What's in my Magnetic Knife Block?

 

My Wall Mounted Magnetic Knife Block from Harbour Freight

So what's in my magnetic knife block. The knives you see in my knife block are my go-to knife in my day-to-day work in my restaurant. I remove all the other knives that we don't use. We still have a other knives that are not in my knife block, like pairing knives with a couple of 8-inch chef knives and a santoku knife that other workers use.

From left to right :

1. Tramontina Bolo Machete: This 14" Bolo style Tramontina machete with 1070 carbon steel and a hardwood handle is made in Brazil. It is a really simple machete and to be honest, it looked rough and unfinished when I saw it the first time. I use sandpaper to smoothen the wood handle and everything looks great, it is sharp and really fun to use to chop some leg quarters and pork meat. I don't use it every day because it's to big and too long to use as a chef's knife.
2. 8-inch Vintage EKCO Eterna CHef's Knife with wooden handle, Made in Japan: I don't have a lot of info about this knife, except that is made from High Carbon Steel, keeps its edge nice and it's nice to use, and is well balanced. 
3. 5-inch Vintage Chef's Knife with wooden handle, Made in Taiwan : I also don't have a lot of information about this knife, but like my 8-inch it is made of High Carbon Steel, also keep the edge and easy to sharpen, a really nice backup to the Chef's Knife.
4. Guanfeng Chinese Cleaver : You can read my post here regarding this Cleaver.
5. Zwelling J.A. Henckels Honing Rod
6. Kiwi Brand Cleaver from Thailand,
7. Another Heavy Duty Meat/Bone Cleaver from our Local Asian Store.
8. Dexter-Russell 9" Heavy Duty Cleaver 

Ka Tato's Corner March 17, 2024

Read more ...

My First Chinese Cleaver, Became my Favorite Knife

When I started working in the kitchen, I was introduced to a chef knife probably bought from a grocery store. I then moved up to a DALSTRONG Chef Knife - 8-inch Blade - Gladiator Series ELITE, I really liked this knife and used it daily for months until I found a used but really nice 8-inch Vintage EKCO Eterna Chef's Knife with a wooden handle. I started to use the EKCO knife daily and reserve the Dalstrong knife for catering jobs together with Dalstrong Meat Cleaver which I carry on my Knife Roll Chef Bag together with my other catering knives.

 I used this old knife daily for months together with it's smaller 5inch brother, they are great knives and still two of my favorites and the ones that are in my magnetic knife block.

One day, while shopping in a local Asian grocery store, I saw this Chinese Cleaver, sold for only $9.99, I immediately bought it. The next day, I was really excited to use it, being a first timer on using Chinese Cleaver, I was not expecting it to replace my Chef Knife, but it did. I use this Chinese Cleaver to cut anything, from onions to chicken leg quarters to slicing beef. The only cutting job I won't use it for is to chop really thick big beef or pork shanks and hocks. That is a job specifically assigned to my Dexter-Russell 9" Heavy Duty Cleaver.

So what did I like about the Chinese Cleaver:

• First is the Distinctive Blade Shape: Unlike the pointed tip of Western knives, a Chinese cleaver boasts a rectangular, broad blade with a flat profile. This shape makes it perfect for forceful chopping motions and scooping up ingredients. The Chinese cleaver makes it really easy and fast.
• Versatility: While some might think cleavers are just for heavy-duty tasks, Chinese cleavers excel at various jobs. Their sharp, thin blade allows for precise slicing of vegetables, meat, and even fish alongside chopping and minc
• Balance and Technique: Chinese cleavers tend to be front-heavy due to the blade weight. This necessitates a different chopping technique compared to the rocking motion used with Western knives. A cleaver uses an up-and-down motion for powerful cuts.
• Efficiency: The broad, thin blade of the Chinese cleaver allows for more surface area contact with the cutting board, making it more efficient for chopping and slicing. This can help speed up food preparation, which is crucial in busy kitchen environments.
• Material and Construction: Traditionally, Chinese cleavers are crafted from high-carbon steel, known for its exceptional sharpness. However, stainless steel versions are becoming increasingly popular for their lower maintenance needs. They typically feature wooden handles for a comfortable grip.
• 
  
  

I really liked using the Chinese Cleaver compared to a chef knife, it's just so easy to use because of the reasons above. I didn't expect to like it but I did, and its the knife I use every day for almost all cutting jobs in my kitchen.

Leg Quarters for Chicken Adobo

Preparing Pork Butt for Pork Adobo

Preparing Fish

I wanted to buy another one exactly like this, but I cannot find it anymore. The inscription on the knife is Guanfeng. I was hoping to find one online, but none, nothing like it. The second cleaver I bought at the local Asian store is a Kiwi Brand Cleaver from Thailand, which I bought for something like $7 at that time, It is not as good as the Guanfeng when it comes to handling, the Guanfeng is more balanced, but they work equally the same. I like to use two knife when I'm cutting and preparing so that I can switch faster when I need to wash the other one.

I don't think I can ever go back to using a Chef Knife in my day-to-day work. I just like using the Cleaver so much and for me, it makes everything easy and faster. 

Ultimately, the best knife for you depends on your cooking style and preferences.  If you do a lot of chopping like me and enjoy a forceful cutting technique, a cleaver might be a great addition to your knife collection.

Ka Tato's Corner March 16, 2024

Read more ...

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

Read more ...

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

Read more ...