Glen Kellerman

Written by Glen Kellerman

Published: 09 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

8-best-meat-cleavers
Source: Seriouseats.com

If you love cooking and preparing meals, having the right tools can make a big difference. One essential tool for cutting through tough meats and bones is a meat cleaver. 8 Best Meat Cleavers are designed to handle heavy-duty tasks in the kitchen, making it easier to chop, slice, and dice your favorite meats. In this article, we will explore the top 8 meat cleavers that are highly recommended for their sharpness, durability, and ergonomic design. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, having a reliable meat cleaver can make a big impact on your cooking experience.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 9/10

The Grand Way Butcher Knife is a powerful 440C stainless steel knife designed for chopping meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and bones. This multipurpose cleaver is perfect for indoor and outdoor cooking, whether in the kitchen or while camping, hiking, or barbecuing. Its full tang construction and wood handle provide superior control, strength, and durability for any cutting or chopping activity. The knife also comes with a nylon sheath and a survival E-Book, making it an excellent gift for any cooking enthusiast.

Key Features

  • Excellent quality 440C stainless steel and wood handle
  • Multipurpose knife for indoor and outdoor cooking
  • Superior control and greater down pressure when chopping
  • Best for chopping meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and bones
  • Great gift for cooking enthusiasts

Specifications

  • Color: Black

Pros

  • Excellent quality and durability
  • Superior control and strength for chopping
  • Multipurpose for various cooking activities
  • Great gift with a survival E-Book

Cons

  • May require extra care due to sharpness

The Grand Way Butcher Knife is a top-quality, multipurpose cleaver designed for both indoor and outdoor cooking. Its superior construction, sharpness, and durability make it an excellent addition to any kitchen, and its versatility and strength make it a valuable tool for camping and outdoor activities. With glowing reviews from satisfied customers, this knife is a standout choice for both amateurs and professionals alike.

Overall Score: 8/10

The versatile TAN REN Chinese Cleaver Knife is a high carbon steel butcher knife designed to effortlessly slice and chop meat ingredients with precision. The blade is meticulously polished and opened by hand to enhance sharpness, and the knife is made from the finest high carbon steel. This meat cutting knife is designed with ergonomics in mind and provides a comfortable grip for extended use. The knife set comes with 11 knives for everything from skinning, deboning, slicing, chopping, and more.

Key Features

  • Professional Chinese Cleaver: Versatile and excels at handling tough vegetables and meats
  • Razor Sharp Blade: Meticulously polished and hand opened for enhanced sharpness
  • High Carbon Steel: Made from the finest high carbon steel for durability
  • Ergonomic Handle: Designed for comfortable grip even during prolonged use
  • Anti-Rust Oil Layer: Oil layer protects the knife from rusting

Specifications

  • Color: 7.5 Inch Meat Cleaver
  • Size: 7.5 Inch

Pros

  • Very sharp and durable
  • Great balance and sharpness
  • Sharp, ergonomic, and versatile
  • Durable and easy to work with
  • Comes with a set of 11 knives for various tasks

Cons

  • Not as sharp out of the box
  • Blade may be prone to chipping
  • Wide bolster design may be uncomfortable for some users

The TAN REN Chinese Cleaver Knife is a versatile and cost-effective option for any kitchen. With its sharp blade and comfortable grip, it’s an excellent choice for chefs looking for an efficient kitchen workflow.

Overall Score: 8/10

The MSY BIGSUNNY 7 Inch German Steel Bone Chopping Knife Cleaver Butcher Knife with Pakkawood Handle is a multi-purpose cleaver designed for easy and efficient chopping of bones, meat, and other food items. The knife features a razor-sharp edge made of German stainless steel, an ergonomic Pakkawood handle, and a sleek and simple look. It comes with a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee and is suitable for use in home kitchens or by professional chefs.

Key Features

  • Outstanding craftsmanship
  • Razor sharp German stainless steel blade
  • Ergonomic Pakkawood handle
  • Sleek and simple look
  • 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee

Specifications

  • Color: High Carbon German Stainless Steel, Orange Pakkawood+430 handle
  • Size: Chopper Knife 7"

Pros

  • Razor-sharp blades
  • Comfortable and balanced grip
  • Stunning look
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Handle may dry out if washed in dishwasher
  • Block may not properly fit all knives

The MSY BIGSUNNY 7 Inch German Steel Bone Chopping Knife Cleaver is a high-quality, versatile knife set that offers excellent value for its price. With its razor-sharp blades, comfortable handles, and sleek design, it’s a great addition to any kitchen. However, users should take care to handwash the knives to prevent the handles from drying out, and some may find issues with the included knife block. Overall, it’s a recommended choice for both home cooks and professional chefs.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Kitory Vegetable Cleaver Knife is a versatile and high-quality kitchen tool. Made from premium German stainless steel with an ergonomic Pearwood handle, this 8-inch knife is perfect for cutting meat, fruit, and vegetables. The extremely sharp blade is resistant to rust and wear and provides a precise, 15° per side cutting edge. The knife's well-balanced design and non-slip handle make it comfortable to use for long periods. This versatile knife is backed by a lifetime satisfaction warranty and comes in a stylish gift box, making it an ideal gift for culinary enthusiasts.

Key Features

  • Multi-Functional Vegetable Cleaver Knife: High-quality German stainless steel
  • Premium HC German Stainless Steel: Extremely rust and wear-resistant
  • Peak Performance Sharp Blade: Honed to 15° per side for precision cutting
  • Ergonomic Pearwood Handle: Provides non-slip and comfortable grip
  • 100% Satisfaction Warranty: Lifetime free replacement

Specifications

  • Color: Hhlcleaver
  • Dimension: 12.60Lx0.01Wx0.01H
  • Size: 8.1"

Pros

  • Extremely sharp and durable blade
  • Comfortable and non-slip handle
  • Lifetime warranty and stylish gift box

Cons

  • Handle may deteriorate with dishwasher cleaning

The Kitory Vegetable Cleaver Knife is a versatile and high-quality tool that’s well-suited for chefs and culinary enthusiasts alike. With its sharp blade, comfortable handle, and stylish gift box, it offers exceptional value and performance. While it may require hand washing to maintain the handle, the lifetime warranty provides peace of mind. Overall, this cleaver knife excels in performance and durability, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Dragon Creek 5 Inch Damascus Cleaver Knife is a chef's dream. This professional 5-inch cleaver knife is expertly crafted with a razor-sharp blade, high carbon stainless steel, and an ergonomic full-tang handle. The knife also features an innovative anti-corrosion protection and showcases an artistic Damascus pattern design. This compact yet powerful knife is perfect for precision cutting of vegetables, fruits, and meats, making it an ideal kitchen tool and a thoughtful gift for any chef. With its stunning visual design and exceptional performance, the Dragon Creek Cleaver Knife is a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Key Features

  • Razor-sharp blade
  • High carbon stainless steel
  • Ergonomic full-tang handle
  • Anti-corrosion protection
  • Artistic Damascus pattern design

Specifications

  • Color: Silver
  • Size: 5 inch

Pros

  • Exceptionally sharp and resilient blade
  • Ergonomic and heat-resistant handle
  • Beautiful Damascus pattern design
  • Anti-corrosion protection for enhanced safety

Cons

  • Handle and tang could be smoother
  • Smaller size than expected for a cleaver
  • Some minor manufacturing imperfections

The Dragon Creek 5 Inch Damascus Cleaver Knife combines form and function in a compact yet powerful design. While some minor imperfections are present, its exceptional sharpness, unique design, and comfortable handling make it a versatile and visually stunning addition to any kitchen.

Overall Score: 9/10

Cleavers Extract is an alcohol-free herb that supports overall well-being and is a dietary supplement. It promotes a healthy urinary tract and is gluten-free. The liquid extract is quickly absorbed and comes in a 1-fluid ounce bottle. Used by herbalists, it's a natural diuretic and is ideal for keeping the urinary tract healthy. The product is extracted using carefully controlled techniques and contains all-natural ingredients.

Key Features

  • Alcohol-free liquid extract for a healthy urinary tract.
  • Quick absorption and holistically balanced.
  • Naturally diuretic, ideal for herbal remedies.
  • Gluten-free and made with all-natural ingredients.

Specifications

  • Dimension: 1.25Lx1.25Wx4.00H
  • Size: 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Quickly relieves tonsilitis and swollen nodes.
  • Improves breathing and overall health.
  • Good for cancer-related symptoms and skin tags.
  • Effective as a natural remedy.

Cons

  • May not be potent enough for some allergies.
  • Taste might be off-putting for some users.

Nature’s Answer Alcohol-Free Cleavers Herb is a highly effective and reliable natural remedy for various health issues. Its quick absorption and potency make it a must-have for those looking for alternative treatments for urinary, respiratory, and immunity concerns. The alcohol-free formula is also a bonus for those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

Overall Score: 7/10

The ZENG JIA DAO Meat Cleaver Knife is a hand-forged butcher knife made of full tang high carbon stainless steel. Carved with a tiger pattern, it is designed for meat cutting and boasts incredible strength, sharpness, and ergonomic grip. Its multifaceted execution makes it perfect for any kitchen task and is widely used for Eastern Asian dishes. The knife's unique design is the blade of choice for professional chefs throughout the region.

Key Features

  • Heart of Steel
  • Tiger Claw Sharpness
  • A Predator’s Grip
  • Multifaceted Execution
  • A Tool of Honor

Specifications

  • Color: MCD136
  • Dimension: 12.30Lx3.70Wx1.00H
  • Size: 8 inch

Pros

  • Incredible strength and durability
  • Razor-sharp blade for easy slicing
  • Comfortable ergonomic wengewood handle
  • Wide-face blade for increased cutting power
  • Widely used for Eastern Asian dishes

Cons

  • Possible issues with receiving used or smudged products
  • Size and weight may be too small for some users
  • Lack of storage sleeve

The ZENG JIA DAO Meat Cleaver Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, multifunctional knife designed for meat cutting. While there may be some issues with receiving the product in less than perfect condition, the knife’s strength, sharpness, and versatile design make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Overall Score: 9/10

The XYJ Authentic Forged Butcher Knives are a set of high-quality knives designed for exceptional cutting performance and comfortable handling. Each knife is handcrafted using forging technology and high carbon steel for durability and wear resistance. The knives feature an ergonomic full tang design for improved stability and balance. The set also comes with a unique knife sheath for protection and easy carrying, making it an ideal choice for both kitchen and outdoor use.

Key Features

  • Established in 1986
  • Ergonomic full tang design
  • Handmade forging technology
  • High carbon steel material
  • Unique knife sheath for protection and easy carrying

Specifications

  • Color: Blue
  • Dimension: 12.75Lx4.13Wx0.19H
  • Size: 7.5 inch

Pros

  • High-quality and durable
  • Ergonomic design for comfortable handling
  • Comes with a unique knife sheath
  • Ideal for kitchen and outdoor use

Cons

  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion
  • May be packaged better to prevent accidents

The XYJ Authentic Forged Butcher Knives are the perfect choice for those looking for high-quality, durable knives for both kitchen and outdoor use. With their ergonomic design, unique sheath, and high carbon steel material, these knives provide exceptional cutting performance and comfort. Despite the need for regular maintenance and potential packaging improvements, these knives are worth every penny and will last for years with good care.

Buyer's Guide: Best Cleavers

What to Look for When Buying a Cleaver:

Material:

  • Stainless Steel: Look for a high-quality stainless steel cleaver, as it is durable and resistant to rust.
  • Carbon Steel: Consider a carbon steel cleaver for its sharpness and edge retention, but it requires more maintenance to prevent rust.

Blade:

  • Size: A cleaver with a larger blade is best for heavy-duty tasks like chopping through bones, while a smaller blade is more versatile for general cutting.
  • Thickness: A thick blade provides strength for cutting through tough items, while a thinner blade offers precision for slicing.

Handle:

  • Comfort: Choose a cleaver with an ergonomic handle that feels comfortable in your hand, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods.
  • Material: Look for a handle made of durable materials like wood, plastic, or metal, depending on your preference.

Weight:

  • Balance: Consider the weight and balance of the cleaver, as a well-balanced tool will reduce fatigue during use.
  • Control: A heavier cleaver provides more power for chopping through dense foods, while a lighter cleaver offers better control for delicate tasks.

Maintenance:

  • Ease of Cleaning: Look for a cleaver with a smooth surface and minimal crevices to make cleaning easier.
  • Sharpening: Consider the ease of sharpening the cleaver, as a well-maintained blade will ensure consistent cutting performance.

Purpose:

  • Meat Cutting: If you primarily plan to use the cleaver for cutting through meat and bones, prioritize a heavy-duty design with a thicker blade.
  • Versatility: For general kitchen tasks like slicing vegetables or mincing garlic, a versatile cleaver with a thinner blade may be more suitable.

Brand and Reviews:

  • Reputation: Research reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality kitchen tools.
  • Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews to gain insights into the performance, durability, and overall satisfaction with the cleaver.

Tips for Using and Caring for a Cleaver:

  • Proper Technique: When using a cleaver, always use a steady, controlled motion to avoid accidents and ensure precise cutting.
  • Storage: Store the cleaver in a safe place, such as a knife block or sheath, to prevent damage to the blade and ensure safety.
  • Maintenance: Regularly clean and dry the cleaver after use, and sharpen the blade when it becomes dull to maintain optimal cutting performance.
  • Safety: Be mindful of safety precautions when using a cleaver, such as keeping fingers away from the blade and using a cutting board to protect surfaces.

Additional Considerations:

  • Budget: Determine your budget for purchasing a cleaver, and consider the overall value and quality when making a decision.
  • Kitchen Space: Assess your kitchen space and storage options to ensure the cleaver will fit comfortably and be easily accessible.
  • Personal Preference: Ultimately, choose a cleaver that aligns with your specific needs, cooking habits, and preferences for weight, design, and functionality.

Remember, the best cleaver for you is one that meets your specific needs, fits comfortably in your hand, and enhances your cooking experience. Happy chopping!

Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Best Meat Cleavers

What are some common uses for cleavers?

Cleavers are commonly used for chopping vegetables, cutting meat, and even crushing garlic or ginger.

How do I choose the best cleaver for my needs?

When choosing a cleaver, consider the blade material, handle comfort, and the weight and balance of the knife.

Can a cleaver be used for slicing fruits and vegetables?

Yes, cleavers can be used for slicing fruits and vegetables, but they are best known for their chopping and mincing abilities.

Do I need to sharpen a cleaver regularly?

Yes, it’s important to keep your cleaver sharp for safety and efficiency. Regular sharpening will ensure that the blade remains effective.

How should I care for my cleaver to make it last longer?

It’s important to clean your cleaver after each use, dry it thoroughly, and store it in a safe place to prevent any damage to the blade. Regular sharpening and proper maintenance will also help extend the life of your cleaver.

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