Here's how I came to purchase this knife....
I have wanted the Yu Kurosaki cleaver for a while now, the size is perfect, but you just can't find them anymore and I really needed a cleaver. I decided this Hinokuni chuka-bocho was about as close to the kurosaki as it gets, so I took a chance. Turned out to be a GREAT decision. I am so happy with my choice. It's got some weight, but not too bulky. The blade is thin and slices through veggies like it's nothing. Haven't tried it on meat yet, but I will soon and I have no doubt it will do a great job there, too (avoiding bones, of course). One of the things I have always hated cutting/slicing is bread. I hate serrated bread knives with a passion and it's a total chore to me when I have to slice up a loaf of bread. On a whim, I decided to try the new cleaver on the bread yesterday. Amazing! It sliced through so easily and clean, like butter, the bread looked like it had been run through a machine. Clean cuts, even slices, and almost no effort on my end. I can't tell you how happy I a with this chuka.
I upgraded the handle to their rosewood & ebony handles, and it looks very nice.
