Chinese Cai Dao Chef's Knife – 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel

⭐ Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Selected for cooks who want the versatility of a traditional Chinese chef's knife with modern stainless steel performance and everyday practicality.

One Knife. Endless Possibilities.

The Cai Dao (菜刀) is the traditional Chinese chef's knife, designed as an all-purpose kitchen tool capable of handling almost every everyday cutting task.

Despite its wide blade, a true Cai Dao is not a heavy meat cleaver. It is surprisingly nimble, offering excellent control for slicing, chopping, shredding, mincing, julienning, and transferring ingredients from board to pan.

For generations, it has been the knife at the heart of Chinese kitchens.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Everyday food preparation
• Slicing vegetables
• Chopping herbs
• Preparing boneless meat and poultry
• Home cooks looking for one versatile knife
• Anyone curious about traditional Chinese knife techniques

Not suitable for cutting bones or frozen foods.

Why You'll Love It

Traditional Cai Dao Geometry

The broad rectangular blade is designed for efficiency.

It allows you to:

• slice vegetables effortlessly
• mince herbs with precision
• prepare boneless meat and poultry
• crush garlic and ginger
• scoop ingredients directly into the pan

The slight curve along the edge also makes smooth push-cutting and rocking motions natural and comfortable.

9Cr18MoV Core Steel

At the heart of the blade is 9Cr18MoV stainless steel, a premium Chinese alloy comparable to 440C with added vanadium for improved wear resistance and toughness.

It offers:

• excellent sharpness
• strong edge retention
• good corrosion resistance
• easy maintenance
• straightforward sharpening

It's a dependable steel built for everyday cooking.

Stainless Sanmai Construction

The cutting core is protected by SUS410 stainless steel cladding, creating a traditional layered construction.

This provides:

• added strength
• improved blade stability
• protection for the cutting core
• an attractive layered appearance

To maintain the finish, simply wash, dry, and store the knife after use.

African Red Wood Handle

The handle is crafted from stabilized African Red Wood, offering both durability and comfort.

It features:

• ergonomic barrel-shaped design
• secure grip
• moisture resistance
• suitability for both left- and right-handed users

A stainless steel bolster creates a smooth transition from blade to handle, while the decorative mosaic pin adds a refined finishing touch.

Key Features

• Traditional Chinese Cai Dao profile
• 9Cr18MoV stainless steel core
• SUS410 stainless cladding
• Wide multifunctional blade
• African Red Wood handle
• Stainless bolster with mosaic pin
• Suitable for left- and right-handed users

Specifications

Knife Type: Chinese Cai Dao / Chinese Chef's Knife

Core Steel: 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel

Cladding: SUS410 Stainless Steel

Construction: Sanmai (3-layer)

Handle: Stabilized African Red Wood

Origin: China

Complete Your Knife Setup

Pair it with:

• End-Grain Wooden Cutting Board
• Leather Strop
• Whetstone (1000 / 3000 grit)
• Magnetic Knife Holder

Why We Like This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we enjoy introducing cooks to knives that challenge expectations. A proper Cai Dao isn't a heavy butcher's cleaver—it's one of the most versatile kitchen knives ever designed. Wide, balanced, and remarkably agile, it can handle the vast majority of everyday kitchen tasks with ease.

Final Word

If you've never used a traditional Chinese chef's knife, you're in for a surprise.

The Cai Dao combines the versatility of a chef's knife with the efficiency of a wide blade, making prep faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

One knife. Endless possibilities. Built to perform.