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.

Ka Tato's Corner March 12, 2024

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Elevate Your Cooking Game with the Dalstrong 8-inch Gladiator Series ELITE Knife

I bought this knife five years ago back in 2018 when I started to work seriously in the restaurant kitchen. I slowly realized the difference between cheap grocery store knives and good quality knives. I quickly fell in love with this knife and I don't think I'm replacing it anytime soon.

The Dalstrong Chef Knife - 8-inch Blade - Gladiator Series ELITE is a professional-grade chef's knife that is perfect for chefs of all levels of experience. It is made from high-carbon German steel that is incredibly sharp and durable. The blade is also hand-polished to a satin finish, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

The knife has a full tang design, which means that the blade runs the entire length of the handle. This gives the knife excellent balance and control. The handle is made from black G10, which is a highly durable and non-slip material.

The knife also comes with a sheath, which is perfect for storing and transporting the knife. The sheath is made from high-quality materials and is designed to protect the knife from damage.

The Dalstrong Chef Knife - 8-inch Blade - Gladiator Series ELITE is pretty sharp and brand new. The blade is hand-polished to a 16-18 degree angle per side, which gives it a razor-sharp edge. The knife can slice through even the toughest cases of meats and vegetables with no problems at all.

The knife is made from high-carbon German steel, which is renowned for its durability. The blade is also tempered to a hardness of 56+ Rockwell, which makes it even more durable. The knife can withstand heavy use in a professional kitchen environment.

The knife's blade can retain its edge for an extended period. This is due to the high-carbon German steel and the hand-polished trim. The knife will not need to be sharpened as often as other knives, but I always use a honing rod before and after every use or whenever I switch from cutting meat to veggies, the honing rod is a must for me in my kitchen. It has a complete tang design, which gives it excellent balance and control. The knife is also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver.

The handle is made from black G10, which is a highly durable and non-slip material. The handle is also ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip.

The knife comes with a sheath, which is perfect for storing and transporting the knife. The sheath is made from high-quality materials and is designed to protect the knife from damage.

Overall, the Dalstrong Chef Knife - 8-inch Blade - Gladiator Series ELITE is an excellent chef's knife that is perfect for chefs of all levels of experience. It is sharp, durable, and easy to use, this knife can take a beating and will last a long time. The knife is also backed by Dalstrong's satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making a wise investment.

This is my Dalstrong 8-inch Gladiator Series ELITE Knife after five years of everyday restaurant kitchen abuse. It is really durable, reliable, and retains its edge for a long time.

You can buy the DALSTRONG Chef Knife - 8-inch Blade - Gladiator Series ELITE

Ka Tato's Corner October 26, 2023

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