The Gladiator in the Kitchen: My Experience with the Dalstrong 9-inch Meat Cleaver

Sometimes referred to as the "RAVAGER" which means destructive or violent, due to its size, shape, and appearance. I bought my Dalstrong 9-inch Meat Cleaver back in 2018 together with my Dalstrong 8-inch Gladiator Series ELITE Knife. The Cleaver boasts exceptional craftsmanship with a sharp edge that makes cutting or chopping easy, even with the toughest bones and meats. The high-quality German ThyssenKrupp stainless steel is heat treated to 56 Rockwell hardness and is resistant to rust and corrosion, and it has a sharp edge that can easily slice throughmeat and bone. The cleaver is also well-balanced and comfortable to hold. However I find this  heavier compared to my other cleaver which are traditional Chinese Cleaver.

What sets it apart is not just its performance but also its aesthetics. The knife features a striking design, meticulously polished spine, and luxurious Pakkawood handle. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 9" Meat Cleaver comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Pros::

• The "Ravager" boasts NSF certification, meaning it meets health and sanitation standards for professional kitchens. This signifies its suitability for commercial use in terms of hygiene and material safety.
• I'm impressed by the sharpness, durability, and craftsmanship of the blade.
• I appreciate the ergonomic and ambidextrous handle, which is made of G10 Garolite and has a mosaic and engraving design.
• I find the knife versatile and effective for chopping and slicing different types of meats and bones.
• The shape of the Cleaver makes cutting really easy, it feels like gliding through the meat even though it's heavy.

Cons:

• I find this Cleaver quite heavy. After using it to cut chicken leg quarters and meat bones for long periods my arms start to hurt.
• The cleaver's hefty weight can be tiring for some users, those with weaker grip strength or who prefer lighter knives. Because of this, I still prefer to use my traditional Chinese Cleavers.

Overall Verdict:

     Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, the Dalstrong Meat Cleaver Knife is a solid investment. It combines functionality with style, making every culinary task a pleasure. Overall, a top-notch choice for those who appreciate quality cutlery.  However, its premium price, weight, and size might deter some budget-conscious cooks or those with limited kitchen space or strength. 

    Like me for example, I no longer use it regularly, I only use it when I really need something to cut through big bony parts like beef /pork shin, hocks, or feet.  My favorite do it all knife is a not so expensive chinese cleaver very much like the Winco Chinese cleaver that you can find on Amazon.

    I still like this Dalstrong Ravager, it's just too heavy for me. I use it for catering jobs together with my Dalstrong 8-inch Gladiator Series ELITE Knife which I carry on my Knife Roll Chef Bag together with my other catering tools.

If you're a serious home cook or professional chef seeking a top-tier cleaver for tackling tough meat cuts and a variety of hard to cut veggies, like those Kalabasa, the "Ravager" could be a worthwhile investment. Just be prepared for its hefty price tag and consider its size and maintenance requirements before diving in.

You can buy the Dalstrong 9-inch Meat Cleaver "The RAVAGER" here.

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