I grew up around cleavers and nakiri knives. My grandmother used them, my mother uses them and now I use them. This Pro cleaver is an extremely well made, brilliantly designed cutting implement. The steel is fabulous and the edge holds. The handle and grip are right for heavier work - think breaking down a kabocha squash. It is a sure thing when you are doing lots of cutting to do. I recommend a Pro Nakiri or better yet a Miyabi Artisan Nakiri to go with this. Then you have fine slicing covered as well.