HexClad 7" Japanese Damascus Cleaver, Full-Tang 67-Layer Stainless with 12° Razor Edge

The HexClad 7" Japanese Damascus stainless steel cleaver is a full-tang, 67-layer knife built for precise, heavy-duty chopping with a razor-sharp 12° edge.

This cleaver blends traditional Japanese blademaking with modern materials: 67 layers of Damascus steel over a core treated by the Honbazuke method, plus an ergonomic Pakkawood handle. It ships razor-sharp and is engineered for long edge retention when cared for properly. The design balances weight and control so you can tackle vegetables, proteins, tendons and modest bone work with confidence.

How sharp is the HexClad 7" cleaver out of the box?

The knife arrives with a factory-sharpened double-beveled edge set to an aggressive 12-degree angle for clean, efficient cuts. That fine edge slices through produce and proteins smoothly and holds up longer thanks to the layered Damascus construction.

• Factory-honed 12° cutting edge for immediate use
• Double-bevel geometry for ambidextrous performance
• 67-layer Damascus increases edge durability
• Recommended regular honing to preserve sharpness

What materials and construction create its durability?

The blade is forged with 67 alternating steel layers around a heat-treated core, using a three-step Honbazuke process to balance hardness and flexibility. A full-tang construction runs the full length of the 4.5" Pakkawood handle, delivering strength and a secure grip during heavy chopping.

• 67 layers of Damascus for structural resilience
• Honbazuke heat treatment for optimized hardness and flex
• Full-tang build for balance and long-term durability
• Pakkawood handle shaped for ergonomic control

What cutting tasks is this cleaver best suited for?

With a 7.5" blade and a total length of 12.5", this cleaver bridges the gap between chef’s knife precision and heavier cleaver power. It excels at chopping root vegetables, cutting through dense squashes, portioning proteins, and breaking small bones and cartilage when needed.

• Precision chopping of vegetables and herbs
• Slicing and portioning proteins and tendons
• Controlled work on small bones and thick-skinned produce
• Suitable for both push-slice and rocking techniques

How should I care for the Damascus cleaver to maximize life?

Hand wash only and dry immediately to avoid staining or damage — dishwasher use and cutting on very hard surfaces will shorten blade life and void warranty. Frequent honing keeps the 12° edge performing; professional sharpening can be used when the edge requires regrinding.

• Hand wash with mild soap; dry promptly
• Hone regularly; professional sharpen as needed
• Do not use dishwasher or cut on glass/stone surfaces
• HexClad lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects only

Who is this for: The HexClad 7" Japanese Damascus cleaver suits home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who want a robust, refined cutting tool that combines traditional Damascus aesthetics with modern edge performance. It’s ideal if you need a single, versatile cleaver for daily meal prep, from precise vegetable work to heavier protein tasks, and are willing to follow hand-care guidelines to maintain the blade.