You mention being pretty much settled on a Dexter Russell. I went back and checked out what ATK (who recommend "with reservations") had to say about them:
"One of the largest models in our testing, this traditional-looking, blade-heavy cleaver was too big and unwieldy to use comfortably or accurately, wedging (not cutting) through squash and making uneven slices of roast duck. Its blade was sharp but didn’t always feel that way, thanks to a thick edge. And while we liked the grippiness of its handle, its ergonomic bumps and large bolster limited our grip options. Testers and butchers agreed: Unless you break down whole animals in your spare time, this knife is overkill."
Model Number: S5387PCP
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Edge angle: 20°
Blade height: 4 in
Blade length: 7.25 in
Handle length: 4.5 in
Blade material: Stain-free high-carbon steel
Handle material: Polypropylene
Handle circumference: 4.1 in
Price at Time of Testing: $38.87
They didn't actually say anything bad about it ... just that it's overkill for the average human.
"One of the largest models in our testing, this traditional-looking, blade-heavy cleaver was too big and unwieldy to use comfortably or accurately, wedging (not cutting) through squash and making uneven slices of roast duck. Its blade was sharp but didn’t always feel that way, thanks to a thick edge. And while we liked the grippiness of its handle, its ergonomic bumps and large bolster limited our grip options. Testers and butchers agreed: Unless you break down whole animals in your spare time, this knife is overkill."
Model Number: S5387PCP
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Edge angle: 20°
Blade height: 4 in
Blade length: 7.25 in
Handle length: 4.5 in
Blade material: Stain-free high-carbon steel
Handle material: Polypropylene
Handle circumference: 4.1 in
Price at Time of Testing: $38.87
They didn't actually say anything bad about it ... just that it's overkill for the average human.
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