The Knives and Stones Chinese Cleaver: The "Real Deal" Forged to Our Standard.
This is it: the authentic Chinese slicing cleaver, hand-forged to our exact specifications. We’re incredibly proud to finally put our own name—岩刃社 (Knives and Stones)—on a blade that truly captures the essence of what a great cleaver should be.
The mission was simple, but the journey wasn’t. I (James) couldn't find a cleaver that met my expectations. Japanese makers often miss the soul of the design, while many Chinese makers are limited by mediocre steel and budget constraints, lacking in edge retention and fit-and-finish.
So, years ago, I took matters into my own hands. I imported Japanese Hitachi Blue #2 steel into China and embarked on a difficult journey to find craftsmen in Dazu, Chongqing (the heart of Chinese cleaver forging) willing to work to my standard. We faced huge challenges—from unfamiliarity with premium steel to the ingrained habits of mass production. At one point, we rejected 90% of a shipment because they didn't meet our bar.
The result is worth the fight. This 205mm x 95mm medium sized cleaver is a mere 340g, making it one of the lightest you'll find, without sacrificing a robust 3.2mm spine. This means it's incredibly thin behind the edge, and thanks to its exceptional heat treatment, it’s tough and resilient, delivering a truly dreamlike cut.
Finished with a beautiful, stone-washed Kurouchi, this is more than a tool; it's the culmination of a passion project. Our very first in-house kitchen knife, forged to make you as proud of it as we are.
— James Zhang, September, 2025
By
Knives and Stones (K&S)
