Satoshi Nakagawa Ginsan Chinese Cleaver

£475.00

A weighty and classy all rounder made by Nakagawa-san for Hatsukokoro, despite the name this is not a bone crushing cleaver but a general use chef knife ideal for a wide range of jobs thanks to its flat profile and excellent thin cutting edge.

Product variants

Currently out of stock

Product Code: SAT-0026-##

Knife & Range Specifications

Knife Measurements

Blade Edge Length: 174mm / 6.85" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Knife Length: 275mm / 10.83" (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 76mm / 2.99" (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 3.58mm / 0.14" (Spine width above the heel) 2.92mm / 0.11" (Measured halfway along spine) 2.32mm / 0.09" (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 422 grams / 14.89 oz

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and finishes.

Range Specifications

Core Steel: Ginsan (Silver 3)
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Blade Finish: Migaki
Hardness: 61 (HRC)
Handle Style:
Handle Material: Various finishes and materials
Left or Right handed: Suitable for both (Double Bevel)

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Satoshi Nakagawa - Silver 3 Chinese Cleaver

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Made for Hatsukokoro, Nakagawa-san's cleaver has an excellent edge and finish very much in line with his other Silver 3/Ginsan knives and for those of you who are seeking a versatile and weighty knife that is very thin behind the edge look no further.

Beauty

A subtle hairline migaki finish running horizontally along the blade and each knife in the range being paired with a unique handle in varying colours look fantastic. These knives are engraved with Nakagawa-san's kanji on one side and Hatsukokoro's on the other.

In Hand

Definitely plenty of weight to push through ingredients and a subtle taper the blade and handle finish are smooth and rounded off along the spine for comfort and despite weighing more than 400g this is a knife that's comfortable in hand and the classic short handle balances it out nicely.

Durability

The Silver 3 core is comparable to many carbon steels for sharpness and edge retention and will keep an impressive edge sharpness.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

It's important to note that despite the cleaver name, this is not a knife for use on or around bone, it's a thin and tall all-rounder so think more in those terms when using.

Care wise, Silver 3/Ginsan clad with stainless is an easy to look after steel pairing and if you follow our normal care instructions you'll be fine.

Our Verdict

Super craftmanship from Nakagawa-san and overall an impressively versatile selection of Chinese cleavers with limited availability and a choice of striking handles we love them!

Meet the maker

Satoshi Nakagawa

Satoshi Nakagawa is a highly skilled blacksmith based in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture — a region with centuries of history in fine blade making. Trained under master craftsman Kenichi Shiraki, Nakagawa inherited the workshop and continues to uphold its exceptional standards while forging his own path as one of Sakai’s leading artisans. His work reflects the precision and dedication characteristic of Sakai’s traditional knife-making craft.

Nakagawa is renowned for his meticulous forging, consistent geometry and exceptional heat treatment. His blades are prized for their balance, edge retention and smooth cutting feel, showcasing his deep understanding of steel and fine craftsmanship. Each knife demonstrates his ability to merge strength and refinement in perfect harmony.

Working independently and in collaboration with top brands such as Konosuke and Baba Hamono, Nakagawa frequently forges with Blue and White carbon steels, along with modern stainless options. His craftsmanship combines traditional Japanese forging with a contemporary precision admired by chefs and collectors worldwide.

View all Satoshi Nakagawa products