We just love finding new and unusual knife makers, anytime and anywhere. They bring a fresh dimension to the more standard offerings and get us all looking in a new way at what a good knife is, and should be. Whether it’s in terms of construction, materials used, shapes, or grinds employed, or as simple as offerings at unusual prices, we just love finding those who operate outside of the box.
We came across a charming, young, bare-footed blacksmith from Vietnam who was not only yearning to offer us his unusual knives but also to try to make use of our experience in making some to our specifications. This was a chance not to be missed. Following some interesting first attempts, we are now seeing the fruits and rewards of this partnership.
These are pretty basic blades that will make a great intro knife for a new chef, a project knife for budding sharpeners, or home cooks looking for their first experience with carbon blades. But while the fit and finish are not stellar, the actual grinds of these low-cost blades are rather special. The heat treatment is also of a very respectable quality. These knives are sharp and they will cut! Some of them might need a touch on your favorite stone, but a few passes and you will have a razor of a knife on your hands.
Please remember these are made under crude conditions with used steel so you should expect that they're rough and have imperfections that exceed most of our other knives. Expect dents, scratches odd sizes, different handles, etc. If you're into great fit and finish or are overly particular run away! If you want to try a cool piece of living history and you're not uptight about a crude but cool cutting tool then you'll love it.
Maker: Daovua Cooperative
Location: Vietnam
Edge Grind: Even
Edge Length: 175mm
Height: 50mm
Weight: 4.4oz (124g)
Steel: Leaf Spring Carbon Steel
Location: Vietnam
Handle: Octagonal with local woods (They vary from knife to knife)