another cleaver question

[sudsy909]

andy can you or anyone else tell me .... does the size of the handle vary alot on your chinese cleavers they seem so stubby it seems like if they were longer they would be more effective just an opinion with someone with large hands what do you think have you ever altered or changed a handle on them also another question......can anyone explain the term virgin steel or virgin carbon steel i have seen both and aren't sure what they mean thanks for all the info ryan

[Fred]

The length of the handle is meaningless. You grasp the blade with your thumb on the inside the next two finger on the outside of the blade. Only the last two finger catch the very front of the handle.

Virgin steel is simply steel that was not recycled. It was made from scratch rather than being made from melted down steel objects. Virgin steel is said to be more "supple" and less brittle than recycled steel. I don't know if it's true.

[Andy777]

I have a couple with longer handles. It brings the balance back a little which I like, but nothing huge. As far as the grip goes listen to Fred, you only hold the first 2" of the handle.

[Grouch]

[ QUOTE ]
The length of the handle is meaningless. You grasp the blade with your thumb on the inside the next two finger on the outside of the blade. Only the last two finger catch the very front of the handle.

[/ QUOTE ]At least with 210mm cleavers, you often only put your index finger on the outside and wrap the handle with the other three. This is how Yan holds his cleaver.