The Hezhen Chinese Vegetable Cleaver surprised me, and I grew to appreciate it more with each use.
Chinese Cleaver Naming
To clarify any confusion, this Chinese vegetable cleaver is not a bone cleaver. It is known as a CaiDao, or vegetable knife, also referred to as a slicer or slicing knife. In this review, I will refer to it as a Chinese Vegetable Cleaver. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the review.
Blade Features and Aesthetics
The Hezhen YM3L series Chinese Vegetable Cleaver features a 3-layer construction, with two outer, softer layers made from stainless steel, adding extra ductility to the X9Cr18Mov core in the middle, heat-treated to around 58 to 60 on the Rockwell scale. The blade has a sandblasted, mirror-polished finish. This steel provides solid edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance. The handle is made from Padauk wood.
Handle Ergonomics
The more I used the knife, the more I liked the handle, it grew on me. The round, thicker shape feels comfortable and provides a sturdy, non-slip grip.
The metal front cap is nicely contoured, offering great comfort when you pinch in that area.
The handle will suit a wide range of hand sizes, as illustrated in my sizing chart.
The Blade & Blade Profile
The blade has a well-finished spine, and the choil has no sharp edges. The blade profile is relatively straight, with a slightly lifted front and heel. This makes it an excellent all-around knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping. The slight curve at the front and heel allows for a smooth rocking motion during each slice or chop.
Choil & Spine Taper
The spine has no taper and maintains a consistent 2mm thickness across its entire length.
If you look at the choil, you can see how thin it is behind the edge and how nicely it tapers.
Balance Point & Weight
The balance point is at the logo area, and when pinching the knife near the front of the cap, the knife feels front-heavy. This front-heavy balance, combined with the slightly curved front, makes the knife well-suited for up-and-down chopping motions. Weighing 278 grams, it’s neither too light nor too heavy for this style of knife.
Key Takeaways
Its 3-layer construction adds ductility to the core steel, and although the Padauk wood handle may feel a bit large at first, it provides excellent grip and comfort over time. Weighing 278 grams and with a front-heavy balance point, this knife offers great control, particularly for up-and-down chopping motions, while still feeling balanced during use. At around $60, the Hezhen Chinese vegetable cleaver is a well-made and highly recommended option for anyone looking for a reliable Chinese Vegetable Cleaver.
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Hezhen Chinese Vegetable Cleaver Knife: X9Cr18Mov – YM3L
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Hezhen Chinese Vegetable Cleaver Knife: X9Cr18Mov – YM3L
