Cooks, I.D. this cleaver

[craigster59]

I've got this #3 cleaver that works great and keeps a hell of an edge. I cant tell if it's damascus, Japanese or Chinese. Hopefully one of you can identify the markings. Thanks! (and no it's not Beaver, Wally, Ward or June)

[UconnTim97]

I have no idea, but it looks badarse and reminds me that I need to add a quality cleaver to our cutlery arsenal.

[sketchers356]

Looks like Japanese characters to me, but mostly guessing based on the shape.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by sketchers356

Looks like Japanese characters to me, but mostly guessing based on the shape.

I agree. What's it's history? Were did you get it from?

[rusnak]

the shape looks more Chinese. I have a Japanese cleaver, and it's carbon steel, and has a much shallower blade, with a 45 degree angle to the cutting edge. It's designed for finesse.

[n_hall]

i'll see what i can dig up for you.
give me a few days.

it looks like a damascus blade (not the country but the steel "folding" process), unless you have a pretty good patina built up on it.
but i'll see if i can find out a definite answer.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by sketchers356

Looks like Japanese characters to me, but mostly guessing based on the shape.

The Japanese use Chinese characters unless they are using katakana or hiragana.

It looks like the symbol at the bottom is two lions standing with their front paws on a flower. I'd say cherry blossom, but they have 5 petals where the symbol has 6. I'd also expect a Japanese knife to have wooden handles, but I don't know why. That just seems more Japanese to me.

I'm going to guess Chinese, but it's just a guess. I don't have enough experience with Asian cutlery to really give an informed decision.

We've got at least 2 folks maybe 3 that I suspect should be more than expert enough to give you a pretty clear idea. Alf, if he's still around, has a website where he sells Japanese swords. I think one is Vash (worked in a Chinese kitchen, I think). Overpaid Slacker is another kitchen cutlery nut who's got an impressive collection of Asian knives.

The only thing that I can say for certain is that it's no Cold Steel Katana!! (that one's for Snipe)

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by n_hall

i'll see what i can dig up for you.
give me a few days.

it looks like a damascus blade (not the country but the steel "folding" process), unless you have a pretty good patina built up on it.
but i'll see if i can find out a definite answer.

Doens't look like Damascus to me. if it were, it should have a very wood-grained or watery effect to it.


I'm betting on patina
I'm very familiar with Damascus. I used to make it quite a bit.

[craigster59]

I'll try to get some better pics. I picked it up at an estate sale. The guy was pretty well off and had a lot of stuff from the Orient and South America. A friend liked it and was wondering if they were still made.

[n_hall]

chinese

[Joeaksa]

Would agree with Wolf. A real damascus pattern is like he posted or a bit wider...

[James Brown]

Wolfe, I love that knife! where is it from?

[Joeaksa]

James,

Here are a couple you might like. The two dagger's are from Germany and were just lying around. The Damascus is made locally here in Az.

Joe A

[Joeaksa]

Better pic