Daovua knives are made by the Nhat family in Vietnam, forged by hand from recycled automotive leaf spring steel - typically 5160, a tough chromium-vanadium carbon alloy built for automotive suspension systems and given a second life as kitchen cutlery. Several respected custom knife makers source the same recycled material for their own work, so the unconventional origin is no gimmick. CKTG discovered this small operation several years ago when their first knives were honestly best described as project knives, and the improvement in grind quality and fit and finish since then has been substantial.
This is the first steak knife the Nhat family has made for CKTG, and it delivers. The blade is forged from leaf spring carbon steel with sophisticated grinding for the price point and a handle that is genuinely pleasant to hold despite its rustic character. The edge geometry is surprisingly refined, and the steel takes an edge with an ease that continues to impress buyers who expect less from a knife at this price. As with all carbon steel, keep it dry after washing to prevent rust.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers consistently praise this as exactly what a steak knife should be - rugged enough to use with confidence, refined enough to feel right in the hand. One owner with a large collection of high-end Japanese knives calls it the perfect fill for a gap most knife collections have, noting the steel holds an edge well and sharpens in seconds. Another describes it as razor-sharp out of the box, light, and well balanced, with a handmade look that justifies the price many times over. A third highlights the handle as having real character and a story behind it - acknowledging the knives are not Hollywood-polished, but that the charm is the point. Reviewers who work in kitchens praise its edge-taking ability above all else.
Care Instructions: Leaf spring carbon steel is reactive and will develop a patina with use. Wash and dry the blade immediately after each use and do not leave it wet. Avoid acidic foods sitting on the edge for extended periods. Do not put it in the dishwasher. Regular honing and occasional sharpening on water stones will keep it performing at its best.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.Maker: Daovua
Blacksmith: The Nhat Family
Location: Vietnam
Construction: Hammer Forged, Mono Steel
Edge Steel: Recycled Leaf Spring Steel (5160 Carbon Steel)
Edge Grind: Even, Double Bevel
Handle: Octagonal (color and wood type vary)
Weight: 2.0 oz (60 g)
Blade Length: 115 mm
Total Length: 240 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 1.5 mm
Blade Height: 30 mm
This is the first steak knife the Nhat family has made for CKTG, and it delivers. The blade is forged from leaf spring carbon steel with sophisticated grinding for the price point and a handle that is genuinely pleasant to hold despite its rustic character. The edge geometry is surprisingly refined, and the steel takes an edge with an ease that continues to impress buyers who expect less from a knife at this price. As with all carbon steel, keep it dry after washing to prevent rust.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers consistently praise this as exactly what a steak knife should be - rugged enough to use with confidence, refined enough to feel right in the hand. One owner with a large collection of high-end Japanese knives calls it the perfect fill for a gap most knife collections have, noting the steel holds an edge well and sharpens in seconds. Another describes it as razor-sharp out of the box, light, and well balanced, with a handmade look that justifies the price many times over. A third highlights the handle as having real character and a story behind it - acknowledging the knives are not Hollywood-polished, but that the charm is the point. Reviewers who work in kitchens praise its edge-taking ability above all else.
Care Instructions: Leaf spring carbon steel is reactive and will develop a patina with use. Wash and dry the blade immediately after each use and do not leave it wet. Avoid acidic foods sitting on the edge for extended periods. Do not put it in the dishwasher. Regular honing and occasional sharpening on water stones will keep it performing at its best.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Reviews
5 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great for more than just steak. What a steak knife should bePosted By: Cookn' Dave - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
I have a very large selection I of high end Japanese knives, but just like any tool set... there is always a hole that needs to be filled.
These knives are absolutely the perfect find for a usable steak knife. Blades are rugged enough to not fear pushing too hard and damaging the edge and refined enough to feel perfect in your hand. Steel is just the right hardness to keep an edge and sharpen in a second.
And... they just look awesome!
3 people found this review helpful
I have a very large selection I of high end Japanese knives, but just like any tool set... there is always a hole that needs to be filled.
These knives are absolutely the perfect find for a usable steak knife. Blades are rugged enough to not fear pushing too hard and damaging the edge and refined enough to feel perfect in your hand. Steel is just the right hardness to keep an edge and sharpen in a second.
And... they just look awesome!
Little laserPosted By: Daniel Pangione
6 people found this review helpful
This thing is super sharp out of the box. Light and balanced, it holds the edge really well. I do not use it to cut on plates though. Has a great handmade look that I love. Def worth the money and more!
6 people found this review helpful
This thing is super sharp out of the box. Light and balanced, it holds the edge really well. I do not use it to cut on plates though. Has a great handmade look that I love. Def worth the money and more!
Great steak knives Posted By: Chris - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a quality steak knives this is it. I love the details. The handle feels great. Like a man's steak knife! You will not like this knife is you are looking for a Hollywood shine with perfection. The knife has lots of character and a story behind it. They all dont look the same either. Highly recommended.
5 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a quality steak knives this is it. I love the details. The handle feels great. Like a man's steak knife! You will not like this knife is you are looking for a Hollywood shine with perfection. The knife has lots of character and a story behind it. They all dont look the same either. Highly recommended.
good valuePosted By: Ed
5 people found this review helpful
I was a bit skeptical when I saw this knife, but I figured for the price it was worth a chance. When you consider what you could spend on some of the major brands, it's a very good deal. It's a nice thin blade that indeed takes a nice edge. The craftsmanship of the handle is a little rough, but that only gives it more charm. At just under 6", the blade is longer than I like for a steak knife, I'd prefer 4.5" - 5", but it works really well all the same. I'm sure I'll find use for it as a petty/utility knife as well for steak.
5 people found this review helpful
I was a bit skeptical when I saw this knife, but I figured for the price it was worth a chance. When you consider what you could spend on some of the major brands, it's a very good deal. It's a nice thin blade that indeed takes a nice edge. The craftsmanship of the handle is a little rough, but that only gives it more charm. At just under 6", the blade is longer than I like for a steak knife, I'd prefer 4.5" - 5", but it works really well all the same. I'm sure I'll find use for it as a petty/utility knife as well for steak.
