6.5" Butcher's Cleaver - Pin Series (X02O)
Premium 10Cr15CoMoV core steel in a clean 3-layer composite construction with a warm olive wood handle — the same cutting performance as Damascus without the decorative layers.
$92.95
DESCRIPTION
This isn't a knife you reach for every day. When you've got pork ribs to portion, a whole duck to split at the backbone, or chicken thighs to cut through on the joint, this is the tool that does it in one decisive strike rather than three awkward hacks with the wrong blade. The 6.5-inch butcher's cleaver is narrow enough to control and heavy enough to mean it.
Weight Where You Need It
The blade's mass does most of the work on bone and cartilage - you position it, then drop it with authority rather than forcing it through with arm strength. The 10Cr15CoMoV core is vacuum heat-treated to 60-62 HRC, which is hard enough to take and hold a working edge through tough cuts without chipping on the impact of a bone. Three layers of cladding give the blade its rigidity on heavy work.
Olive Wood Handle, Built for the Strike
The natural olive wood handle is riveted to a full-tang steel core that goes all the way through to the butt. That matters on a cleaver: when you're striking down through a joint, you don't want the handle flex absorbing the hit or the rivets working loose over time. Dense grain, tight build, no movement. It's heavier in the hand than the chef knife or Santoku, which is exactly right for this kind of work.
Specifications
- Blade Steel: 3-layer 10Cr15CoMoV composite steel
- Hardness: 60-62 HRC (Vacuum Heat Treated)
- Blade Profile: 6.5-inch butcher's cleaver
- Handle: Natural olive wood, full-tang, riveted
- Use: Portioning pork ribs, splitting poultry at the backbone, cutting through cartilage and small bones - tasks where a standard chef knife won't clear the job.
- Series: Pin Series (X02O)
- Model: X02O-KG
Complete Your Set
Pair it with the Pin Series 8" Chef Knife for the everyday protein and vegetable work, and reach for this one only when there's bone or cartilage in the path.
READY TO GIFT
All our knives arrive in a beautiful, premium gift box that's ready to impress. (Whether it's for a very lucky cook, or just for you.)
THE NERDY BITS
Steel Type: 10Cr15CoMoV Core
Hardness: 60 HRC
Construction: 3-Layer Composite
Handle: Olive Wood
Heat Treatment: Vacuum Heat Treated
Premium steel, honest construction
The Pin Series uses the same 10Cr15CoMoV core steel found in Xinzuo's Damascus lines — equivalent to Japanese VG10 — in a clean 3-layer (san-mai) construction. You get identical cutting performance without the decorative Damascus cladding.
Pro-Level Hardness
Professional-grade hardness for excellent edge retention. Holds a sharp edge through extended prep sessions.VG10-Class Steel
The same high-performance core steel used across Xinzuo's Damascus lines — equivalent to Japanese VG10 in cutting ability.Natural Handle
Mediterranean olive wood — dense, oil-rich, and naturally moisture-resistant. Each handle displays a unique grain pattern.SAME STEEL. CLEAN LINES.
The Performance of Damascus Without the Price
Every Damascus series in Xinzuo's range uses 10Cr15CoMoV as the cutting core. The Pin Series gives you that same core — same edge, same hardness, same sharpening response — wrapped in a clean 3-layer construction that lets the steel speak for itself.Handle Design
Mediterranean
Olive Wood
Why Choose the
Pin Series
More Knives From the Pin Series
- 5-Piece Knife Set - Pin Series (X020)
- 5" Carving Fork - Pin Series (X02O)
- 8" Chef Knife - Pin Series (X020)
- Sharpening Rod - Pin Series (X02O)
- 8" Carving Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 6" Cheese Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 3-Piece Knife Set - Pin Series (X02O)
- 5" Steak Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 8" Frozen Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 5.5" Boning Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 8.5" Bread Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 8" Chef Knife - Pin Series (X02O)
- 7" Chinese Cleaver - Pin Series (X02O)
- 6.5" Butcher's Cleaver - Pin Series (X02O)
- 4" Paring Knife - Pin Series (X020)
- 5" Utility Knife - Pin Series (X020)
- 7" Nakiri Knife - Pin Series (X020)
- 7" Santoku Knife - Pin Series (X020)
FAQs
What steel is in the Retro Series?
The Retro Series uses 10Cr15CoMoV steel with Damascus cladding. The 10Cr15CoMoV core is a Chinese-developed alloy that matches VG10 in performance, with added cobalt for hardness and molybdenum for corrosion resistance. It's hardened to 60 HRC for excellent edge retention.
Is the Retro Series Damascus pattern genuine?
Yes. The Damascus pattern on Retro Series knives is created through actual forge-welding of multiple steel layers, not cosmetic etching. Each blade has a unique pattern formed during the forging process. The layering also adds structural benefits, with softer outer layers absorbing impact while the hard core maintains the cutting edge.
How does 10Cr15CoMoV compare to VG10?
They're very similar in composition and performance. Both achieve 60 HRC hardness, both contain vanadium for wear resistance and cobalt for heat hardness. The main difference is origin: VG10 is made by Takefu Special Steel in Japan, while 10Cr15CoMoV is produced in China. In blind testing, most users cannot distinguish between the two. Read our VG10 vs 10Cr15CoMoV comparison for the full breakdown.
What handle does the Retro Series have?
The Retro Series features an ebony wood handle with a classic octagonal shape. The natural wood provides excellent grip, even when wet, and develops a beautiful patina over time. The octagonal profile prevents the knife from rolling on the counter and suits the pinch grip favoured by experienced cooks.
How often should I sharpen a Retro Series knife?
With regular honing, most home cooks can go 4-6 months between whetstone sharpenings. The 60 HRC steel holds an edge well but responds quickly to a 1000/6000 combination stone when it does need attention. See our whetstone sharpening guide for step-by-step instructions.



