The SHI BA ZI ZUO 9-Inch Kitchen Knife Professional Chef Knife is a high-quality, versatile slicing cleaver designed for both home cooks and professional chefs. Manufactured by the Yangjiang Shibazi Group, one of China’s top kitchen knife brands, this knife combines a 3-layer stainless steel blade with a non-stick coating, an ergonomic rosewood handle, and a focus on precision and durability. Marketed as a vegetable and meat slicer, it excels at cutting, dicing, and mincing, with a wide blade that doubles as a spatula for transferring food.
Overview
The SHI BA ZI ZUO 9-inch knife is a Chinese-style slicing cleaver, distinct from heavy-duty bone choppers, designed for precise cuts through vegetables, boneless meats, and delicate proteins like fish or poultry. Its 3-layer clad stainless steel construction features an 80Cr13 high-carbon core for sharpness and durability, paired with softer low-carbon steel outer layers for toughness and corrosion resistance. The non-stick coating minimizes food adhesion, making it ideal for slicing sticky ingredients like tofu or mushrooms. The full-tang rosewood handle, with its ergonomic design and anti-slip properties, ensures comfort and safety during extended use.
Specifications
- Brand: SHI BA ZI ZUO (Yangjiang Shibazi Group)
- Model: 9-Inch Kitchen Knife Professional Chef Knife (often listed as F208 or similar in the Shibazi lineup)
- Knife Type: Chinese slicing cleaver (vegetable and boneless meat knife)
- Blade Material: 3-layer clad stainless steel (80Cr13 high-carbon core, 10Cr17 low-carbon steel outer layers)
- Blade Hardness: 55–57 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale)
- Blade Length: 9 inches (approximately 230 mm)
- Overall Length: Approximately 14 inches (355 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 2.2–2.3 mm
- Blade Edge: Double-beveled (suitable for left- and right-handed users)
- Handle Material: Full-tang rosewood with a polished steel bolster
- Handle Design: Ergonomic, anti-slip, anti-freezing, with a “beehive” shape for secure grip
- Weight: Approximately 335–382 grams (11.8–13.5 ounces, front-heavy balance)
- Non-Stick Coating: Yes, wire-drawing finish to reduce food adhesion
- Functions: Cutting, slicing, dicing, mincing vegetables and boneless meats; wide blade for smashing garlic or scooping food
- Maintenance: Hand-wash recommended; not dishwasher-safe; avoid chopping bones or hard materials
- Packaging: Gift box for protection and presentation
- Country of Origin: China
Pros
- Exceptional Sharpness: The 80Cr13 core steel is razor-sharp out of the box, capable of precise cuts through vegetables, meats, and delicate proteins.
- Non-Stick Coating: Reduces food adhesion, making it ideal for sticky ingredients and easy to clean.
- Ergonomic Rosewood Handle: The full-tang, anti-slip handle with a polished bolster is comfortable, durable, and minimizes fatigue during extended use.
- Versatile Design: The wide blade supports slicing, dicing, mincing, and scooping, with the spine suitable for smashing garlic or tenderizing meat.
- Affordable Price
- Durable Construction: The 3-layer stainless steel and full-tang design ensure long-term durability and corrosion resistance when properly maintained.
Cons
- Not for Bone Chopping: The knife is not designed for heavy-duty tasks like chopping bones or frozen foods, which can cause chipping.
- Front-Heavy Balance: The 335–382-gram weight and front-heavy design may feel cumbersome for users new to Chinese cleavers or preferring lighter knives.
- Potential Rust Issues: Some users report rust on the non-stick coating if left wet, though proper drying mitigates this (inconsistent across reviews).
- Rough Handle Out of Box: The rosewood handle may feel dry and rough initially, requiring oil treatment for optimal comfort.
- No Blade Cover: Unlike some competitors, it lacks a protective sheath, increasing the risk of damage during storage.
- Limited for Fine Slicing: The thicker blade and steeper edge angle make it less ideal for ultra-thin slicing compared to Japanese gyuto or nakiri knives.
- Not Dishwasher-Safe: Requires hand-washing to maintain the blade and handle, which may inconvenience some users.
Reviews
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