The Tank is Daovua's most imposing knife — a kiritsuke-cleaver hybrid that combines the angular, flat-profiled silhouette of a kiritsuke with the mass and blade height of a cleaver. At 185mm with an 83mm blade height and a 3mm spine at the heel, this is a substantial piece of recycled leaf spring carbon steel designed for cooks who want presence and power without giving up the precision a pointed tip provides. The Nhat family workshop built this knife as part of their Classic V2 line, which represents a deliberate step forward from their original rustic leaf spring knives — better heat treatment, cleaner geometry, improved surface finish, and more carefully constructed handles. If the other V2 knives are refined workhorses, The Tank is the one you reach for when the job calls for authority.
Weighing in at 9.5 oz (270g), this knife has enough mass to power through dense vegetables, squash, and thick-skinned produce with minimal effort, while the flat edge profile and sharp kiritsuke tip allow for the controlled push cuts and detail work that a heavier cleaver cannot manage. The spine tapers from 3mm at the heel toward the tip, keeping the blade from feeling unwieldy despite its size. The octagonal wa handle (wood type and color vary) is built to handle the knife's weight comfortably over extended use. As with all Daovua knives, each piece is made by hand and dimensions are approximate — minor variation between examples is normal. We recommend adding our finish sharpening service at checkout to get the best possible edge from the start.
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.
Weighing in at 9.5 oz (270g), this knife has enough mass to power through dense vegetables, squash, and thick-skinned produce with minimal effort, while the flat edge profile and sharp kiritsuke tip allow for the controlled push cuts and detail work that a heavier cleaver cannot manage. The spine tapers from 3mm at the heel toward the tip, keeping the blade from feeling unwieldy despite its size. The octagonal wa handle (wood type and color vary) is built to handle the knife's weight comfortably over extended use. As with all Daovua knives, each piece is made by hand and dimensions are approximate — minor variation between examples is normal. We recommend adding our finish sharpening service at checkout to get the best possible edge from the start.
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.
- Maker: Daovua
- Steel: Recycled Leaf Spring Carbon Steel
- Handle: Octagonal Wa (wood type and color vary)
- Edge Grind: Even Double Bevel
- Weight: 9.5 oz (270 g)
- Blade Length: 185 mm
- Total Length: 332 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 83 mm
