Sugimoto Chuka White 2

The Sugimoto Chuka is the classic Chinese-style cleaver from a maker whose history goes back to the 1830s, when Sugimoto started as a metal smith specialized in sword and knife making. Sugimoto sharpens each of their knives diligently all by hand, and the line is recognized by professional chefs world-wide.

These full-size cleavers are made in White 2 carbon steel. The #6 (4006) is the Slicer, ground thinner behind the edge, and the #7 (4007) is the Mid Weight, a burlier blade with a thicker spine. Both have a 220 mm tip-to-heel length and a 110 mm blade height, so they weigh in at 436 g and 517 g respectively. They are big, capable cleavers, and the good ones sit at a high price tier.

Because this is a carbon steel, wipe the blade and dry it after each use rather than leaving it wet. For heavy vegetables, herbs and meat broken down off the bone, few cleavers cover as much ground.