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CCK Vegetable Cleaver (Slicer) KF1912 – Chan Chi Kee Cai Dao

Before you buy a CCK Cleaver, you must know that CCK has changed the logo design. The version in this article is the old stamped logo that contains all the information about their shop. It includes the size number, shop location, and phone number, and it is part of the history of Chan Chi Kee.

CCK old stamped logo
CCK old stamped logo

The new batches for 2021 have been replaced with a lasered logo instead of stamped which wipes away the history and characteristics that made the CCK special with their old batches of knives. Everything else is the same. So make sure you contact the seller and ask which batch you get before ordering.

Chan Chi Kee’s new 2021 logo (CCK)

CCK also has changed the packaging. The old batch has a paper wrap around the knife, and they replaced it with a carton box. 

CCK Old packaging - Paper Wrap
CCK Old packaging – Paper Wrap
CCK new packaging
CCK new packaging

Vegetable Cleaver vs. Dual Purpose Cleaver

Chan Chi Kee has many variations and types of knives, the version I’m reviewing in this video is a vegetable cleaver or known as a slicer. It is thin and lightweight and sharpened at a lower angle compared to its dual-purpose cleaver. 

Left: KF1902 (Wooden handle, Chopper) Right: KF1912 (Wooden handle Vegetable Cleaver, Slicer)
Left: KF1902 (Wooden handle, Chopper)
Right: KF1912 (Wooden handle Vegetable Cleaver, Slicer)

Chan Chi Kee Choil + Front Taper (KF1912)

The Choil on the Chan Chi Kee is nicely done and thin behind the edge. The knife will go smoothly through root vegetables without splitting them.

CCK KF1912 Choil

The taper at the Choil is slightly thicker than the front taper of this knife. Therefore you get a sharper performance at the front, and the heel is excellent on denser food. 

CCK KF1912 Choil+front taper shot

Food Release

Food with high water content will stick to your blade, but there is pretty much no resistance while slicing through food with high water content. Over time the food release will be better since you will build natural scratch patterns on the blade. Another option is to add scratch patterns with some sandpaper or whetstone.

Food Release CCK
Food Release CCK

Edge durability & sharpened angle

The knife is sharpened at a 20-degree angle per side. The blade has durable stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about chipping.  

sharpened angle

Edge retention

CCK has no information about the Rockwell hardness. However, during my testing, the knife feels like a Rockwell of around 58 to 59. Combined with the knife’s 20 degrees sharpened angle, the knife edge can last approximately four to five months with regular honing sessions before needing whetstone maintenance.

sharpened angle

Weight and Spine tapering

The knife comes with a weight of 270grams. The blade does have distal spine tapering. The thickness at the heel is 2.0mm, the middle and the front is 1.5mm. 

CCK spine taper

Knife handle

The Chan Chi Kee has a hidden full tang wooden handle.

CCK full tang wooden handle

The handle of the knife is pretty much untreated and dry.

CCK wooden handle is dry

I do recommend adding some mineral oil to the handle. The overall finish on the handle could do a better job. There is no perfect seal from the brass bolster either.    

Not a perfect seal

Knife balance point

The balance point of this knife is at the front, which assists you in the up and down motion. 

Front Heavy

Blade profile

The blade profile is on the flat side, but the heel and the front have a slight curve to prevent you from digging into your cutting board. The curves also give you the ability to rock on herbs.

Blade Profile CCK KF1912
Blade Profile CCK KF1912

Conclusion and recommendation

The Chan Chi Kee KF1912 is an excellent vegetable cleaver, especially if you like a straight blade profile. Stainless steel is also quite durable. It is one of the lightest vegetable cleavers I have tried in this size, and they achieved this by adding a distal spine taper. The wooden handle is pretty rough and untreated, but the brass bolster is very comfortable. However, the overall fit and finish could be better, especially around the handle area. Unfortunately, the online prices are very steep, and you will be paying a premium. 

Chan Chi Kee NO.2 (CCK)
KF1912 (Wooden handle Vegetable Cleaver, Slicer)

🛒S H O P:

I highly recommend buying from your local Asian supermarket as they tend to be a lot cheaper there than ordering online.

Knives used in this article:
Chan Chi Kee NO.2 (CCK)
KF1912 (Wooden handle Vegetable Cleaver, Slicer)
KF1902 (Wooden handle, Chopper)

Measurements*:
Length: 20.5cm
Width: 9cm
Thickness: 2.0mm at the heel, the middle and front 1.5mm
Weight: 270grams
Steel-Type: Stainless
Handle: Hidden full tang wooden handle
Logo: Old stamped logo (2021 version has been replaced with a lasered one)

These are handmade knives Rockwell and Measurements may differ slightly per knife.

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ChefPanko

Hi, I'm ChefPanko, I have worked for multiple restaurants and have decided to share my experience with you guys. I will share recipes and techniques that I have learned, taken, and improved from the French, Japanese restaurants that I have worked for. I will also explore other cuisines with you guys.

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