Breathing New Life into Blades of the Past
Sourced from collectors and sellers across the United States, these antique cleavers range in age from 40 to over 100 years old. Each piece carries the scars of its long journey—rusted steel, worn edges, and weathered handles—but Mason sees potential where others see decay.
With a deep respect for the original craftsmanship, he carefully restores the blade steel, preserving its integrity and character. When possible, the original handle is salvaged and refinished, but in most cases, he meticulously replaces it with a handcrafted one, ensuring the cleaver is not just beautiful, but fully functional for the modern kitchen.
Meet the Maker: Mason Vecera
Master Knifemaker Mason Vecera is one of the skilled artisans behind New West KnifeWorks, crafting everything from our signature chef knives to exclusive limited editions. But among all his work, restoring antique cleavers is his true passion.
With a careful eye and steady hand, Mason takes rusted, timeworn blades and transforms them into functional works of art. Each restored cleaver is a blend of old and new—preserving the legacy of the past while ensuring it’s ready for decades of future use. From grinding and sharpening to shaping custom handles, Mason’s craftsmanship brings new life to these incredible pieces of culinary history.
Own a Piece of History
Blog posts
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