Hand-Forged Serbian Kitchen Cleaver

A Serbian-style cleaver has a tall, broad rectangular blade with a slightly convex cutting edge designed for rocking, chopping, and slicing in one tool. Traditional Serbian cleavers were forged by village blacksmiths from whatever quality steel they could source — usually leaf spring or repurposed tool steel — which is exactly the tradition we follow at Everest Forge. The forged finish, full tang construction, and weight balance make it more versatile than a standard square butcher cleaver.

Yes — 5160 is exceptional for working kitchen blades. It's a high-carbon spring steel originally engineered for vehicle suspensions, which means it's tough, holds an edge well, and resists chipping during heavy chopping. After water-quenching and tempering, the blade gains the right balance of hardness and flexibility for splitting bones and chopping through dense materials without cracking. It will develop a natural patina over time with use, which is normal for high-carbon steel and adds character.

It arrives sharpened and ready to use straight out of the scabbard. Each cleaver is hand-sharpened by our blacksmiths before shipping. Like any working high-carbon blade, the edge will dull with use and benefit from periodic honing — a standard kitchen sharpening rod or whetstone is all you need.

After each use, wipe the blade dry — never put it in a dishwasher. A light wipe of food-safe mineral oil or vegetable oil on the blade will prevent rust and protect the forged finish. Rosewood handles benefit from an occasional rub of mineral oil or beeswax to keep the wood conditioned. Store in the wooden scabbard when not in use.

Each cleaver is forged to order. Forging takes 3–5 days, then shipping is 5–10 days via DHL Express or FedEx International — so most orders arrive within 8–15 days from order date. You'll get tracking the moment your cleaver leaves the workshop.

Yes — free worldwide shipping is included on every order, sent via DHL Express or FedEx International with full tracking. No hidden surcharges at checkout.

You get the 9-inch hand-forged Serbian cleaver with full tang rosewood handle and a handcrafted wooden scabbard. If you choose a leather scabbard upgrade, that replaces the wooden one. Free personalisation is included if you fill in the engraving field at checkout.

You're covered by our 30-day return policy and a 6-month craftsmanship warranty. If anything goes wrong with the forging or materials, we'll repair, replace, or refund. Damage in transit is rare with DHL/FedEx but fully covered if it happens.

Yes. If the standard customisation options above don't cover what you want — different blade dimensions, custom handle materials, special engraving designs, matching set with another knife — start a custom forge order and we'll build it from scratch. Lead times are similar to standard orders.