The Daovua Leaf Spring Gyuto 240mm represents how far this young Vietnamese maker has come. Early versions were rough, but these have improved dramatically in grind, finish, and overall performance. The profile is classic gyuto with a comfortable flat spot and gentle belly, making it well suited for push cutting, slicing, and general prep work. It is a fun, capable knife that punches well above its price point and continues to surprise customers with how well it cuts.
This knife is forged from recycled automotive leaf spring steel, typically 5160, a tough and forgiving carbon steel that takes a very sharp edge and responds quickly to sharpening. The grind is thin with good edge geometry, giving it strong cutting performance while maintaining durability. These are handmade knives with a rustic character, so expect variations in fit and finish along with small imperfections. Avoid bones and frozen foods, but for everyday kitchen work this is a tough, lively, and very enjoyable knife to use.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers consistently praise the cutting performance and value of this knife, noting how easily it takes a sharp edge and how well it performs after a quick touch up. Many mention that it exceeds expectations given the price, with surprisingly good geometry and solid heat treatment. Users also appreciate the improvements in fit and finish compared to earlier versions. Overall, it is seen as a fun, hardworking knife that delivers strong real world performance and is especially appealing for those getting into carbon steel or learning to sharpen.
Care Instructions: This knife is made from reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wash and dry the blade after each use and do not leave it wet. Avoid acidic foods sitting on the edge for long periods. Do not put in the dishwasher. Regular honing and occasional sharpening will keep it performing at its best.
Maker: Daovua Blacksmith: The Nhat Family Location: Vietnam Edge Steel: Leaf Spring Carbon Steel (5160) Construction: Mono Steel Cladding: None Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Handle: Octagonal (varies) Blade Length: 243 mm Total Length: 380 mm Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm Blade Height: 54 mm Weight: 6.2 oz (178 g)
This knife is forged from recycled automotive leaf spring steel, typically 5160, a tough and forgiving carbon steel that takes a very sharp edge and responds quickly to sharpening. The grind is thin with good edge geometry, giving it strong cutting performance while maintaining durability. These are handmade knives with a rustic character, so expect variations in fit and finish along with small imperfections. Avoid bones and frozen foods, but for everyday kitchen work this is a tough, lively, and very enjoyable knife to use.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers consistently praise the cutting performance and value of this knife, noting how easily it takes a sharp edge and how well it performs after a quick touch up. Many mention that it exceeds expectations given the price, with surprisingly good geometry and solid heat treatment. Users also appreciate the improvements in fit and finish compared to earlier versions. Overall, it is seen as a fun, hardworking knife that delivers strong real world performance and is especially appealing for those getting into carbon steel or learning to sharpen.
Care Instructions: This knife is made from reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wash and dry the blade after each use and do not leave it wet. Avoid acidic foods sitting on the edge for long periods. Do not put in the dishwasher. Regular honing and occasional sharpening will keep it performing at its best.
Reviews
22 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Great knife for the price, December 13, 2025Posted By: Charlie B
I bought two of these as Christmas presents for my younger nephews. A start with carbon blades that they can learn to care for without thinking about a Takeda rusting in the sink. They're VERY reactive. Used mustard to force a patina, and it kicked off immediately. So users need to learn the importance of cleaning and drying immediately. Out of the box they had a good edge. A little bit of time on the Choseras and they were wicked sharp. Quite light and nimble for their size. I used some emory cloth sandpaper to round off the edges for a more comfortable pinch grip. For the price, they're a bargain and a good introductory knife for people that are use to Henkels or Wusthofs.
I bought two of these as Christmas presents for my younger nephews. A start with carbon blades that they can learn to care for without thinking about a Takeda rusting in the sink. They're VERY reactive. Used mustard to force a patina, and it kicked off immediately. So users need to learn the importance of cleaning and drying immediately. Out of the box they had a good edge. A little bit of time on the Choseras and they were wicked sharp. Quite light and nimble for their size. I used some emory cloth sandpaper to round off the edges for a more comfortable pinch grip. For the price, they're a bargain and a good introductory knife for people that are use to Henkels or Wusthofs.
Incredible , December 28, 2024Posted By: Patrick
24 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife as a bday gift for my sous chef. It has been his go to ever since. Pretty great otb, I really like the character this knife has, very different from everything else in the kitchen. I think what I enjoy the most is how tall the blade is.
24 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife as a bday gift for my sous chef. It has been his go to ever since. Pretty great otb, I really like the character this knife has, very different from everything else in the kitchen. I think what I enjoy the most is how tall the blade is.
Great knife, fantastic valuePosted By: Scott
15 people found this review helpful
If you like carbon steel knives and have space for another, I highly recommend the feel and edge quality of the Daovua Gyuto. This knife is quick to take an edge, has a nice slicing profile, and comes with an adequate handle. This is not a bells & whistle knife; it's a solid workhorse kitchen knife for the serious home cook or professional. At this price, there is nothing near it in value and the quality far exceeds most knives costing less than $150.
15 people found this review helpful
If you like carbon steel knives and have space for another, I highly recommend the feel and edge quality of the Daovua Gyuto. This knife is quick to take an edge, has a nice slicing profile, and comes with an adequate handle. This is not a bells & whistle knife; it's a solid workhorse kitchen knife for the serious home cook or professional. At this price, there is nothing near it in value and the quality far exceeds most knives costing less than $150.
Sweet dealPosted By: Natty Role
27 people found this review helpful
I really like the blade profile and overall appearance. The knife is not "perfect" in the sense that it had some sharp edges on the handle and top of knife that were easily remedied by a little sanding, and there is a definite meander in the spine of the knife that has no effect on the cutting edge, which is straight. This knife cuts very well, it's a pleasure to sharpen, taking a fine edge quickly and easily, and it looks really, really cool. Given the cost to performance/coolness ration of this knife, I would consider it to be of excellent value. If you'd rather have a "well finished" knife made by robots in China, so be it. I'd rather support the hammer-wielding flip-flop wearing guys that make these beauties.
27 people found this review helpful
I really like the blade profile and overall appearance. The knife is not "perfect" in the sense that it had some sharp edges on the handle and top of knife that were easily remedied by a little sanding, and there is a definite meander in the spine of the knife that has no effect on the cutting edge, which is straight. This knife cuts very well, it's a pleasure to sharpen, taking a fine edge quickly and easily, and it looks really, really cool. Given the cost to performance/coolness ration of this knife, I would consider it to be of excellent value. If you'd rather have a "well finished" knife made by robots in China, so be it. I'd rather support the hammer-wielding flip-flop wearing guys that make these beauties.
Pretty great knife for the $$Posted By: Kent
27 people found this review helpful
Bought this knife maybe a little over a year ago just for fun. I figured for the price it will be a good beat-up knife like my dalstrongs and Mercers... well let me just say this, WOW! Not only does this knife perform very well but it looks good doing it. I bust out mirepoix, fruit and even cut some meats with this knife. It performs almost flawlessly and has turned into somewhat of a workhorse for me. Also, it doesn't take much time to get razor sharp again on my green brick of joy. The only thing I have to say that is somewhat negative is that it is waaaaay more reactive then any other carbon blade I have ever used. So if you buy this knife(and you should) ALWAYS wipe it clean and dry after cutting something wet, even if it is only for a brief moment. Also, do not forget to coat the blade with some oil after you are done using it. I find that helps with the reactivity.
27 people found this review helpful
Bought this knife maybe a little over a year ago just for fun. I figured for the price it will be a good beat-up knife like my dalstrongs and Mercers... well let me just say this, WOW! Not only does this knife perform very well but it looks good doing it. I bust out mirepoix, fruit and even cut some meats with this knife. It performs almost flawlessly and has turned into somewhat of a workhorse for me. Also, it doesn't take much time to get razor sharp again on my green brick of joy. The only thing I have to say that is somewhat negative is that it is waaaaay more reactive then any other carbon blade I have ever used. So if you buy this knife(and you should) ALWAYS wipe it clean and dry after cutting something wet, even if it is only for a brief moment. Also, do not forget to coat the blade with some oil after you are done using it. I find that helps with the reactivity.
Everything I could have imagined and more!9Posted By: Bobo - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
Wow! What a great knife. I can see the Gucci set rejectinG this piece for cosmetic reasons, but I love the hand-hewn rustic character. No phones hammer marks here, the real deal! God bless this family coop for giving their love and blood to this beautiful product. Came sharp, I mean sharp. Great steel, old world craftsmanship and a cool story. I love this Gyuto and I'll buy more from the.DaoVua family, What a bargain! Think I'll try a pipeline model next...
6 people found this review helpful
Wow! What a great knife. I can see the Gucci set rejectinG this piece for cosmetic reasons, but I love the hand-hewn rustic character. No phones hammer marks here, the real deal! God bless this family coop for giving their love and blood to this beautiful product. Came sharp, I mean sharp. Great steel, old world craftsmanship and a cool story. I love this Gyuto and I'll buy more from the.DaoVua family, What a bargain! Think I'll try a pipeline model next...
Broken review app!Posted By: Bobo - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
I gave a glowing review, but it was wiped, because of the non-intuitive funnel to social feedback links! I was happy to give the review, but won't do it again. Fix your review app so it doesn't push one into a social media review then crash. It's BS like this that discourages honest reviews. I love the knife, but you missed a much better endorsement, because you pushed me to share.
5 people found this review helpful
I gave a glowing review, but it was wiped, because of the non-intuitive funnel to social feedback links! I was happy to give the review, but won't do it again. Fix your review app so it doesn't push one into a social media review then crash. It's BS like this that discourages honest reviews. I love the knife, but you missed a much better endorsement, because you pushed me to share.
Daovua Gyuto Go toPosted By: Alan - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
Mine came with a cracked in the handle but I did not care about that to much. Now to be honest I got some more expensive custom one off knifes and for some reason this one is my go to. Bought off a whim late night online purchase I forgot about till it was delivered. Sharp enough in box enough said
5 people found this review helpful
Mine came with a cracked in the handle but I did not care about that to much. Now to be honest I got some more expensive custom one off knifes and for some reason this one is my go to. Bought off a whim late night online purchase I forgot about till it was delivered. Sharp enough in box enough said
Really good knife Daovua 3 knife purchasePosted By: Arnold Finch - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased 3 Daovua knives; a Gyuto, a Nakiri and a Bunka. Chefs Knives To Gp were able to meet the request for matching handles. As a bladesmith, I prefer a carbon steel knife, so I thought I would give these a try. All 3 knives were reasonably sharp (7 out 10) out of the box. Overall, I was impressed, my focus is always on performance and not looks or brand names; and these did not disappoint. I would buy again!
5 people found this review helpful
I recently purchased 3 Daovua knives; a Gyuto, a Nakiri and a Bunka. Chefs Knives To Gp were able to meet the request for matching handles. As a bladesmith, I prefer a carbon steel knife, so I thought I would give these a try. All 3 knives were reasonably sharp (7 out 10) out of the box. Overall, I was impressed, my focus is always on performance and not looks or brand names; and these did not disappoint. I would buy again!
Nice SlicerPosted By: David
4 people found this review helpful
Purchased from CKTG, have used for a year. Sharp and holds an edge well, have sharpened once. This knife works really well as a slicer. I couldn't be happier with my blade, grind, heat treatment and performance. But expect some imperfections my the handle had a crack in the middle. I have more expensive knives but find myself using this more because it performs and the steel is a tank.
4 people found this review helpful
Purchased from CKTG, have used for a year. Sharp and holds an edge well, have sharpened once. This knife works really well as a slicer. I couldn't be happier with my blade, grind, heat treatment and performance. But expect some imperfections my the handle had a crack in the middle. I have more expensive knives but find myself using this more because it performs and the steel is a tank.
Inexpensive carbon knifePosted By: Jesse - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
These are made from reclaimed metal on a primitive forge. They are not as slick and clean as Japanese knives, but they are not marketed as such. Good for practice carbon knife for sharpening. Mine kept a decent edge, but had some inconsistencies along the edge that made it impossible to get as sharp as I would like. Stilling glad to support them get better and I think one day they will have some very nice knives.
4 people found this review helpful
These are made from reclaimed metal on a primitive forge. They are not as slick and clean as Japanese knives, but they are not marketed as such. Good for practice carbon knife for sharpening. Mine kept a decent edge, but had some inconsistencies along the edge that made it impossible to get as sharp as I would like. Stilling glad to support them get better and I think one day they will have some very nice knives.
Good after sharpeningPosted By: Jim Edwards - verified customer
7 people found this review helpful
I like the look of this knife. The handle is well built and comfortable. The blade design is a bit unique also. The edge was a mess when received. It looked as if the sharpener changed the angle near the top and there were coarse grind marks on this section. I re-profiled the blade and sharpened. It takes a very sharp edge, but can't comment on durability as I haven't used it much. I like 5160 steel for its toughness and ease of sharpening. It's a good knife to own and the price is right.
7 people found this review helpful
I like the look of this knife. The handle is well built and comfortable. The blade design is a bit unique also. The edge was a mess when received. It looked as if the sharpener changed the angle near the top and there were coarse grind marks on this section. I re-profiled the blade and sharpened. It takes a very sharp edge, but can't comment on durability as I haven't used it much. I like 5160 steel for its toughness and ease of sharpening. It's a good knife to own and the price is right.
Nice knife for the pricePosted By: marc - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
Great bang for your buck Sure there are nicer knives out there but this is a fraction of the price of comparable knives. Super thin, although needs a good spin on the whetstone. It's some form of carbon steel. I would suggest these for someone looking for an affordable entry level carbon knife and or a knife to practice their sharpening skills.
4 people found this review helpful
Great bang for your buck Sure there are nicer knives out there but this is a fraction of the price of comparable knives. Super thin, although needs a good spin on the whetstone. It's some form of carbon steel. I would suggest these for someone looking for an affordable entry level carbon knife and or a knife to practice their sharpening skills.
Improper heat treat, though i wasnt expecting much.Posted By: Samuel E Bustos
5 people found this review helpful
Though the rear 5 inches get scary sharp rather easily, the 4 and a half on the end dont hold an edge, bend easily, and develop odd ridges along the edge. I wasnt expecting a lot of performance from the blade, and what does function functions fine but I bought it to be the longest blade in my bag and i cant use the full length of it.
5 people found this review helpful
Though the rear 5 inches get scary sharp rather easily, the 4 and a half on the end dont hold an edge, bend easily, and develop odd ridges along the edge. I wasnt expecting a lot of performance from the blade, and what does function functions fine but I bought it to be the longest blade in my bag and i cant use the full length of it.
Wow! delightful knifePosted By: Nick Jacobs - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
This is a special and delightful knife -very much to my taste. I love the hand made character. It's very light and thin. The handle is extra long and looks beautiful. If you want a stainless operating table in a space station looking knife-this ain't it. The rear of the blade has a nice space for your finger grip.It takes a superb cutting edge.(I sharpen knives professionally).How long does it stay sharp?..Well I haven't tested against my Hitachi Blue steel but I strop my knives every night. Also I brush them quickly with coconut oil when putting away..easy way to slow rust. I just use a RUBBER baste brush..safe and easy. Many thanks to Mark and CKTG!!
4 people found this review helpful
This is a special and delightful knife -very much to my taste. I love the hand made character. It's very light and thin. The handle is extra long and looks beautiful. If you want a stainless operating table in a space station looking knife-this ain't it. The rear of the blade has a nice space for your finger grip.It takes a superb cutting edge.(I sharpen knives professionally).How long does it stay sharp?..Well I haven't tested against my Hitachi Blue steel but I strop my knives every night. Also I brush them quickly with coconut oil when putting away..easy way to slow rust. I just use a RUBBER baste brush..safe and easy. Many thanks to Mark and CKTG!!
Great looking knifePosted By: Jun
4 people found this review helpful
Nice weight nice shape for versatility.
Just wondering how other people put edge on this knife. I put a 70/30 using 300/1000/6000.
It becomes razor sharp but not holding the edge too long. If theres a better way or proper way to sharpen this knife, please share your knowledge!
4 people found this review helpful
Nice weight nice shape for versatility.
Just wondering how other people put edge on this knife. I put a 70/30 using 300/1000/6000.
It becomes razor sharp but not holding the edge too long. If theres a better way or proper way to sharpen this knife, please share your knowledge!
Excellent value Great value for a good knifePosted By: Barashka - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
This is great value for a good knife.
The profile is pretty versatile. The blade is quite thin and the blade road is kinda short .. this reminds me of Takeda for some reason. KU finish seems durable enough. You may need a pass on polishing stones to get blade road to be evenly shiny. Balance is way back because blade is light, but so is the handle. Handle may be different from picture though. Handle install and finish is fine for the price range.
3 people found this review helpful
This is great value for a good knife.
The profile is pretty versatile. The blade is quite thin and the blade road is kinda short .. this reminds me of Takeda for some reason. KU finish seems durable enough. You may need a pass on polishing stones to get blade road to be evenly shiny. Balance is way back because blade is light, but so is the handle. Handle may be different from picture though. Handle install and finish is fine for the price range.
