Daovua Leaf Spring The Tank 180mm

Daovua is a family operation based in Vietnam, and their leaf spring knives have developed a devoted following for reasons that have nothing to do with polish or prestige. The Nhat family sources recycled leaf springs from old vehicles — a time-honored practice among skilled blacksmiths — and forges them into high-carbon blades with a level of performance that consistently surprises people expecting a rough-and-ready tool. This small cleaver at 200mm is a Chinese-style vegetable cleaver (caidao) built for the daily work of a busy kitchen: push cutting, slicing, mincing, and scooping. The blade is thin behind the edge and light in the hand, with a tall profile that adds knuckle clearance and doubles as a bench scraper for moving prep from board to pan. The forge finish is honest and unapologetic — hammer marks, a dark patina, and surface character that tells you exactly how it was made.

At 2mm at the spine and 89mm tall, this cleaver is nimble rather than beefy. The octagonal wa handle (wood type and color vary) sits comfortably in hand and provides a secure grip through extended prep sessions. The even double-bevel grind is straightforward to sharpen, and the high-carbon steel responds quickly on a whetstone to produce a keen, lasting edge. Note that each knife is made by hand, so dimensions are approximate and cosmetic variation from piece to piece is expected and normal. Because of the reactive nature of the steel, we strongly recommend adding our finish sharpening service at checkout — it dials in the edge and gives you a reliable starting point for your own maintenance.

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 consistently praise the value, edge-taking ability, and character of this cleaver. Many note it has become their go-to kitchen knife, displacing more expensive knives in their rotation. The forge finish draws polarized reactions — some love the raw, handmade look while others find it an acquired taste — but nearly everyone agrees the blade geometry and cutting performance exceed expectations at this price. Multiple reviewers strongly recommend adding the finish sharpening service at checkout for the best out-of-box experience.

• Maker: Daovua
• Steel: Recycled Leaf Spring Carbon Steel
• Handle: Octagonal Wa (wood type and color vary)
• Edge Grind: Even Double Bevel
• Weight: 10.4 oz (294 g)
• Blade Length: 201 mm
• Total Length: 343 mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
• Blade Height: 89 mm