Car and truck leaf springs make surprisingly good knife steel. These discarded automotive parts are typically forged from 5160 carbon steel, the same alloy several respected custom knife makers seek out for their own work. The Nhat family, a small blacksmith operation in Vietnam, has built a devoted following by turning this recycled steel into genuinely capable kitchen knives - rustic in fit and finish, but sharp in a way that surprises people expecting less.
This tall petty has one of the most rounded profiles in the line, which makes it a favorite among cooks who like a rocking motion when chopping herbs and small ingredients. The handle, like the blade, carries a handmade character rather than factory polish - a bit of sanding and oil brings it to a genuinely comfortable grip. The steel takes an edge readily; a few passes on a water stone after arrival typically produces a razor-sharp result, and most owners find that small investment of time well worth it.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers consistently describe this petty as punching well above its price. One owner calls the fit and finish better than its reputation suggests, with a smooth spine and choil and an attractive handle, noting the rustic finish is part of what makes it appealing. Another reaches for it constantly for small quick tasks and praises the handle specifically. A third describes it as nice and tall, easy to spot in a busy kitchen pile of knives, and a knife that cuts better than acceptably for the price. One professional who needs cheap, expendable blades for fast-moving catering work calls it ideal: distinctive, durable, and a great value at this size.
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.
This tall petty has one of the most rounded profiles in the line, which makes it a favorite among cooks who like a rocking motion when chopping herbs and small ingredients. The handle, like the blade, carries a handmade character rather than factory polish - a bit of sanding and oil brings it to a genuinely comfortable grip. The steel takes an edge readily; a few passes on a water stone after arrival typically produces a razor-sharp result, and most owners find that small investment of time well worth it.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers consistently describe this petty as punching well above its price. One owner calls the fit and finish better than its reputation suggests, with a smooth spine and choil and an attractive handle, noting the rustic finish is part of what makes it appealing. Another reaches for it constantly for small quick tasks and praises the handle specifically. A third describes it as nice and tall, easy to spot in a busy kitchen pile of knives, and a knife that cuts better than acceptably for the price. One professional who needs cheap, expendable blades for fast-moving catering work calls it ideal: distinctive, durable, and a great value at this size.
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.
- Brand: Daovua
- Blacksmith: Nhat Family
- Location: Vietnam
- Construction: Hammer Forged, Mono Steel
- Edge Steel: Recycled Leaf Spring Steel
- Handle: Octagonal (color and wood type vary)
- Edge Grind: Even, Double Bevel
- Weight: 3.4 oz (96 g)
- Blade Length: 130 mm
- Total Length: 255 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 43 mm
Reviews
22 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) So nice but so dullPosted By: Ken.M
32 people found this review helpful
I give this knife 5 stars because it’s absolutely beautiful. Has the looks of a $200-300 knife but my god it’s so dull.
I’m so perplexed why this knife isn’t ootb sharp. But it’s a minor complaint and a good honing will do the trick. Small amount of surface rust was also present when I received this but easily taken out by a green scrubber.
Overall I love it, once it’s sharp…
32 people found this review helpful
I give this knife 5 stars because it’s absolutely beautiful. Has the looks of a $200-300 knife but my god it’s so dull.
I’m so perplexed why this knife isn’t ootb sharp. But it’s a minor complaint and a good honing will do the trick. Small amount of surface rust was also present when I received this but easily taken out by a green scrubber.
Overall I love it, once it’s sharp…
Cool Knife Posted By: Vince P. - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
Very interesting knife, has many uses in the kitchen, It's neat that it's upcycled from old auto parts, It has great cool factor and and usually garners attention from others who see it, I like the fit & finish, I plan to get more of this line.
5 people found this review helpful
Very interesting knife, has many uses in the kitchen, It's neat that it's upcycled from old auto parts, It has great cool factor and and usually garners attention from others who see it, I like the fit & finish, I plan to get more of this line.
Great knife
The spirit of the forgePosted By: Matt Freeman
6 people found this review helpful
Just got it and I'm very pleased. Fit and finish better than its reputationspine and choil smooth, as is the attractive wa handle. Mostly paper-cutting sharp but the tip and heel can use a touch-up which is easily done. Rustic finish, which I love. Very light! I anticipate picking this little budget gem up often for salad or soup ingredients, cutting mushrooms or onions, a million petty-style tasks. One star withheld only for its modesty, because the value is off the charts. If you appreciate wabi-sabi imperfection and the charm of the handmade tool, you'll love this knife.
6 people found this review helpful
Just got it and I'm very pleased. Fit and finish better than its reputationspine and choil smooth, as is the attractive wa handle. Mostly paper-cutting sharp but the tip and heel can use a touch-up which is easily done. Rustic finish, which I love. Very light! I anticipate picking this little budget gem up often for salad or soup ingredients, cutting mushrooms or onions, a million petty-style tasks. One star withheld only for its modesty, because the value is off the charts. If you appreciate wabi-sabi imperfection and the charm of the handmade tool, you'll love this knife.
Useful Posted By: Robert M - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
Bigger caters have a lot of moving parts, moving quickly, and despite best intentions little petties and parers sometimes go missing, or turn up in the bottom of a bin a couple days later needing some attention. Always looking for cheap useful little blades that it won't kill me if something goes wrong. This is nice and tall, stands out as yours' in a pile, and cuts better than acceptably, for $40. Fills the bill
6 people found this review helpful
Bigger caters have a lot of moving parts, moving quickly, and despite best intentions little petties and parers sometimes go missing, or turn up in the bottom of a bin a couple days later needing some attention. Always looking for cheap useful little blades that it won't kill me if something goes wrong. This is nice and tall, stands out as yours' in a pile, and cuts better than acceptably, for $40. Fills the bill
Nicer than I expected.Posted By: Andrew - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
This fits my niche perfectly. My hands are too big for most paring knives or even pettys. I use this for up in the air work. As a slicer, it's good for back slicing, but I will probably want to reprofile it at some point, because it doesn't work for rocking. My intention was to make this a project knife out of the box, but it's good enough that I'm not going to do any work on it until the necessity arises. The handle was surprisingly nice. I expected to just trash it, but I hit it with some cutting board wax and now I don't want to see it go. And the rough finish on the blade extends way down into the bevel, which is really good for fall-away. It's not very hard, so be ready to put effort into keeping it sharp.
4 people found this review helpful
This fits my niche perfectly. My hands are too big for most paring knives or even pettys. I use this for up in the air work. As a slicer, it's good for back slicing, but I will probably want to reprofile it at some point, because it doesn't work for rocking. My intention was to make this a project knife out of the box, but it's good enough that I'm not going to do any work on it until the necessity arises. The handle was surprisingly nice. I expected to just trash it, but I hit it with some cutting board wax and now I don't want to see it go. And the rough finish on the blade extends way down into the bevel, which is really good for fall-away. It's not very hard, so be ready to put effort into keeping it sharp.
Fun Little Knife Awesome knife!! Nimble, light weightPosted By: Michael - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
Very thin and light weight. Takes a nice edge with a little time on the stones, although not very sharp out of the box. Rustic fit and finish but really not bad at all given the price point. No unfinished or poorly finished points anywhere on the blade or handle. Overall, quite a nice little knife, especially for the price.
6 people found this review helpful
Very thin and light weight. Takes a nice edge with a little time on the stones, although not very sharp out of the box. Rustic fit and finish but really not bad at all given the price point. No unfinished or poorly finished points anywhere on the blade or handle. Overall, quite a nice little knife, especially for the price.
Fantastic knifePosted By: Adam Spivey
5 people found this review helpful
Love the height and belly on this knife. Great for herbs and other small kitchen tasks. Very easy to sharpen and get razor sharp, though it doesn't hold an edge as long as other knives. Love the handle and rustic feel of the knife as a whole. Best bang for your buck and awesome if you are learning to sharpen on whetstones. Will definitely buy another when they are back in stock.
5 people found this review helpful
Love the height and belly on this knife. Great for herbs and other small kitchen tasks. Very easy to sharpen and get razor sharp, though it doesn't hold an edge as long as other knives. Love the handle and rustic feel of the knife as a whole. Best bang for your buck and awesome if you are learning to sharpen on whetstones. Will definitely buy another when they are back in stock.
DaovuaPosted By: J - verified customer
8 people found this review helpful
These knives are some of my new favorites. It's hard to find a tall petty and the knife has a great feel. Quick touch up with 6k stone and edge is razor sharp and easy to maintain. Anybody in my kitchen that uses one of these knives instantly want one
8 people found this review helpful
These knives are some of my new favorites. It's hard to find a tall petty and the knife has a great feel. Quick touch up with 6k stone and edge is razor sharp and easy to maintain. Anybody in my kitchen that uses one of these knives instantly want one
Bangin knife!Posted By: Jeffrey
6 people found this review helpful
Of all the knives I've ever bought, I find myself using this one the most. Perfectly weighted, looks great, gets real sharp, cool in between size. It's also developed a really nice petina. For the money it's an amazing little knife.
6 people found this review helpful
Of all the knives I've ever bought, I find myself using this one the most. Perfectly weighted, looks great, gets real sharp, cool in between size. It's also developed a really nice petina. For the money it's an amazing little knife.
Awesome Great little knifePosted By: mjj - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
This is possibly my favourite of the 4 knives I got from this line. Well weighted, nice thin blade, really sharp, good point, fits great in my hand. It is really easy to work with and took no adjutment time to use.
4 people found this review helpful
This is possibly my favourite of the 4 knives I got from this line. Well weighted, nice thin blade, really sharp, good point, fits great in my hand. It is really easy to work with and took no adjutment time to use.
Fun little knifePosted By: Zackary - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with this petty! The height makes it feel almost like a very small gyuto. Great for rocking. OOB sharpness was unimpressive, but took a fine edge quickly. The point and heal were considerably fatter than the rest of the cutting edge, so I had to use my coarse stones to bring it up to the rest. Handle is beautiful, though the finish is marred in several places. Tasteful maker's mark and lovely kurouchi, though there is one place along the spine on the tip where it didn't take.
Overall very happy with my purchase. Great for folks who are learning to hone high carbon steel
4 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with this petty! The height makes it feel almost like a very small gyuto. Great for rocking. OOB sharpness was unimpressive, but took a fine edge quickly. The point and heal were considerably fatter than the rest of the cutting edge, so I had to use my coarse stones to bring it up to the rest. Handle is beautiful, though the finish is marred in several places. Tasteful maker's mark and lovely kurouchi, though there is one place along the spine on the tip where it didn't take.
Overall very happy with my purchase. Great for folks who are learning to hone high carbon steel
Great Little Knife!Posted By: Michael N. - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
Love the shape and size of this knife! I've used it for just about everything: chopping onions, herbs, breaking down chickens. It can handle anything that doesn't require more blade length. It takes a good edge and is a great introductory knife for someone wanting to work with carbon steel.
5 people found this review helpful
Love the shape and size of this knife! I've used it for just about everything: chopping onions, herbs, breaking down chickens. It can handle anything that doesn't require more blade length. It takes a good edge and is a great introductory knife for someone wanting to work with carbon steel.
Great findPosted By: Mason - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
I like this knife and purchased it mainly for the story and I also collect knives. I use it some professionally and it performs well. The price was a big factor in the 5 star rating. At the current price, with the unique story and being and interesting knife all combine for a high rating.
5 people found this review helpful
I like this knife and purchased it mainly for the story and I also collect knives. I use it some professionally and it performs well. The price was a big factor in the 5 star rating. At the current price, with the unique story and being and interesting knife all combine for a high rating.
Food release WOWPosted By: Brent
7 people found this review helpful
I livethisl little knife. It has food release matching a Takeda. ItsI not very reactive and develops a nice patina. The handle is skinny but well put together. It is a rough finish on it but I think it gives character. I appreciate recycling of old steel to make something new. .
7 people found this review helpful
I livethisl little knife. It has food release matching a Takeda. ItsI not very reactive and develops a nice patina. The handle is skinny but well put together. It is a rough finish on it but I think it gives character. I appreciate recycling of old steel to make something new. .
Excellent Knife Posted By: Tom Dickinson
4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this knife and I used it during my International Cuisine class that I teach and it works like a charm. Everyone thought the knife was beautiful. the handle on these blades in gorgeous. Whatever people used to say about knives from this brand they have definitely improved on their craftsmanship. Very nicely done. Liked it so much, I recommended a 210mm gyuto for one of my culinary students to purchase for starting out his career.
4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this knife and I used it during my International Cuisine class that I teach and it works like a charm. Everyone thought the knife was beautiful. the handle on these blades in gorgeous. Whatever people used to say about knives from this brand they have definitely improved on their craftsmanship. Very nicely done. Liked it so much, I recommended a 210mm gyuto for one of my culinary students to purchase for starting out his career.
Highly recommended Posted By: Ryan B
6 people found this review helpful
My co workers call it a prison knife. If you can get past the rustic charm of this knife what's left is an affordable carbon petty that takes a stupid sharp edge and just holds it forever. If your looking for a do it all petty I highly recommend this daovua
6 people found this review helpful
My co workers call it a prison knife. If you can get past the rustic charm of this knife what's left is an affordable carbon petty that takes a stupid sharp edge and just holds it forever. If your looking for a do it all petty I highly recommend this daovua
Not the grind I expectedPosted By: Aaron Lish
4 people found this review helpful
First off, I knew this would be a rustic knife that would likely require some work. And the handle ended up being nicer than I expected. However, I was surprised to find that the grind is like that on an inexpensive Chinese cleaver - a small radius hollow grind with a "lip" at the top of the grind that steps up to the blade face (not clean and smooth like the photo). Yes, the grind is very thin, but to remove the lip so it doesn't hang up on product will require significant metal removal. I took it to the belt and removed a bit (one side smoothed out pretty easily), but to smooth out the other side would have resulted in loss of edge because of how thin the blade is. I bought the knife for its height, so didn't want to lose that height to completely eliminate the ridge that runs along the top of the grind. Will see how I feel about it after a few days of prep before removing any more metal. All that said, it took a screaming sharp edge with no effort whatsoever (like Japanese white steel). If this had a better grind it would be an excellent choice for a short, quick knife great for a range of prep duties. But based on the one I received, three stars is being generous (only gave it that because of how nice the handle is).
4 people found this review helpful
First off, I knew this would be a rustic knife that would likely require some work. And the handle ended up being nicer than I expected. However, I was surprised to find that the grind is like that on an inexpensive Chinese cleaver - a small radius hollow grind with a "lip" at the top of the grind that steps up to the blade face (not clean and smooth like the photo). Yes, the grind is very thin, but to remove the lip so it doesn't hang up on product will require significant metal removal. I took it to the belt and removed a bit (one side smoothed out pretty easily), but to smooth out the other side would have resulted in loss of edge because of how thin the blade is. I bought the knife for its height, so didn't want to lose that height to completely eliminate the ridge that runs along the top of the grind. Will see how I feel about it after a few days of prep before removing any more metal. All that said, it took a screaming sharp edge with no effort whatsoever (like Japanese white steel). If this had a better grind it would be an excellent choice for a short, quick knife great for a range of prep duties. But based on the one I received, three stars is being generous (only gave it that because of how nice the handle is).
