Posted By:
Andrew Romig7 people found this review helpful
A couple years ago, I bought one of Daovua's Pipeline Steel Tall Pettys. While the handle was fantastic, the blade needed some serious love out of the box. The kurouchi was patchy and uneven, blade had a not entirely straight profile from leftover hammering that was NOT there for cosmetic purposes, and the factory edge quite simply wasn't. But as almost any owner of the earlier Daovua's will tell you, once you give them some love and proper sharpening, they turn into VERY impressive performers and mine was no different.
But enough about that knife. I simply mention it to demonstrate how far they've clearly come if my Kiritsuke is any indication. Admittedly, there are still a couple patches in the KU, but it's mostly even. But more positively and more importantly, the blade is dead-straight except for the tip (it veers off a little to the right - not really a problem and something easily fixed in sharpening) and it not only has a factory edge to speak of but a pretty decent one at that.
Mine is also very thin and lightweight. Cuts through veggies almost effortlessly and handles intuitively with just a hint of blade-heaviness (it is a 240mm after all). But as with any Daovua, the main event is the handle and believe me, they have outdone themselves. The figuring on my handle is absolutely breathtaking with a deep, rich finish on both handle body and ferrule, but what I really can't get over is how seamless the joint is between them. The handle is so smooth, so even, so straight, and so beautifully finished it's enough to make a grown man cry.
The only negative of any substance I can cite with this knife is I wish the rear 40% of the edge was flatter, but that too will be easily accomplished via sharpening when I get around to it. In the mean time, I'm happy as a clam and would absolutely categorize this as a steal for $75.
One final note for those who don't have any experience with Daovuas: these are carbon steel knives and they are VERY reactive. I strongly advise buyers who haven't already done so learn to love patina.Was this rating helpful to you?
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