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A cleaver is a kitchen knife that is typically used for chopping meat and other tough ingredients. While cleavers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, they all share a few common features. Most cleavers have a thick, rectangular blade that is ideal for chopping through bone and sinew. The blade is usually mounted on a sturdy wooden handle, which provides balance and control during use. In addition, many cleavers have a dull edge on the back of the blade, which can be used for pounding or tenderizing meat.
While cleaver knives are an essential tool in any commercial kitchen, they can also be used at home for a variety of tasks.
With their strong blades and sturdy construction, cleavers are well-suited for everything from cutting through vegetables to breaking down chicken breasts. As a result, they are an excellent addition to any cook's collection of knives.
Not all cleaver knives are created equal so let's take a look at the very best from the worlds leading manufacturers for the cutting board to the butcher shop. These handy tools are ready for you today!
Vegetable Cleavers
Best Chinese Cleaver
Shun Cutlery Classic Vegetable Cleaver 7”, Chinese-Style Cleaver
The Shun Cutlery 7-inch Classic Vegetable Cleaver is a great tool for anyone who wants to process large vegetables like cabbage. This heavy-duty chef knife has an effective, nimble blade that's easy on your hands and perfect when it comes time to do all those slicing tasks you need to be done in the kitchen.
In Japan, the blade is more than a tool- it's an institution. The Classic Vegetable Cleaver features Shun’s proprietary VG Max cutting core with 68 layers of stainless steel to give you that strong corrosion-resistant edge without any doubt or question about its sharpness thanks in part to the thinner blade with the 16-degree edge's gliding action through your favorite vegetables.
This beauty can be used by both left-handed people as well as right so there isn't anything stopping anyone from getting their hands on this all-purpose kitchen knife.
- SUPERIOR STEEL - Manufactured with an ultra-sharp, cobalt-added, and cryogenically treated steel cutting core, this 7 in. Japanese cleaver boasts unrivaled performance and incredible edge retention.
- ERGONOMIC & WELL-BALANCED - The ergonomically designed blade helps alleviate fatigue and finger pains from long periods of slicing or chopping, perfectly blending performance and comfort.
- DURABLE HANDLE - The meticulously constructed, triple-riveted Pakkawood handle has gone through special treatment, making it extremely impervious to heat, cold, and moisture; accented with a mosaic pin.
- EXTREME SHARPNESS - The ruthlessly sharp edge is handcrafted by seasoned artisans to a mirror polish at 13-15° per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method; cryogenically treated for incredible hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance.
Best Lightweight Cleaver
ZHEN Japanese VG-10 67-Layer Damascus Steel 8-Inch Slicer Chopping Chef Butcher Knife/Cleaver
You can't go wrong with a set of kitchen knives that are made from high-quality materials and have exceptional strength. The HRC 60 to 62 hardness makes them durable, while also being easy to clean because they're bacteria resistant.
A full tang handle comes in Pakkawood material which makes it perfect for your hands when handling food without worrying about slipping and its bacteria resistant.
Do not chop bones or use them on glass, tile, and granite cutting boards. Hand washes with gentle dish soap; rinse immediately and towel dry.
We recommend sharpening ZHEN knives at a 15-degree angle for best results.
- MADE WITH TOP GRADE JAPANESE 67-layer Damascus Steel, VG-10 cutting core, HRC 60-62 hardness for exceptional sharpness, edge retention, and durability while being easy to sharpen
- Blade size (length x width x thickness): 8 inches x 4 inches x 1.8 millimeters; net weight 0.75 pound
- Full tang design with sealed-tight, waterproof, and durable brown color Pakkawood handle for a non-slip and comfortable grip
- Long-lasting, sharp edge for cutting meat, fruit, and vegetables (DO NOT chop bones)
- Crafted in ISO 9001 certified Taiwan factory with steel imported from Japan; limited lifetime warranty against defects
KYOKU Samurai Series - 7" Cleaver
The critically sharp edge is handcrafted by experienced artisans to mirror polish and painstakingly manufactured for extraordinary hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance.
The beautiful handle of this knife is made from pakkawood and has an ergonomic grip, which makes it perfect for your hand. The elegant mosaic pin adds even more character to its design.
The blade is made of high-quality metal, which extends through the handle to withstand rigorous daily use without sacrificing its excellent handling and performance better than other kitchen knives.
- SUPERIOR STEEL - Manufactured with an ultra-sharp, cobalt-added, and cryogenically treated steel cutting core, this 7 in. Japanese cleaver boasts unrivaled performance and incredible edge retention.
- ERGONOMIC & WELL-BALANCED - The ergonomically designed blade helps alleviate fatigue and finger pains from long periods of slicing or chopping, perfectly blending performance and comfort.
- DURABLE HANDLE - The meticulously constructed, triple-riveted Pakkawood handle has gone through special treatment, making it extremely impervious to heat, cold, and moisture; accented with a mosaic pin.
- EXTREME SHARPNESS - The ruthlessly sharp edge is handcrafted by seasoned artisans to a mirror polish at 13-15° per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method; cryogenically treated for incredible hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance.
Meat Cleavers
Best Overall Cleaver
WÜSTHOF Classic 6" Cleaver
The heavy-duty knife is perfect for those who need to split bones. The 6-inch long blade has an extra wide notch at the end that allows it to cut through tough material like butter, while still maintaining its structural integrity and durability thanks in part to being made out of one solid piece of steel (Chromium-Molybdenum). The 5 1/4-inch handle provides comfort when using this blade due to its contoured design which makes holding onto everything easy as pie.
- Knife is precision forged from a single piece of sturdy high-carbon steel (X50 Cr MoV 15) that resists stains and corrosion
- Full tang is triple riveted to the handle for exceptional durability
- Perfect for breaking down larger cuts of meat, this heavy German cleaver is designed to cut through bone. Its finely honed high-carbon steel blade works equally well for chopping and mincing tough vegetables. A heavy razor-sharp blade is designed for both heavy-duty and precision cutting
- Wüsthof's Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) ensures a 20% sharper blade with twice the edge retention
- Made in Germany
Best Heavy Duty Cleaver
DALSTRONG Obliterator Meat Cleaver - 9" - Gladiator Series R
Built to last with an ergonomic handle, this knife is made of G-10 fiberglass-like material and has been crafted from superior construction.
The full tang and thicker blade ensure it will be strong enough for any task while Mirror polished protective finger bolster provides just the right heft that you need in your daily tasks without sacrificing performance or durability.
The ergonomic handle design is intended to provide maximum comfort, grip, and maneuverability. The stainless steel end-cap acts as an additional bolster for stability which helps you maintain balance while performing various tasks with ease.
It also comes with a stylish wood stand to keep it handy when it's not being used on the cutting board and a sheath to carry it for the chef that needs cleavers on the road.
- The Gladiator Series R 'Obliterator' cleaver serves a single ferocious purpose - to obliterate any culinary obstacle in its path with one brutal chop. Featuring outstanding craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, stunning design elements, and premium materials. Peak performance has never looked so good at this price.
- Incredibly razor-sharp edge, full-tang, Forged from premium high-carbon 7CR17MOV Steel and heat treated to 60HRC, this 9" steel behemoth weighs in at 2.9lbs and 6mm thick. With a menacing shape inspired by medieval weaponry, this heavy-weight titan is sure to power through anything placed before it with brutal efficiency. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified (Applies to knives only).
- Award-winning design, with satisfying heft, premium materials, and quality feel. The blade's edge is razor sharp, allowing for surprising precision, while the extra-thick black G10 handle provides a solid grip from which to wield. Capable of sailing through virtually anything it may face, from beef, poultry, or pork to tough-skinned fruits and vegetables, cutting with this mega-beast will put a smile on your face. Laminated and polished for a sanitary build, perfect for busy kitchens.
- Engineered to perfection and hand polished to a satin finish. Carefully tapered for improved hardness, flexibility, and minimal slicing resistance. Tall blade height provides useful knuckle clearance. Included with the cleaver is a stylish handcrafted acacia wood stand, which serves the purpose of both storing and displaying this savage instrument of chopping power, which is sure to garner attention where ever it is placed. Also included for those on the go is a PerfectFit saya with pin and string.
HENCKELS 6" Meat Cleaver
The Henckels International CLASSIC 6" Meat Cleaver is a precise, fine-edge blade that has been honed for long-lasting sharpness.
The broad rectangular-shaped metal can slice through bones with ease and will break down chicken or portion pork loin effortlessly thanks to its seamless transition of the weapon (the blade) all way into handle design which provides balance and more control while giving you hands-free operation during slicing motions because triple riveted handles encourage tireless cutting.
- Made in Spain
- Fabricated from high-quality German stainless steel
- Fully forged construction offers durability and a seamless transition from blade to handle
- Professional, satin-finished blade boasts precise cutting and is finely honed for long-lasting sharpness
- Ergonomic, traditional triple-rivet handle gives balance and comfort
- Dishwasher safe
- Heavy 6-inch cleaver for chopping through joints and bones
- Made of stain-resistant carbon steel that's hot drop forged for durability
- Triple riveted handle surrounds a full tang
- Hole in the top corner so for hanging on a hook or peg
- Handwash with mild cleanser; lifetime warranty
TUO Fiery Phoenix Series Meat Cleaver
The German steel blade on this knife is hand polished by skilled blacksmiths using the traditional three-step Honbazuke method, which includes vacuum heat treatment and nitrogen cold for improved performance.
The sides of the thicker blade measure only 18 degrees to make it ideal for chopping meat.
With its sleek ergonomic handle, this utensil is a sight to behold. Not only does it look beautiful but you’ll also love how comfortable the grip feels in your hand as well.
- 🔪AWARDED KITCHEN KNIFE: As one of the world-best kitchen knives selected by wiki.ezvid.com, the TUO Fiery Phoenix Series cleaver is the best choice to deal with your ingredients, such as vegetables, cartilage, and meat. This chopper knife will help you cook with ease. The special point of this knife is the hole of the blade, which allows you to hang it on your kitchen wall to be convenient to take.
- ✅PREMIUM STEEL: To ensure good performance, we specially choose high-quality German steel for its blade. After high-tech vacuum heat treatment and nitrogen cold treatment, the steel hardness is increased to HRC56 ±2, and has good corrosion resistance and good edge protection performance, greatly improving the cost performance of our knife.
- ✅RAZOR SHARP EDGE: The blade is hand-polished by skilled blacksmiths using the traditional three-step Honbazuke method. With each side of the blade measuring only 18 degrees, this extremely sharp blade provides you with unparalleled cutting pleasure. Your work in the kitchen will be easy and efficient.
- ✅ERGONOMIC PAKKAWOOD HANDLE: In addition to the surprisingly comfortable feel and ergonomically shaped line design, the unique color combination is also the highlight of this knife. Instead of the traditional simple black handle, the handle of this knife adopts a fashionable combination of tan and black, which is similar to the color of tiger fur to give this knife a wild and powerful look and make your kitchen look less monotonous.
Imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver
The Imarku Professional Cleaver is a great choice for any kitchen. Its sharp edge and smooth angle make it perfect to cut up all sorts of meats, vegetables, or fruit with little effort on your part.
The ergonomic handle makes slicing as easy as pie - you won't be able to stop at just one slice either because this knife will take care of everything in between until there are no more ingredients left ahead before cooking time begins (which never seems long enough).
- Multi-purpose Cleaver: The classic 7" Chinese kitchen knife easily handles your everyday kitchen needs such as chopping, mincing, slicing, boning, cutting meat, vegetables and fruits, and flattening garlic or ginger. Easy resharpening, cleaning, and maintenance. Designed and made for everyday needs at home and in restaurants’ kitchens.
- Professionally Ground Sharp Blades: Hand sharpened by experienced artisans. The kitchen knife has an 18° angle on both sides of the blade and a very thin, ultra-sharp blade thickness of 2.3mm. The wide blade of this chopper knife allows the chef's fingers to work perfectly away from the cutting surface. Durable and strong, it cuts into large pieces of food with great ease.
- Extremely HC Outstanding Stainless Steel from Japan: This Imarku Meat Cleaver is forged from excellent Japan imported high carbon stainless steel SUS440A for high quality, easy maintenance, edge retention, and long-lasting sharpness. It has extremely strong rust and corrosion resistance.
- Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle: The wooden handle of the imarku Chef’s Cleaver is made of Pakka wood for excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and easy maintenance. Its handle is ergonomic and provides a comfortable grip and high maneuverability. Prevent slippage, sturdy and effortless. For left-handed users, it is also of great performance.
Best Cleaver for BBQ
Mueller UltraForged Professional Meat Cleaver Knife 7"
If you're looking for a high-quality, durable knife that will last through any task from cooking to chopping wood then this is the blade.
The handmade 7-inch long handcrafted steel made in Serbia with full tang construction and Pakkawood handle offers superior strength while maintaining an elegant look on your kitchen countertop or camping trip; whether it's BBQing meat by firelight.
- Feel The Sharpness – Not all knives are made the same, and Mueller’s Butcher Knife is no exception, standing out above the rest with its ultra-forged precision and exceptionally sharp cutting edge. Our knife’s striking appearance is backed up with impeccable performance, strength, and durability, making it the ultimate cleaver knife for meat cutting, boning, vegetable chopping, or fruit slicing.
- Premium Quality Blade – The meat cleaver knife's heavy-duty design features high-carbon steel, which is incredibly durable and retains sharpness better compared to stainless steel knives. The blade and handle are hand-forged as one seamless full-tang piece, so there’s no point of weakness at the handle. For a premium finish, the blade is coated in black oxide to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Perfect Grip and Balance – The ergonomic shape of the handle makes it comfortable and easy to use and helps reduce hand fatigue even when chopping the toughest of bones! The pakkawood design with brass rivets offers superior heat and moisture resistance and makes it super easy to maintain. Weighing 1 lb., the boning knife is the optimum weight for maximum precision and control in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Easy to Maintain – Whether starting meal prep from scratch in the kitchen or cooking in the great outdoors, this cleaver knife will get the job done. For best use, hand-wash and dry throughout after each use. Protect the blade and fingers by sliding the knife into the leather sheaf before storing it in a drawer, or else hook it up onto your belt for your next wilderness adventure!
Mueller 7-inch Meat Cleaver
Mueller’s Butcher Knife features an ultra-forged precision and is exceptionally sharp. This makes it perfect for meat cutting or vegetable chopping as well.
The heavy-duty full tang design also has high carbon steel that is incredibly durable along with retaining better than stainless blades from getting dull quickly when used daily.
- Premium Durability And Quality - Mueller super sharp Chinese Cleaver Knife is made of high-quality German stainless steel that resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration, quickly re-sharpens, and is easy to clean and maintain. High-quality steel will offer you a high-quality experience and performance.
- Multi-purpose Cleaver’s Knife - Designed to be a multipurpose knife for professional applications and it can be used for your daily kitchen tasks, this durable knife's razor-sharp and laser-tested blade effortlessly chops, minces, slices, and dices foods. It is suitable for both home and restaurant kitchens.
- Extremely Sharp Edge - Sharpness is key to achieving the best cuts and this is evident in the knife's blade which is quite sharp and will remain this way even after tough tasks such as cutting tough all kinds of meat or removing flesh from bones. The sharpness is further boosted by the use of the latest engineering.
- Pakkawood Handle - The wooden handle is made of pakka wood, with layers of wood stacked together for a perfect radiance from the wood grain. The handle is dense and compact, deterring any water damage while avoiding the splitting that is common in other wooden materials. To make it more professional and minimize any fatigue, after holding it continuously for an extended time, the Chinese knife's handle provides you a secure comfortable grip, not easy to slip, sturdy, and labor-saving.
Best Budget Cleaver
Utopia Kitchen Cleaver
The heavy-duty 7-inch cleaver is perfect for cutting through large pieces of food, including meat with soft bones and tough root vegetables.
It also has an ergonomic grip to minimize wrist tension so you can have ultimate control while slicing without feeling tired or uncomfortable from holding onto the blade too long.
Whether you like to cook or clean, this knife will come in handy. It’s not just dishwasher safe but also tarnish and rust resistant so it lasts for years without maintenance. Hand washing is recommended for longevity.
- Heavy duty cleaver is made from 100 percent stainless steel
- 7 Inch cleaver knife cuts easily through large pieces of food and is perfect for bone cutting, chopping, and cleaving
- ABS 430 handle allows for easy grip and hassle-free maneuvering and the superior quality stainless steel blade holds an ultra-sharp edge providing lasting and superior cutting performance
- Designed and built exclusively for the tough day-to-day demands of the commercial kitchen
- Dishwasher safe; hand washing is recommended to retain the fine quality of the exceptional blade
FAQs
What is the best brand of cleaver knife?
There is no one best brand of cleaver knife; it depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular brands include Wüsthof, Shun, and Henckels. Consider what you'll be using the knife for most often - chopping meat, for example - and choose a blade shape and size that suits your needs.
Cleaver knives typically have a broad, rectangular blade that is thick and heavy-duty, making them ideal for tough cutting tasks. Look for a knife with a comfortable grip and sturdy construction that will last long even with heavy use. Also, keep in mind your budget; higher-end brands will cost more but may offer better quality and durability.
Is a cleaver a good kitchen knife?
If you're looking for a versatile kitchen knife that can handle a variety of tasks, then a cleaver is a great option. Whether you're slicing vegetables, chopping herbs, or mincing meat, a cleaver can make quick work of most foods.
And since they're typically larger and heavier than other types of knives, they can also be used for things like cracking open nuts or breaking down chicken bones.
Of course, every cook has their preferences, so you'll want to choose a cleaver that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your needs. But in general, a good quality cleaver will be made from durable stainless steel and have a sharp, wide blade that's easy to control.
What cleaver do chefs use?
Most chefs use a cleaver that is made of high-carbon steel. This type of steel is very strong and can hold an edge well. Many cleavers also have a handle that is made of wood, which makes them more comfortable to hold and use. Some chefs prefer a lighter weight cleaver, while others prefer a heavier one. Cleavers are also available in different sizes, so it is important to choose one that will be comfortable for you to use.
What is the best size cleaver?
This is a great question with a lot of important factors to consider! When it comes to finding the best size cleaver, there are a few things you need to take into accounts such as the type of food you'll be cutting, how often you'll be using it, and your personal preferences.
As a general rule of thumb, a smaller cleaver is better for precise cuts similar to a chef's knife while a larger one is better for chopping through thicker pieces of meat. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking that involves meats or vegetables, then having two different sizes of cleavers can be helpful so you have more options.
How do I choose the right cleaver?
The best way to choose the right cleaver is to first consider the size of the animal you will be butchering. A smaller animal, like a chicken, requires a smaller cleaver, while a larger animal, like a pig, requires a larger cleaver.
You should also take into account the weight of the cleaver. Heavier cleavers are better for heavier butchering tasks, like cutting through bones. Lighter cleavers are better for more delicate tasks, like slicing meat off the bone.
Finally, you should consider the shape and curvature of the blade. Some blades are curved inward so that they can easily chop through thick bones, while other blades are curved outward so that they can easily slice meat off.
Why do cleavers have a hole?
The hole in the middle of a meat cleaver is designed to allow for a better grip and to help keep your hand from slipping. It also helps reduce the weight of the cleaver, making it easier to wield.
What steel is best for cleaver?
Carbon steel is best for cleaver because of its superior edge retention. With regular use, a carbon steel blade can hold an edge significantly longer than stainless steel. This is especially important when it comes to knives that are used for heavy chopping tasks, like cleavers.
Carbon steel blades also tend to be easier to sharpen than stainless steel blades. However, they require more care to prevent rusting and need to be washed and dried immediately after use. If not properly taken care of, a carbon steel blade will rust very quickly. Stainless steel blades are less prone to rusting but usually don't hold an edge as long as carbon steel.
What are Chinese cleavers good for?
Traditional Chinese cleavers are multi-purpose kitchen tools designed for cutting, chopping, and slicing meats and vegetables. However, they can also be used for other tasks such as mincing garlic or ginger, dicing tomatoes, pounding spices, opening lobster or crab shells, and even crushing nuts.
The Chinese cleaver is differentiated from its Western counterpart by its thinner, lighter blade. The shape of the blade is also more rectangular than triangular. As a result, Chinese cleavers are better suited for slicing meat and fish rather than chopping through bone.
One of the main advantages of using a Chinese cleaver is that it makes food preparation quicker and easier. With one quick motion, you can chop up an entire chicken or fish into smaller pieces.
How do you sharpen a thick cleaver?
There are a few different ways that you can sharpen a thick cleaver. One way is to use a sharpening stone. First, wet the stone with water and then place the cleaver on the stone at an angle of about 15 degrees. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes to sharpen the blade.
Another way to sharpen a thick cleaver is to use a honing rod. First, find a honing rod that is just wider than the blade of your knife. Second, hold the honing rod at an angle of about 15 degrees and stroke the blade along the rod in one direction only (typically towards you). You don't need to apply much pressure-just let the weight of the knife do the work.
What is a Serbian cleaver?
A Serbian cleaver is a type of kitchen knife that is used for slicing and chopping. It has a broad, heavy blade that is typically around 8-10 inches long, and it is often used for carving large cuts of meat. The Serbian cleaver gets its name from the fact that it is popular in Serbian cuisine.
