Victory VK and TB Cleaver: The Tattooed Butcher Collaboration, Second Generation

The Tattooed Butcher and Victory Knives come together again to deliver a cleaver built to endure a lifetime of serious use. This is the Second Generation Victory VK and TB Cleaver—bold, purposeful, and designed to stay sharp, season after season, generation after generation.

Engineered for heavy-duty performance and lasting balance

Crafted from a robust 5.5mm German stainless steel blade, this cleaver pairs stamina with precision. It’s heat treated to 54HRC, ensuring a durable edge that resists wear under demanding kitchen tasks. A thoughtful half grind on the blade reduces weight while preserving cutting power, giving you clean, controlled chops through large cuts with less effort. At 875 grams, the cleaver carries substantial momentum for quick, consistent results without sacrificing maneuverability.

Premium materials, built for New Zealand conditions

The handle features custom Puriri scales—New Zealand native wood chosen for grip, resilience, and character. The combination of sturdy blade geometry and textured natural wood provides a secure hold even when hands are wet or messy, making it as comfortable in a busy pro kitchen as it is in a home workshop.

Collaborative design, proven expertise

Designed in close collaboration with James Smith, The Tattooed Butcher and current member of the NZ Sharp Blacks Team, this cleaver reflects real-world kitchen and processing know-how. The genesis of the project—a surplus 5.5mm steel sheet—led to a bold, purpose-built tool: the largest, strongest cleaver that remains balanced and durable enough to be trusted day after day.

Why this cleaver stands apart

• 5.5mm German stainless blade for exceptional durability and edge retention
• 54HRC heat treatment for a hard, resilient edge
• Half-ground blade geometry optimized for powerful, controlled chopping
• New Zealand Puriri wood scales for a natural grip and distinctive character
• Heavy 875-gram build delivers confident momentum on large cuts
• Created in collaboration with The Tattooed Butcher and NZ Sharp Blacks Team
• Victory’s lifetime guarantee and a lifetime sharpening offer at the Auckland factory

Ideal use cases and who benefits most

Perfect for professional butchers, restaurant prep teams, and dedicated home cooks tackling large primal cuts, dense muscle, or bulk portions. This cleaver excels in situations where power and reliability matter most—think breaking down sizable cuts, chunking through tough sections, or performing decisive, rapid chops in a high-volume environment.

Care, maintenance, and long-term value

To maintain performance, hand-wash and dry promptly after use, and keep the edge aligned with regular honing. When the edge requires a refresh, take advantage of Victory’s lifetime sharpening program at the Auckland factory to restore factory-grade sharpness. The combination of premium materials, meticulous build, and ongoing service turns this cleaver into a tool you’ll reach for generation after generation.

In short

The Victory VK and TB Cleaver, Second Generation, is more than a kitchen tool—it’s a durable, battle-tested partnership between craft and purpose. With a bold design, premium NY Puriri handle, and a commitment to lifetime service, this cleaver is built to perform today and endure tomorrow.