Chopper King is a small, family-run workshop based in Taiwan producing knives with a handcrafted roughness that factory lines simply cannot replicate. CKTG is their first and only US dealer, which means this is one of those finds you will not stumble across anywhere else. The Son of Orca is built in the funayuki style - a blade format with Japanese fishing and kitchen roots, designed to handle fish efficiently while pulling double duty on general prep. It is the kind of knife that earns its place through honest performance rather than pedigree.
The blade is forged from K5 carbon steel, a reactive high-carbon alloy that responds well to sharpening and develops a natural patina with use. At 215mm it sits in useful territory - long enough for fish work and slicing tasks, compact enough to stay nimble. The spine runs 3mm thick at the base and tapers to a capable edge, with a blade height of 63mm that gives you good knuckle clearance. The handle is a wood barrel construction, the same style used across the Chopper King cleaver line. It has a clear coat finish and a welded stainless steel tang, which keeps moisture out of the joint. The whole package is deliberately unpretentious - rough around the edges in the best sense, with balance and geometry that have impressed more than a few cooks who expected less.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers have been genuinely surprised by how well this knife performs at its price point. The balance draws consistent praise - several owners noted the forward weight actually adds stability during chopping and butchering tasks without becoming unwieldy. The K5 steel earns high marks for sharpening easily and taking a keen edge, with one reviewer noting it outperformed a majority of knives in their collection for ease of sharpening. The handle is described as comfortably sized with a practical finish. A couple of reviewers recommend sealing the neck joint with wax and oiling the handle to get it dialed in. The general consensus is that this knife overdelivers in a meaningful way - one owner called it the most impressive recent addition to a collection of premium knives.
Care Instructions: K5 is a carbon steel and will react with moisture and acidic foods. Wipe the blade dry immediately after use and do not leave it wet or in contact with food for extended periods. A light coat of camellia oil is recommended for longer storage. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. The blade will develop a patina over time, which is normal and actually helps protect the steel. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge.
The blade is forged from K5 carbon steel, a reactive high-carbon alloy that responds well to sharpening and develops a natural patina with use. At 215mm it sits in useful territory - long enough for fish work and slicing tasks, compact enough to stay nimble. The spine runs 3mm thick at the base and tapers to a capable edge, with a blade height of 63mm that gives you good knuckle clearance. The handle is a wood barrel construction, the same style used across the Chopper King cleaver line. It has a clear coat finish and a welded stainless steel tang, which keeps moisture out of the joint. The whole package is deliberately unpretentious - rough around the edges in the best sense, with balance and geometry that have impressed more than a few cooks who expected less.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers have been genuinely surprised by how well this knife performs at its price point. The balance draws consistent praise - several owners noted the forward weight actually adds stability during chopping and butchering tasks without becoming unwieldy. The K5 steel earns high marks for sharpening easily and taking a keen edge, with one reviewer noting it outperformed a majority of knives in their collection for ease of sharpening. The handle is described as comfortably sized with a practical finish. A couple of reviewers recommend sealing the neck joint with wax and oiling the handle to get it dialed in. The general consensus is that this knife overdelivers in a meaningful way - one owner called it the most impressive recent addition to a collection of premium knives.
Care Instructions: K5 is a carbon steel and will react with moisture and acidic foods. Wipe the blade dry immediately after use and do not leave it wet or in contact with food for extended periods. A light coat of camellia oil is recommended for longer storage. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. The blade will develop a patina over time, which is normal and actually helps protect the steel. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge.
- Maker: Chopper King
- Location: Taiwan
- Edge Steel: K5 Carbon Steel
- Weight: 9.1 oz (258 g)
- Blade Length: 215mm
- Total Length: 320mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
- Blade Height: 63mm
- Handle Length: 110mm
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Amazing value and more, April 30, 2026Posted By: BM
Cant say enough good, if you want something like a cleaver, but want more control when using an slicing motion - this is it. The handle isnt too small , it might even be a bit large which is perfect overall and can be sanded a little too. Second, with this style of short handle ,i worried about the knife being too front heavy , but they balanced it well and with sharpeninings it will get even better. It is a little front heavy, but not much, which still makes this a great chopper and adds stability when butchering. The sharpness was also better than expected. I have hope that this knife is heated all the way through, since some more affordable brands seem to be only heat-treating some of edge and i want to keep using this baby for many years. I recommend sealing the gap around the kneck with wax and oiling the handle, but color me impressed. Ps the handle does have a finish on it, but it seems a bit thin and i i like my knifehandles to have an darker look usually. Ty CKTG for offering this to us
Cant say enough good, if you want something like a cleaver, but want more control when using an slicing motion - this is it. The handle isnt too small , it might even be a bit large which is perfect overall and can be sanded a little too. Second, with this style of short handle ,i worried about the knife being too front heavy , but they balanced it well and with sharpeninings it will get even better. It is a little front heavy, but not much, which still makes this a great chopper and adds stability when butchering. The sharpness was also better than expected. I have hope that this knife is heated all the way through, since some more affordable brands seem to be only heat-treating some of edge and i want to keep using this baby for many years. I recommend sealing the gap around the kneck with wax and oiling the handle, but color me impressed. Ps the handle does have a finish on it, but it seems a bit thin and i i like my knifehandles to have an darker look usually. Ty CKTG for offering this to us
Janky but fun, November 21, 2025Posted By: MB
13 people found this review helpful
I scooped up a "second" of this with a small crack in the handle since the price was right and I enjoy the carbon steel cleavers from this brand and my impression of this one is it's a mixed bag!
The handle is a real basic wood barrel and it does the job just fine. It's the same handle as their cleavers and has a clear coat on it which helps with moisture. The blade itself on mine is real out of wack and has 2 bends in it, which is pretty noticeable, which is more notable at the spine as compared to the cutting edge, but there is plenty of metal here and after a few fairly aggressive sessions sharpening I got the edge fairly straight. I don't know what K5 carbon steel is, but it takes a pretty dang sharp edge without too much effort. The out of the box grind of the edge was also pretty wacky, likely due to how curved the blade was, so getting a fresh bevel on it was a bit of a chore.
Time will tell how well it holds it and how it corrosion resistant it is, but it slices well and it's a unique blade shape for my knife rack. I don't think it's a hidden gem like the other review states, but it's inexpensive, unique, and fun to use if you consider the low price point.
13 people found this review helpful
I scooped up a "second" of this with a small crack in the handle since the price was right and I enjoy the carbon steel cleavers from this brand and my impression of this one is it's a mixed bag!
The handle is a real basic wood barrel and it does the job just fine. It's the same handle as their cleavers and has a clear coat on it which helps with moisture. The blade itself on mine is real out of wack and has 2 bends in it, which is pretty noticeable, which is more notable at the spine as compared to the cutting edge, but there is plenty of metal here and after a few fairly aggressive sessions sharpening I got the edge fairly straight. I don't know what K5 carbon steel is, but it takes a pretty dang sharp edge without too much effort. The out of the box grind of the edge was also pretty wacky, likely due to how curved the blade was, so getting a fresh bevel on it was a bit of a chore.
Time will tell how well it holds it and how it corrosion resistant it is, but it slices well and it's a unique blade shape for my knife rack. I don't think it's a hidden gem like the other review states, but it's inexpensive, unique, and fun to use if you consider the low price point.
Chopper King Orca , October 27, 2025Posted By: Sasa Zeli
13 people found this review helpful
I have countless premium knives and always buy something new to try and satisfy desire. This knife completely blew me off since the moment I got it in my hands. I put aside all other knives and I can not express my admiration. It is so well balanced that the pinch grip is exactly where it supposed to be. It has welded stainless steel tang so you can forgot about rust in handle. Before knife arrived I was planned to replace handle but on this knife everything is so perfect that there is no need to anything change. I used sand paper and Antirost (rust remover and corrosion blocker. Chemical composition: phosphoric acid, water, additives) which I bought in Europe to remove black protective blacksmith finish and to force patina. Sharpen it well, shorten CKTG Black Felt Knife Guard 10.5" to fit perfectly and I enjoy using this incredible knife. I use it for slicing, rocking, dicing, push cut, chopping... I wish there is an option to post a picture with a review so I can bring closer what value lays beyond $40. Edge is not skinny but also is much thinner then 70% knives I own. Steel is easy to sharpen and holds edge decently. Buy this amazing deal while is still in stock and you will thanks me later. This is my first review and I am not sure how long time it will pass to buy another knife which will leave me speechless as this one
13 people found this review helpful
I have countless premium knives and always buy something new to try and satisfy desire. This knife completely blew me off since the moment I got it in my hands. I put aside all other knives and I can not express my admiration. It is so well balanced that the pinch grip is exactly where it supposed to be. It has welded stainless steel tang so you can forgot about rust in handle. Before knife arrived I was planned to replace handle but on this knife everything is so perfect that there is no need to anything change. I used sand paper and Antirost (rust remover and corrosion blocker. Chemical composition: phosphoric acid, water, additives) which I bought in Europe to remove black protective blacksmith finish and to force patina. Sharpen it well, shorten CKTG Black Felt Knife Guard 10.5" to fit perfectly and I enjoy using this incredible knife. I use it for slicing, rocking, dicing, push cut, chopping... I wish there is an option to post a picture with a review so I can bring closer what value lays beyond $40. Edge is not skinny but also is much thinner then 70% knives I own. Steel is easy to sharpen and holds edge decently. Buy this amazing deal while is still in stock and you will thanks me later. This is my first review and I am not sure how long time it will pass to buy another knife which will leave me speechless as this one
