Chinese Cleaver -- Tojiro

[Capin]

Hello,

I recently discovered this WWW site on a search for info about Chinese cleavers. I own some decent Forschner forged sabotiers I bought back in 1997. My intro to Japanese knives came about three years ago when I bought my mother-in-law a Tojiro DP -- I'm very impressed by the quality/cost ratio of that knife! So I am curious about trying out a well-constructed Chinese cleaver...

I noticed a thread on this forum identifying a site selling Tojiro cleavers.

Here is the link...

I am wondering if anyone has any further information on these? Anyone own one? How about the differences between the MV, ST, and DP lines?

Thank you kindly for any info shared!

CB

[Andy777]

I toyed with the idea of trying one of those tojiros but never did. The ST series are too small for my liking but very inexpensive. Of all the cleavers tojiro makes the one I'd consider buying most is the F-221 from the MV line. All those Tojiro cleaver can be special ordered from Koki at www.japanesechefsknife.com for about 10-15% below the list price on the website.

If you want a high quality low priced chinese cleaver get a Suien from JCK here. They make both a Virgin Carbon and VG-10 model. The Virgin Carbon model is a few dollars more than the Tojiro but substantially harder steel. The VG-10 model can be easily special ordered from Koki for ~$143. (See my review of the VG-10 model here. ) I have them both and the quality really can't be beat for the price. The handles are solid, flush, smooth, rounded, and extremely comfortable. I don't think better cleavers can be bought in the low $100 range.

Good luck and let us know when you buy something.

[Capin]

Thanks for the info! Will indeed report back once I make a purchase...

[Capin]

This post is stale, but thought I'd add that I bought a Suien Virgin Carbon Steel cleaver from JCK. Awesome blade as billed. My cleaver itch has been scratched. This thing will serve me well for many years to come. Thanks all.

[ChefJoe]

Ordered a Suien Virgin Carbon Steel cleaver form JCK yesterday. My first cleaver! Will have to run a search on knifeforums.com for Andy's tips on holding and using it.

Did you force a patina on your Suien?

Joe

[Capin]

[ QUOTE ]
Did you force a patina on your Suien?

[/ QUOTE ]

No -- how is this done?