How can you not want this knife? Just one look at the blade. One listen to the story behind it. Any knife loving collector will find it hard to resist!
For over a year we have been buying knives from a company in Vietnam that we discovered by pure chance. We started off with a very simple and very rough santoku. But during that time we have seen a huge improvement in the knives they send us and an ever-increasing diversity to those knives in terms of styles and profiles.
Enter the Kiri Cleaver! This unique blade is basically a kiritsuke-tipped cleaver. It has a fairly substantial curve to the edge, making it a rocker’s dream. But the tanto tip makes it a better choice for more delicate slicing and food prep. Also, the reverse angle tip means there is a lower spine-to-edge ratio. Less spine, less weight. In this case we think it represents almost a 2oz saving over a regular cleaver of similar dimensions! (Please note that all measurements are approximate.)
The blades themselves are fashioned from old leaf springs. These auto cast-offs are a great source of knife steel, usually made from 5160 steel. A well-finished and good-looking octagonal handle finishes off this unusual but efficient cutting tool.Blacksmith: Daovua
Location: Vietnam
Construction: Mono Steel Hammer Forged
Steel Type: Leaf Spring Steel (Recycled Carbon Steel)
Weight: 9.6 oz/ 274g
Blade Length: 182 mm
Overall Length: 335 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.3 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 86.6 mm
Edge: Double Bevel 50/50
Handle: Octagonal (they vary from knife to knife)
For over a year we have been buying knives from a company in Vietnam that we discovered by pure chance. We started off with a very simple and very rough santoku. But during that time we have seen a huge improvement in the knives they send us and an ever-increasing diversity to those knives in terms of styles and profiles.
Enter the Kiri Cleaver! This unique blade is basically a kiritsuke-tipped cleaver. It has a fairly substantial curve to the edge, making it a rocker’s dream. But the tanto tip makes it a better choice for more delicate slicing and food prep. Also, the reverse angle tip means there is a lower spine-to-edge ratio. Less spine, less weight. In this case we think it represents almost a 2oz saving over a regular cleaver of similar dimensions! (Please note that all measurements are approximate.)
The blades themselves are fashioned from old leaf springs. These auto cast-offs are a great source of knife steel, usually made from 5160 steel. A well-finished and good-looking octagonal handle finishes off this unusual but efficient cutting tool.
Reviews
36 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
What a surprise , December 30, 2024Posted By: Peter
Received this knife and the small cleaver in super quick time in the middle of the festive season.
I was expecting a small degree of disappointment given the description.
Wrong! These knives are fine. The blades are wonderfully sharp and without defects.
The handles are the most comfortable of all my WA handled knives.
The cleaver has nice heft and the Tank is lighter with enough height to transfer chopped herbs and veges from the board.
What a great way to re-purpose this steel.
Received this knife and the small cleaver in super quick time in the middle of the festive season.
I was expecting a small degree of disappointment given the description.
Wrong! These knives are fine. The blades are wonderfully sharp and without defects.
The handles are the most comfortable of all my WA handled knives.
The cleaver has nice heft and the Tank is lighter with enough height to transfer chopped herbs and veges from the board.
What a great way to re-purpose this steel.
Nice knivesPosted By: Joe C.
4 people found this review helpful
This is my fifth Daovua knife and I really enjoy using these knives. They are light enough to use for long periods of time. I like the rustic look and feel. They need a little more care when cleaning and storing, but worth the extra effort.
4 people found this review helpful
This is my fifth Daovua knife and I really enjoy using these knives. They are light enough to use for long periods of time. I like the rustic look and feel. They need a little more care when cleaning and storing, but worth the extra effort.
slight warp Great knife Best cleaver Posted By: Brett
4 people found this review helpful
I’ve only had this cleaver for 4 months but it’s the perfect size for any prep job. It holds its edge remarkably well and the handle fits amazing. If you are looking for an affordable cleaver I would 100% recommend this to anyone who wants an absolute work horse. Came outtve the box razor sharp and I’ve only needed to use my ceramic steel. Very affordable and very unique blade.
4 people found this review helpful
I’ve only had this cleaver for 4 months but it’s the perfect size for any prep job. It holds its edge remarkably well and the handle fits amazing. If you are looking for an affordable cleaver I would 100% recommend this to anyone who wants an absolute work horse. Came outtve the box razor sharp and I’ve only needed to use my ceramic steel. Very affordable and very unique blade.
Kirk cleaver KnivesPosted By: Chris mork
7 people found this review helpful
I bought the bunka a year ago and have been itching to buy more. Just ordered the kiri cleaver, honosuki and gyoto. I work in the restaurant industry and these knives hold up fantastic. I've since gotten 3 employees to buy these knives. All have loved them and will be buying more. For an average of $60 for a knife is so cheap for a worker like these knives. Don't hesitate to buy these.
7 people found this review helpful
I bought the bunka a year ago and have been itching to buy more. Just ordered the kiri cleaver, honosuki and gyoto. I work in the restaurant industry and these knives hold up fantastic. I've since gotten 3 employees to buy these knives. All have loved them and will be buying more. For an average of $60 for a knife is so cheap for a worker like these knives. Don't hesitate to buy these.
Worth Getting one!Posted By: Bob Z
3 people found this review helpful
I've had mine for almost 2 years now and use it mainly for veggie prep and whatever needs to be rocking cut like herbs. Anything with alot of veggies like Minestorne soup or stir fry's and especially chopping and mincing herbs is just fun with one of these. The handle is decent sized for big hands, and the rustic appearance always draws interesting comments. For the price you don't worry about beating it up a bit.
The edge gets pretty sharp but doesn't last as long as more expensive knives, but a few seconds on a strop and you are back in business. For the price you just cant go wrong with one of these!
3 people found this review helpful
I've had mine for almost 2 years now and use it mainly for veggie prep and whatever needs to be rocking cut like herbs. Anything with alot of veggies like Minestorne soup or stir fry's and especially chopping and mincing herbs is just fun with one of these. The handle is decent sized for big hands, and the rustic appearance always draws interesting comments. For the price you don't worry about beating it up a bit.
The edge gets pretty sharp but doesn't last as long as more expensive knives, but a few seconds on a strop and you are back in business. For the price you just cant go wrong with one of these!
Love this knife!Posted By: Lindsey Gould - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife for my husband after seeing a review online. Wow, are we impressed! It's super sharp right out of the box and cuts like a dream. It's very comfortable to use. He's got big hands and I've got little hands and neither of use have a problem using it.
3 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife for my husband after seeing a review online. Wow, are we impressed! It's super sharp right out of the box and cuts like a dream. It's very comfortable to use. He's got big hands and I've got little hands and neither of use have a problem using it.
Dao Voa Leaf Spring Cleaver Cool looking knife. AMAZING CRAFTSMANSHIP Chefs cleaver knofe You get what you pay for Champion little blade Fantastic Great knifePosted By: Dennis Manuel - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd I got from these knife makers and I love them. This one is a gift, but my cleaver I use every day. I've put it on the stone once and it takes edge very easily, and keeps it! Cannot go wrong with these knives and they are a steal. I love the rustic look, too.
3 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd I got from these knife makers and I love them. This one is a gift, but my cleaver I use every day. I've put it on the stone once and it takes edge very easily, and keeps it! Cannot go wrong with these knives and they are a steal. I love the rustic look, too.
Strongly recommend!Posted By: Michael Orlando
7 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this knife and I could not recommend it more. I got the sharpening service as well, so it arrived razor sharp. This knife has excellent rocking action, but works just as well for a "push" style cutting method and the tip makes it excellent for finer tasks. This knife is an excellent value for the price and I'd suggest anyone who is interested should go for it!
7 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this knife and I could not recommend it more. I got the sharpening service as well, so it arrived razor sharp. This knife has excellent rocking action, but works just as well for a "push" style cutting method and the tip makes it excellent for finer tasks. This knife is an excellent value for the price and I'd suggest anyone who is interested should go for it!
Good value It's the same as Hanoi Spring Rolls - Unexpected JoyPosted By: Douglas
3 people found this review helpful
Having spent a bit of time traveling Southeast Asia and China, I've always been intriqued by Chinese Cleavers. I almost bought a clever in a market place in Hanoi about six years ago, but decided against it. This cleaver was my mulligan and what a shot it was- a hole in one. I have rarely been able to get a knife as sharp as I have been able to as I did with this knife. The blade is straight, the handle very well made and artistic for what it is, and of course the knife itself screams of being forged by a hammer. I touched my arm by accident with it and it left a perfect cut - with just a touch. Anyway, I am primarily a cook - a mechanic in the kitchen. I prefer tools that can take a beating, get scratched up, and keep working. Will this clever do that? I honestly don't know, but I am also a "fisherman" and a part of my preparation is preparing stories to go with the meals I serve. Tools that scream out visually can enhance almost any meal by adding another level of sensory perception. For someone who fashions themselve a practitioner rather than a philousopher, I really like this clever. It's scary looking, screams of another time and place, and most of all, you can't ignore it when you lay it on the table with the food.
3 people found this review helpful
Having spent a bit of time traveling Southeast Asia and China, I've always been intriqued by Chinese Cleavers. I almost bought a clever in a market place in Hanoi about six years ago, but decided against it. This cleaver was my mulligan and what a shot it was- a hole in one. I have rarely been able to get a knife as sharp as I have been able to as I did with this knife. The blade is straight, the handle very well made and artistic for what it is, and of course the knife itself screams of being forged by a hammer. I touched my arm by accident with it and it left a perfect cut - with just a touch. Anyway, I am primarily a cook - a mechanic in the kitchen. I prefer tools that can take a beating, get scratched up, and keep working. Will this clever do that? I honestly don't know, but I am also a "fisherman" and a part of my preparation is preparing stories to go with the meals I serve. Tools that scream out visually can enhance almost any meal by adding another level of sensory perception. For someone who fashions themselve a practitioner rather than a philousopher, I really like this clever. It's scary looking, screams of another time and place, and most of all, you can't ignore it when you lay it on the table with the food.
Disappointed Posted By: Aaron - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
The quality of the kiri cleaver I received was not even up to normal Dao Vua standards. The steel is rediculously soft to the point that each strop on a whetstone creates a burr on the opposite edge. There is also red dyed epoxy from attaching the handle on the blade. This knife maker makes much better blades, I guess I was just unlucky and got one that wasn't heat treated properly.
3 people found this review helpful
The quality of the kiri cleaver I received was not even up to normal Dao Vua standards. The steel is rediculously soft to the point that each strop on a whetstone creates a burr on the opposite edge. There is also red dyed epoxy from attaching the handle on the blade. This knife maker makes much better blades, I guess I was just unlucky and got one that wasn't heat treated properly.
Great Knife Awesome for the price Good not greatPosted By: knifeneophyte - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Purchased this kiri cleaver because I couldn't find the Shibata Tank in stock. It is a fun knife and the shape is my absolute favorite. Daovua does an acceptable job overall. The handle is nice and the look of the knife is pleasing but the kurouchi comes off quite easily. Cut some potatoes and it got the job done but there was no real thrill in the task. I commend Daovua for recycling and making good functional knives.
2 people found this review helpful
Purchased this kiri cleaver because I couldn't find the Shibata Tank in stock. It is a fun knife and the shape is my absolute favorite. Daovua does an acceptable job overall. The handle is nice and the look of the knife is pleasing but the kurouchi comes off quite easily. Cut some potatoes and it got the job done but there was no real thrill in the task. I commend Daovua for recycling and making good functional knives.
FunPosted By: Gudmundur Arnason - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I had a lot of fun, cleaning and sanding my Daovua knives and sharpening them and now they are all poison sharp as we say in the Land of Ice. My favorite is the Kiri Cleaver. I dont know how long they hold the edge because they are all still razor poison sharp!
2 people found this review helpful
I had a lot of fun, cleaning and sanding my Daovua knives and sharpening them and now they are all poison sharp as we say in the Land of Ice. My favorite is the Kiri Cleaver. I dont know how long they hold the edge because they are all still razor poison sharp!
Better than I expected Awesome Very Interesting and Great StoryPosted By: Kris Topher
4 people found this review helpful
Just got this knife and the 210mm Gyuto. Has an incredible feel to the even though a little light. Balance point is right where I pinch the blade. Pretty sharp out of the box, but a few minutes on my stone and I could shave with it! Love the barefoot blacksmith story! Both of these knives look and feel great. Will be ordering more from DaoVua!
4 people found this review helpful
Just got this knife and the 210mm Gyuto. Has an incredible feel to the even though a little light. Balance point is right where I pinch the blade. Pretty sharp out of the box, but a few minutes on my stone and I could shave with it! Love the barefoot blacksmith story! Both of these knives look and feel great. Will be ordering more from DaoVua!
I love this knife!!!Posted By: Tom Dickinson
3 people found this review helpful
I used this knife to chop up vegetables for stew and I love it. Great weight on it, great shape and it's totally unique. I will be using this a lot. My only question is will you be carrying the sayas for these knives? I'd really like to purchase one. Awesome blade!! Thank you Mark and Chef Knives To Go!!
3 people found this review helpful
I used this knife to chop up vegetables for stew and I love it. Great weight on it, great shape and it's totally unique. I will be using this a lot. My only question is will you be carrying the sayas for these knives? I'd really like to purchase one. Awesome blade!! Thank you Mark and Chef Knives To Go!!
Just purchased this knife Posted By: Tom Dickinson
3 people found this review helpful
I have zero complaints when it comes to Daovua's knives. I am sending my nephew a tall Nakiri, a Kiritsuke, and he always has a bunka knife. I just ordered this beauty and I am looking forward to using it. Another work of art by a great company.
3 people found this review helpful
I have zero complaints when it comes to Daovua's knives. I am sending my nephew a tall Nakiri, a Kiritsuke, and he always has a bunka knife. I just ordered this beauty and I am looking forward to using it. Another work of art by a great company.
Fantastic for veggies!!!Posted By: Igg
2 people found this review helpful
I have a few Dao Vua knives and found the size/shape of this interesting. I wasn't sure what it would be like in use, but after sharpening it and using for a bit now, it is my favorite knife to use! I haven't used it to cut proteins at all, but for prepping veggies it works remarkably well! The height/weight were a little odd at first but that went away quickly. Another great knife from Dao Vua!
2 people found this review helpful
I have a few Dao Vua knives and found the size/shape of this interesting. I wasn't sure what it would be like in use, but after sharpening it and using for a bit now, it is my favorite knife to use! I haven't used it to cut proteins at all, but for prepping veggies it works remarkably well! The height/weight were a little odd at first but that went away quickly. Another great knife from Dao Vua!
CleaverPosted By: mjj - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
Not too sure about this one yet. These blades are really good, sharp right out of the box, pretty reactive. The shape of this one is offputting for me. The handle is pretty light, so it is a bit awkward to use. Maybe in time I will become accustomed to it, but right now of the four knives I bought from this line, it has been the least used.
4 people found this review helpful
Not too sure about this one yet. These blades are really good, sharp right out of the box, pretty reactive. The shape of this one is offputting for me. The handle is pretty light, so it is a bit awkward to use. Maybe in time I will become accustomed to it, but right now of the four knives I bought from this line, it has been the least used.
STEAL for the pricePosted By: Julien Cohen - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Look, this is not a Japanese master bladesmith putting out artifact level perfection. It's a hell of a $70 knife.
I was looking for an extremely tall santoku-like blade to mirror one I saw Brad Leone using on It's Alive with Brad, and didn't want to spend a few hundred for the recent Fell Knives Big Boy collaboration.
Comes extremely sharp out of the box. Fit and finish is great for the price, not bad overall. Handle is boxy but fits well in my hand. I recommend scrubbing the forge scale (black part of the blade) with some barkeeper's friend or similar product to remove some of the grime from the forge. Blade itself is nicely thinned out, and handles well for delicate slicing and mincing. Excited to see Daovua's products as they get even better.
2 people found this review helpful
Look, this is not a Japanese master bladesmith putting out artifact level perfection. It's a hell of a $70 knife.
I was looking for an extremely tall santoku-like blade to mirror one I saw Brad Leone using on It's Alive with Brad, and didn't want to spend a few hundred for the recent Fell Knives Big Boy collaboration.
Comes extremely sharp out of the box. Fit and finish is great for the price, not bad overall. Handle is boxy but fits well in my hand. I recommend scrubbing the forge scale (black part of the blade) with some barkeeper's friend or similar product to remove some of the grime from the forge. Blade itself is nicely thinned out, and handles well for delicate slicing and mincing. Excited to see Daovua's products as they get even better.
Keeps getting betterPosted By: Timothy C.
2 people found this review helpful
This is probably the 40th daovua knife i have purchased. They keep getting better. I had one of the first bunka they made about a year ago and I am in contact with the owner in vietnam. I told him as i say on here, TOTALLY worth the money. the blades are now very nice and thin as you can see in the picture and the handles have become immensely better, very smooth and glued up very well. The edge is refined and alot smoother. Its still rustic as far as knives go but as the title says, they just keep getting better.
2 people found this review helpful
This is probably the 40th daovua knife i have purchased. They keep getting better. I had one of the first bunka they made about a year ago and I am in contact with the owner in vietnam. I told him as i say on here, TOTALLY worth the money. the blades are now very nice and thin as you can see in the picture and the handles have become immensely better, very smooth and glued up very well. The edge is refined and alot smoother. Its still rustic as far as knives go but as the title says, they just keep getting better.
I like the look of this knife. Posted By: Tom D Dickinson
2 people found this review helpful
I own three Daovua knives and I really like the look of this. I just purchased the tall Nakiri and a Kiritsuke but this knife is drawing me in. I like the look and the practicality of it and it could be either called a Kiri Cleaver or a Tall Bunka. Very nice blade. May purchase soon.
2 people found this review helpful
I own three Daovua knives and I really like the look of this. I just purchased the tall Nakiri and a Kiritsuke but this knife is drawing me in. I like the look and the practicality of it and it could be either called a Kiri Cleaver or a Tall Bunka. Very nice blade. May purchase soon.
Interesting knifePosted By: Bob Z
7 people found this review helpful
I got this cause it looked interesting and might be fun to try as a tall nakiri. This is more of a cleaver with a belly and a bit too tall for me but it will prolly be a great herb chopper. My version only weighed 73/8 oz and the rest of the specs are about the same as listed.
This is my second Daovua and I have to say, the fit and finish is vastly superior compared to the first batch last year. And they did an awesome job on the handle as well. Mine came pretty sharp and with a few minutes of stropping was perfect.
7 people found this review helpful
I got this cause it looked interesting and might be fun to try as a tall nakiri. This is more of a cleaver with a belly and a bit too tall for me but it will prolly be a great herb chopper. My version only weighed 73/8 oz and the rest of the specs are about the same as listed.
This is my second Daovua and I have to say, the fit and finish is vastly superior compared to the first batch last year. And they did an awesome job on the handle as well. Mine came pretty sharp and with a few minutes of stropping was perfect.
