secure, comfortable grip. As with all Daovua knives, each piece is made by hand, so dimensions are approximate and minor variation between examples is normal and expected. We recommend adding our finish sharpening service at checkout to get the most out of this blade from day one.
Care Instructions:
Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately after each use. Do not put in the dishwasher. Carbon steel will develop a dark patina over time that helps protect the blade — this is normal and desirable. If red rust appears, remove it with a rust eraser or Bar Keepers Friend. A light wipe with food-grade mineral oil or camellia oil before storage keeps the blade in good condition. Store in a saya, on a magnetic strip, or in a dry place away from moisture.
What Customers Are Saying:
Customers praise this knife as an excellent entry point into carbon steel ownership. One buyer purchased it specifically to learn proper carbon knife care and maintenance, noting that while it runs a touch light in hand, a quick touch-up on the stone brought the edge to a very capable level. Another reviewer used the santoku page to share feedback on the V2 bunka, calling the blade shape, sharpness, and quality perfect, and highlighting the exceptional customer service from CKTG when a handle issue arose. The overall picture is a well-made, honest knife that punches above its price and rewards those willing to learn the small rituals of carbon steel care.
- Maker: Daovua
- Steel: Recycled Leaf Spring Carbon Steel
- Handle: Octagonal Wa (wood type and color vary)
- Edge Grind: Even Double Bevel
- Weight: 4.0 oz (114 g)
- Blade Length: 165 mm
- Total Length: 305 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 47 mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Dao Vua V2 Bunka , February 9, 2025Posted By: Roscoe Crisostomo
38 people found this review helpful
There wasn’t an option for me to review the bunka, but there is for the Santoku. So this is for the bunka.
To begin, I ordered a Dao Vua V2 Bunka despite heavy criticism on reddit. In terms of the blade shape, sharpness, and quality, it was perfect. PERFECT. But my concern was with a noticeable 2 inch crack in the otherwise well made handle. I emailed customer service about the issue, and Mark apologized and sent a reply with some pictures and allowed me to pick out a new Dao Vua bunka to be sent to me for free. This is fantastic customer service and I am completely satisfied and happy. I recommend ChefKnivesToGo for anyone looking to find a great knife with a guarantee that you’ll be well taken care of if any problems come up.
38 people found this review helpful
There wasn’t an option for me to review the bunka, but there is for the Santoku. So this is for the bunka.
To begin, I ordered a Dao Vua V2 Bunka despite heavy criticism on reddit. In terms of the blade shape, sharpness, and quality, it was perfect. PERFECT. But my concern was with a noticeable 2 inch crack in the otherwise well made handle. I emailed customer service about the issue, and Mark apologized and sent a reply with some pictures and allowed me to pick out a new Dao Vua bunka to be sent to me for free. This is fantastic customer service and I am completely satisfied and happy. I recommend ChefKnivesToGo for anyone looking to find a great knife with a guarantee that you’ll be well taken care of if any problems come up.
Great beginner carbonPosted By: Noel
27 people found this review helpful
I bought this to learn and practice carbon knife care and maintenance. It’s a fairly light knife, maybe a little lighter than I’d have preferred. The blade edge was off a tiny bit, but still very capable out of the box. A quick touch up and it’s cutting very well. For the price, it’s a really solid knife and once I’m much more comfortable with carbon care, I’ll graduate to the blue #2 gyuto I bought at the same time and pass this on to someone who might like to give carbon a try.
27 people found this review helpful
I bought this to learn and practice carbon knife care and maintenance. It’s a fairly light knife, maybe a little lighter than I’d have preferred. The blade edge was off a tiny bit, but still very capable out of the box. A quick touch up and it’s cutting very well. For the price, it’s a really solid knife and once I’m much more comfortable with carbon care, I’ll graduate to the blue #2 gyuto I bought at the same time and pass this on to someone who might like to give carbon a try.
