In truth, you likely won’t find a cleaver knife in a typical household, so why is this special knife found with every butcher in the area? They design cleaver knives to take on large pieces of meat. Here, we’re comparing the top-performing clever knives in the world so that you can find the best cleaver knife to suit your needs.
Nowadays, this iconic knife can be used as a meat cleaver and a vegetable cleaver, making it a far more practical item in the everyday kitchen. If you are looking to up your meat and vegetable chopping game, you’ll want to stay here till the end.
By the end of the article, you’ll have access to some of the world’s leading manufacturers’ best cleaver knives on the market. We’ll go over essential information regarding each product’s features, benefits, pitfalls, and Amazon ratings.
Best Cleaver Knife
Shun Classic 7 Inch Cleaver
Description
The Shun Classic 7-inch Cleaver knife comes with a VG-MAX Damascus blade, and an ebony Pakkawood handle for an ergonomic grip. They make the Japanese-manufactured knife using traditional craftsmanship practices, with a 7-inch wide square blade providing a razor-sharp edge for effortless slicing.
Pros
- Effective as a meat cleaver and a vegetable chopper for versatility of use.
- VG-MAX steel blade is both durable and sharp, providing effortless slicing.
- Pakkawood handle made with resin for a water-resistance and durability.
- Stain and corrosion-resistant blade is built to last the distance.
- Warranty for sharpness guarantee.
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe.
- D-shape handle may not be ergonomic for some users.
Overall Shun Classic 7-Inch Cleaver Review
As one of the leading brands and top distributors of Japanese kitchen knives, you can’t go wrong with Shun. They offer the Classic 7-Inch Cleaver with a VG-MAX “super steel” design to optimize durability and sharpness for long-lasting results.
The D-shaped Pakkawood handle is infused with resin to prevent corrosion from moisture. In addition, the full-tang construction means you won’t experience a tragic snapping of the blade when taking on large pieces of meat. Shun has consistently produced some of the most aesthetically pleasing products for the kitchen, and this Classic 7-Inch Cleaver is a prime example of that.
Easy-to-use, durable, and sharp enough to slice through all your meats and vegetables, this cleaver is rated a solid 4.7-stars on Amazon reviews by over 200 global customers. Check out what people are saying about the Shun Classic 7-Inch Cleaver using the link below or for more information on Shun, read our Shun knives review.
HENCKELS Meat Cleaver, 6″
Description
The HENCKELS Meat Cleaver is fabricated from high-quality German stainless steel and comes with a blade length 6-inches wide.
Pros
- Full-tang cleaver provides more durability and prevents blades from snapping.
- Fully-forged construction provides a seamless transition between blade and handle.
- Stain-resistant carbon steel provides durability and precision cutting.
- Traditional triple-riveted handle is ergonomic and creates balance and comfort in use.
- Dishwasher-safe.
Cons
- Blade is not as wide as other cleavers.
- Sharpness may degrade over time.
Overall HENCKELS Meat Cleaver Review
Made in Spain using German high-carbon stainless steel, the HENCKELS Meat Cleaver comes in at 6-inches wide. It provides a nice and heavy foundation for optimal chopping through joints and bones. They combine the blade and handle through a forged full-tang construction that offers a seamless transition and prevents the possibility of snapping.
Unlike many other meat cleavers, the HENCKELS cleaver is dishwasher-safe. In addition, it comes with a convenient hole in the corner of the blade to hang up in your kitchen for easy access. However, we recommend using a honing rod to maintain the sharpness of your knife, as the razor edge may degrade over time.
Available in 5-inch or 6-inch sizes, the HENCKELS meat cleaver is rated a strong 4.7-stars on Amazon reviews by over 650 real users of the product. They most highly regarded it for its sturdiness, durability, ergonomics, and value for money. So it’ll be tough to come by a negative review on this premium and affordable cleaver knife.
Nevertheless, the critics are out there, and you can use the link to Amazon reviews below to weed them out!
Related: Henckels Knives Review: Are they worth it?
DALSTRONG Obliterator Meat Cleaver – 9″
Description
The DALSTRONG Obliterator Meat Cleaver comes in at 9-inches wide. It is part of the Gladiator Series R. Designed to ‘obliterate’ with one brutal chop. This cleaver is built with a full-tang construction, razor-sharp blade, and premium high-carbon steel (1).
Pros
- Super-wide blade of 9-inches can cut down large pieces of meat with ease.
- Provided holes on the blade allow you to hang up the knife in various ways.
- Heavy-duty meat cleaver weighs in at 2.9lbs and is 6mm thick with 60 HRC strength.
- Carefully tapered for improved hardness, flexibility, and slicing mechanics.
- Extra-thick black G10 handle provides a solid and ergonomic grip.
Cons
- May be a little heavy for some users.
- Multiple steel suppliers may result in differences in quality.
Overall DALSTRONG Obliterator Meat Cleaver Review
The DALSTRONG Obliterator is an absolute beast of a meat cleaver. However, you likely won’t find one quite as heavy-duty as it. They build it with high-carbon stainless steel materials sourced from Japan, America, China, Sweden, and Germany. Then, they craft it in Yangjiang, China, one of the most traditionally renowned knife-crafting hubs globally.
Loved equally by Michelin-star chefs as the everyday home cook, the DALSTRONG Obliterator comes in hot with an enormous 9-inch blade. It also has an HRC score of 60 for ultimate durability and strength. The wooden handle complements the stainless steel blade to effortlessly chop meat, vegetables, and nitty-gritty ingredients like garlic cloves and cherry tomatoes.
Of course, this heavy-duty blade truly shines when chopping thicker bones and tough meats. The super sharp edge is met with a durable cleaver construction to provide the maximum downward force to obliterate anything in its path. Without destroying your food, of course.
A popular knife with over 1,500 customer reviews worldwide, the Obliterator is one of the best meat cleavers on the market, with a stunning score of 4.8-stars on Amazon. In addition, the DALSTRONG Obliterator 9-inch Meat Cleaver is available at an affordable price through Amazon’s online store.
Use the link below to purchase yours today or to read further into the customer feedback comments:
Related: Dalstrong Knife Review
WÜSTHOF Classic 6″ Cleaver Knife
Description
This 6-inch cleaver by WÜSTHOF comes with X50 Cr MoV 15 high-carbon stainless steel that resists stains and corrosion. In addition, they make the blade out of high-carbon German steel and a full-tang construction with a triple-riveted handle for additional durability and lasting results.
Pros
- Durable high-carbon German stainless steel blade provides durability and superior cutting power to chop vegetables and meat.
- Thinner blade provides greater edge retention and sharper cutting edge.
- Full-tang triple-riveted design makes the handle durable and prevents unwanted blade breakages.
- Hand-sharpened with Precision Edge Technology for 20% sharper results than traditional blades.
- Hefty cleaver designed for bone cutting.
Cons
- Blade length is not as wide as other cleavers.
- Not dishwasher-safe.
Overall WÜSTHOF Classic 6″ Cleaver Knife Review
The WÜSTHOF Classic Cleaver is a 6-inch blade connected with seamless full-tang construction that provides a 20% sharper edge than most blades. The blunt force delivered by this blade allows you to cut through meat bones and even makes chopping frozen food possible.
Indeed, food preparation is simple with the WÜSTHOF classic cleaver, and any user can easily handle the lightweight blade. However, as we mentioned in our Wusthof Knives review, handwashing this knife is recommended as the dishwasher could cause unwanted damage to the blade.
In terms of the convenience of using this knife, you’ll find a handy little hole on the corner of the blade that allows you to hang up your cleaver for quick access easily. Thinner blades are often more suitable for softer foods, but the WÜSTHOF cleaver provides enough sharpness for delicate cutting or slicing thick meat.
Indeed, you’ll find plenty of value in this meat cleaver rated 4.5-stars on Amazon reviews for a high-quality product that delivers customer satisfaction. Check out what the 250+ customers are saying about the WÜSTHOF Classic Meat Cleaver using the link below!
Cleaver Knife – imarku 7 Inch Meat Cleaver
Description
Coming in at 7-inches of blade length, the imarku Chef’s Cleaver Knife is a great multi-purpose tool. It achieves chopping, mincing, slicing, boning, cutting meat, vegetables, fruits, and flattening ginger or garlic. The blade sharpness is 18-degrees, and the handle is Pakkawood with infused resin for corrosion resistance and durability.
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Pros
- Extra sharp blade at 18-degrees caters to all the cutting and slicing needs in the kitchen.
- Pakkawood handle provides durability, ergonomics, and corrosion resistance.
- German-imported high-carbon stainless steel blade can cut through a dense bone.
- Convenient hole on blade’s corner allows you to hang the cleaver for easy access and storage.
- 100% lifetime warranty.
Cons
- D-shaped handle may be slippery for some users.
- Requires sharpening to maintain the edge.
Overall imarku 7-inch Meat Cleaver Review
Slicing meat has never been easier with this 7-inch chef’s knife by imarku. It provides all your cleaving needs from taking on thick cuts of meat to dicing delicate fruits and vegetables. Built with a Rockwell Hardness Score of 60 for optimal durability, sturdiness, and strength, this cleaver is made to last with no compromise on quality.
The tall blade height with the hand-polished full-tang forged construction provides a well-balanced and stable grip. Additionally, you get plenty of durability and ergonomics with the Pakkawood handle. It looks stunning and offers a corrosion-resistant solution that won’t rust during the hand washing.
With over 2,700 global customers digging this knife, you can be sure it is one of the highest-rated meat cleavers today at 4.7-stars on Amazon reviews. This cleaver is easy to hold, pleasant to maneuver, and sports superior German craftsmanship. In addition, it is super sharp and ultra-durable, providing top-quality cutting results with longevity in mind.
If anything were to go wrong, they back your blade with a 100% lifetime guarantee. In addition, they replace your blade at little to no cost for any defects related to manufacturing, craftsmanship, or material quality. Check out what the 2,700+ users worldwide are saying about the Imarku 7-inch Meat Cleaver using the link to Amazon reviews below or dive deeper into our imarku knives review.
Victorinox 7″ Chinese Butcher Knife
Description
Victorinox offers this 7-inch Chinese cleaver made with stainless steel and a handle built using thermoplastic rubber for a secure grip. In addition, the handle comes with a finger guard and thermoplastic elastomers for non-slip ergonomics, and the knife is entirely dishwasher-friendly.
Pros
- Unique grip made of thermoplastic elastometers is more comfortable and safer to use than most knife handles.
- Versatile cleaver knife that can slice, dice, chop, mince, smash, scrape, and scoop as needed.
- Can withstand temperatures between 80-110 degrees Celcius.
- NSF seal of approval for high standards of quality.
- Dishwasher-safe.
Cons
- No hanging hole on the blade.
- Not full-tang.
Overall Victorinox 7″ Chinese Butcher Knife Review
Victorinox is known for its hand-held pocket knives and is notorious for inventing the Swiss army knife, which has become a global phenomenon. Now expanding its product range to include a kitchen knife collection, the brand is offering one of the most ergonomically-friendly Chinese cleavers you’ll find today.
Unlike most cleavers with a wooden handle, the Victorinox Chinese Butcher Knife comes with a thermoplastic rubber handle. This provides a unique textured grip for ultimate comfort and stability. In addition, you also get a finger guard curve on the handle that gives you peace of mind with a pinch grip that maximizes safety for a pleasant chopping experience.
For comfortable handling and convenience, Victorinox is second-to-none. They offer some of the most ergonomic butcher knives available today, offering the most intricate designed user handles for a unique but rewarding feel.
It’s more than just a great handle. This cleaver also comes with a strong blade that is great with delicate foods, providing a sharp edge and a far lighter feel than most Chinese cleavers. Thus, it is no surprise that the Victorinox 7-inch Chinese cleaver is rated with an impactful 4.7-stars on Amazon reviews by about 300 customers.
In particular, and expectedly so, users love the ergonomics of this cleaver. It is just so easy to hold and maneuver, with highly regarded craftsmanship. My only complaint is the lack of a hole on the blade for hanging it up. However, if you can get past that or don’t have anywhere to hang your knives anyway, consider the Victorinox Chinese cleaver for your next purchase.
Learn more in our Victorinox Knife reviews.
Related: Cleaver vs. Butcher Knife: Which One Chops Better?
Hammer Stahl 7-Inch Vegetable Cleaver
Description
This 7-inch Vegetable Cleaver is brought to you by Hammer Stahl and features a premium high-carbon steel blade. It also has a Granton edge to help reduce surface area to prevent sticking while slicing. The blade is made of top-quality X50CrMoV15 carbon steel and is forged with a Rockwell Hardness Score of 55-57.
Pros
- Deep granton edge provides superior food release than most cleavers.
- Quad-tang handle provides the heft and balance of steel and the comfort and beauty of wood.
- Sharp heel means the blade extends for easier sharpening and cutting.
- Razor edge is sharpened to 20-degrees for superior slicing.
- Lifetime warranty provides cover for any defects relating to craftsmanship, material quality, or factory defects.
Cons
- Not suitable for meat cleaving.
- No hole for hanging the knife up.
Overall Hammer Stahl 7-Inch Vegetable Cleaver Review
The Hammer Stahl 7-Inch Cleaver is arguably the most beautiful and stylish cleaver on this list, perhaps across the entire Amazon collection. With a beautifully infused Pakkawood and stainless steel handle, you get the durability of steel combined with the comfort of wood. This provides a perfectly balanced feel with a secure grip with plenty of knuckle clearance.
One of the other unique aspects of this knife is the Granton edge pattern that provides relief when slicing through sticky foods. This is not a commonly found feature in cleavers, so I would highly recommend this blade to anyone who struggles with piercing through harsh textures.
On the downside, this blade is primarily designed for chopping vegetables, so while it’s not strictly limited, you may struggle to cut through meats with it. Nevertheless, as a vegetable knife, the Hammer Stahl is an incredibly unique choice of cleavers. These specialize in delivering optimal results by dicing up vegetables for your favorite recipes effortlessly and smoothly.
Backed by a 100% lifetime warranty and a high rating of 4.6-stars on Amazon reviews, you’ll find this blade to be a great gift idea for a loved one (or for yourself, we won’t judge!). It delivers top-quality craftsmanship and ergonomics. To find out what customers are saying, use the link below to read comments from real users of this product or purchase one for yourself through Amazon’s online store!
Check out more of Hammer Stahl in our Best Professional Knives article
TUO Cleaver Knife – 7 inch Vegetable Meat Cleaver Knife
Description
The TUO Cleaver Knife comes in at 7-inches for a well-measured blade. It features forged high-carbon stainless steel with a precise vacuum heat treatment that ensures superb hardness, versatility, and long-lasting results. Built with the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method, this knife features 14-16 degree blade sharpness and a triple-rivet handle with an ambidextrous hold to cater to all users.
Pros
- Extra sharp blade at 14-16 degrees for superior slicing, dicing, and cutting.
- Full-tang forged blade is immune to snapping under pressure.
- Ergonomic wooden handle is designed to suit any user through its ambidextrous hold.
- Hand sharpened and polished for a sleek and simple look.
- 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee.
Cons
- No hanging hole for convenient storage.
- Requires sharpening to maintain razor edge.
Overall TUO Cleaver Knife Review
The 7-inch cleaver knife by TUO is simply gorgeous in design with a shiny, satin finish that is hand polished to perfection. It is complemented by a sleek black Pakkawood handle that is ergonomic and suitable for left and right-handers alike.
They forge a high-carbon steel blade with a full-tang construction that seamlessly transitions into the handle. This provides superior durability and preventing the possibility of the blade snapping under pressure.
Suitable for cutting both meat and vegetables, this multi-purpose cleaver would work well with a paring knife to cover all tasks in the kitchen when preparing your recipe. Unfortunately, as with many cleavers, this one also does not come with the rare but handy hanging hole that lets you hang up your knife for easy access in your kitchen.
Nevertheless, this knife truly shines through its Pakkawood handle backed by triple rivets for ultimate handle-to-blade security. In addition, the ambidextrous hold makes it appealing to all kinds of home cooks.
Sharpened to perfection at 14-16 degrees sharpness, there is nothing you won’t be able to chop up with the TUO cleaver. In addition, the 7-inch wide blade length will ensure optimal coverage when slicing up your ingredients. This super popular blade is used by over 3,700 global customers and has received a strong user rating of 4.7-stars on Amazon reviews.
Loved for its maneuverability, value for money, and ergonomics, this knife is the talk of the town! Check out what all the excitement is about using the link below:
Global Kitchen-Knives Chop & Slice Cleaver
Description
Global brings us this Chop & Slice Cleaver that comes with a full-tang design that has been crafted in Japan using premium CROMOVA 18 stainless steel. Rust, corrosion, and stain-resistant, this blade features a handle with dotted holes for a unique grip that will appeal to some users.
Pros
- Fully forged construction prevents blade from snapping under pressure.
- CROMOVA 18 stainless steel provides solid durability and strength in performance.
- Carefully weighted to ensure high performance and optimal balance.
- Dotted holes on the handle provide a unique grip that some may prefer.
- Rust, corrosion, and stain-resistant.
Cons
- No textured handle for secure grip.
- No hanging hole on the blade.
Overall Global Kitchen-Knives Chop & Slice Cleaver Review
The Global Chop & Slice Cleaver comes with a unique look that sports a dotted hole design for the handle for a unique feel appealing to the right user. While it may not come with a wooden handle, this style provides pressure relief from the hand as you receive a form of ventilation when in use.
The CROMOVA 18 stainless steel is highly durable and is resistant to rust, corrosion, and stains for a long-lasting blade. Coming in at a satisfactory 4.0-star rating on Amazon reviews, this is a unique cleaver that could be a worthwhile investment for the right person.
Check out what customers from all over the world are saying about the Global Chop & Slice Cleaver using the link down below:
Best Cleaver FAQ
What is a cleaver knife best for?
Traditionally, cleaver knives were made for cutting through thick meat, as we often see through the stereotypical depiction of a classic butcher. However, nowadays, cleavers are multi-purpose blades designed to chop up vegetables and other foods just as well as slice through thick meats and dense bones.
What is best size for cleaver knife?
The best size for a cleaver knife is anywhere between 6-to-9-inches wide, depending on personal preference. Personally, I think the higher the better due to more coverage when slicing, but this will also increase the item’s overall weight.
Is a cleaver better than a chef knife?
A chef’s knife is ultimately more versatile in what it can be used for, whereas a cleaver is a more specialized solution to cutting meat and vegetables. Thus, a cleaver may work better in terms of cutting meats and vegetables. A chef’s knife works better for more miscellaneous tasks such as cutting up fruits or opening up packets.
How do you pick a good cleaver knife?
A good cleaver knife should typically have a durable blade, a sharp edge, and an ergonomic handle as a baseline requirement. I would also recommend a brand that backs its product with a quality-guarantee warranty.
What is the Best Meat Cleaver Knife?
After reviewing all of the top cleavers on the market we think that the Shun knife is the best one. You can check it out using the link below.
Related reading:
Source:
1 – https://sciencing.com/high-carbon-steel-properties-uses-7596348.html
