Maestro Wu hand forges knives from salvaged artillery shells fired on Taiwan by mainland China since the early 1900s. Artillery steel makes a strong blade not prone to rusting or chipping. These classic Chinese knives and cleavers are renowned across the world by the Taiwanese diaspora for quality and craftsmanship. View our full Maestro Wu collection here.

The Maestro Wu Chinese Chef's Knife is designed for slicing vegetables and chopping meats, and is incredibly versatile. Though similar in use case to the classic Chinese Vegetable Cleaver (菜刀), this knife provides a pronounced rocking motion and has a pointed tip. If you're more familiar with the chef's knife style, this might be the knife for you.

For chopping through bones, we recommend you use the Maestro Wu Meat Cleaver. The two together pair very well, and we sell them as a set.

Maestro Wu Knives has been operating on Kinmen island since the 1930s. They experienced material shortages during the Second World War and begin to collect spent artillery shells as a source of steel. Their knives are still made from shells; millions were fired on Kinmen island by China during the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1958.

Wanting to give this as a gift? It’s bad luck in Taiwan to gift knives for fear of cleaving the relationship. But don’t let that stop you from getting this perfect knife to your loved one. We suggest asking the recipient for pocket change or a small object as a trade—skip the bad mojo.

About Maestro Wu

Maestro Wu, a cutlery forge on Kinmen island, turns swords into ploughshares. Their selection of chef's knives and Chinese cleavers are handmade from scavenged artillery fired on Taiwan by mainland China. The forge is renowned across the Taiwanese diaspora for quality and craftsmanship.

Product Specifications

D4 Chef's Knife
Material: Stainless steel, hardness RC 58
Blade: 176 x 86 x 1.6 mm / 6.9" x 3.3" x 0.07"
Handle Length: 110 mm / 4.25"
Overall Length: 295 mm / 11.5"
Weight: 250 g / 8.8 oz.

Care

After use, hand wash with clean water and a little detergent. Wipe dry with a soft cloth, starting at the back of the knife and moving towards the front.

Do not use steel wool or other hard scrubbing tools to clean the knife to avoid scratching the knife body.

Do not use the knife for purposes other than intended.

Warranty

Maestro Wu knives are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damages caused by improper use, accidental damage, or normal wear and tear of the product. Scratches to the knives are not considered a manufacturer defect.

For any knives that are damaged, chipped, or dull, knives can be mailed to Maestro Wu’s facility in Taiwan for repairs or replacements, free of charge. Return postage not included.

Maestro Wu
No. 236, Sec. 1, BoYu Rd
Jinning Township, Kinmen County
Taiwan 892
 Tel: + 886-82-323-999