Welcome to the world of cooking, where having the right tools can make all the difference in the quality of your dishes. One essential tool that every cook should have in their kitchen is a good cleaver knife. A cleaver knife is a versatile and powerful cutting tool that can handle a variety of tasks, such as chopping through bone, slicing through meat, and crushing garlic. With its broad blade and sturdy construction, a cleaver knife can make quick work of even the toughest ingredients.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best cleaver knives for cooking, and help you choose the one that's right for your needs.
What to Look For in a Cleaver Knife?
When looking for a cleaver knife, there are several important factors to consider:
Blade Material: The blade of a cleaver knife should be made of high-quality stainless steel that is strong and durable. The blade should also be thick enough to handle tough cuts of meat or bone without chipping or breaking.
Blade Shape: The blade of a cleaver knife should be flat and broad, with a straight edge that extends from the handle to the tip of the blade. This shape allows for maximum cutting surface area and provides leverage for chopping through thick meat or bones.
Weight: A cleaver knife should be heavy enough to provide the necessary force for chopping through meat or bone, but not so heavy that it is difficult to handle. A weight of around 1-2 pounds is ideal for most home cooks.
Handle: The handle of a cleaver knife should be comfortable to grip and provide a secure grip, even when the blade is wet. Look for a handle made of durable materials like wood, plastic, or composite materials.
Balance: The weight of the blade and the handle should be balanced, so the knife feels comfortable and easy to control. A well-balanced knife will reduce fatigue during use and make chopping easier and more efficient.
Blade Thickness: The thickness of the blade should be proportional to the size of the knife. A thicker blade will provide more weight and power for chopping, while a thinner blade will be lighter and more nimble.
Price: Finally, consider your budget when shopping for a cleaver knife. While high-quality knives can be expensive, it is worth investing in a good knife that will last for years with proper care and maintenance. Look for knives that offer good value for money, and be prepared to spend a little more for a high-quality knife that will perform well over time.
What is the Best Cleaver Knife?
- Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver
- Nomad Series Cleaver
- Grizzly Series Serbian Cleaver
- Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver
- The Hand Forged Kiri Cleaver
- ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver
The Benefits of a Good Cleaver Knife
The Cooking Guild’s Exclusive Nomad Series Cleaver
The meat cleaver is a true powerhouse that exudes might and heft, making a visual impact like no other knife. Admit it - we’ve all caught ourselves admiring this noble tool while waiting in line at the butcher shop and dreaming of owning one ourselves.
While looking cool is undoubtedly an important factor when selecting a cleaver knife (after all, our tools should reflect our personality and style), cleavers have an often-overlooked practical purpose in the kitchen, especially for those who frequently handle meat. Whether you opt for a Chinese cleaver or a heavy-duty meat cleaver, these versatile tools can tackle a wide range of kitchen tasks, but they truly shine when confronted with meat, bone, and gristle.
So, if you want a kitchen tool that packs a punch and can handle the toughest ingredients, a high-quality meat cleaver is a must-have addition to your arsenal. Not only will it make you feel like a total badass, but it will also elevate your cooking game to a whole new level.
Why do you need a cleaver?
No matter how much we adore our chefs knives and how many times they've saved the day, they do have their limits. Certain tasks are beyond their capabilities, and using them for such purposes may damage the blade. That's where cleavers come in, providing a robust and reliable tool for those heavy-duty kitchen jobs. With a cleaver at your disposal, you can tackle tough cuts of meat and dense bone with ease, without worrying about damaging your trusty chefs knives.
Pros of a good cleaver knife
- Gets The Job Done Quickly – A cleaver knife is a great tool for cutting through tough materials like bone and meat with ease, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Versatility Is Key – Not only can you use it to chop and slice, but you can also use the flat side of the blade to tenderize meat or serve as a pestle for crushing spices and garlic cloves.
- Never Dulls – High quality cleaver knives are made of stainless steel, meaning they'll stay sharp and won't dull easily over time.
- Easy To Clean & Maintain – Cleaver knives aren't hard to clean or maintain because of their simple construction. A quick rinse with warm soap and water or wiping down with a cloth should do the trick!
- Perfect For Any Kitchen – Whether you're just starting out in the kitchen or you're an experienced chef, having a good cleaver knife around will make cooking tasks much easier!
- Safety First – Cleavers have thick blades that help protect your hands from accidental slips when cutting tough materials like bones or fruits and vegetables with thick skin.
Cons of a cheap cleaver knife
- If a cleaver is not properly balanced, it'll be uncomfortable to use and won't get the job done.
- Cheap knives may look attractive, but they are made from materials of questionable quality.
- Blades that are too inexpensive retain their edge for very short periods of time and can be hazardous if handled incorrectly.
- Flimsy and light cleavers simply don't have the force or weight necessary to tackle many kitchen tasks effectively.
- Handles that aren't strong enough will cause discomfort and come apart easily when put under pressure.
6 Best Cooking Guild Cleaver Knives to Buy
1. Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver
The Dynasty Cleaver - a kitchen knife that combines strength, balance, and style. Crafted from softer stainless steel that is hardened to perfection, this knife boasts a razor-sharp and rust-resistant blade that can last a lifetime. Its reinforced and expansive blade makes it suitable for tackling the toughest of cuts with ease. The sleek rosewood handle and bespoke TCG pins add a touch of style to this high-performance kitchen tool.
Price: $115
The Advantages of the Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver
- Forged using traditional Japanese blade-making technique, resulting in high-quality knives
- San Mai technique offers extra support and protection against corrosion
- Blades are screamingly sharp and rust-resistant
- Blades can last a lifetime
- Dynasty Cleaver is perfectly balanced and glides easily through tough cuts
- Sleek rosewood handle and bespoke TCG pins add style to the knife
The Disadvantages of the Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver
- Could be more expensive than other kitchen knives on the market
- Requires proper maintenance to maintain sharpness and prevent rust
2. Nomad Series Cleaver
With its stunning mountain range blade edge and mountain burl wood fusion handle, the Nomad Series Cleaver is a work of art that is perfect for nature lovers. Its precision-engineered German 1.4116 stainless steel blade is corrosion and rust-resistant, ensuring it remains ruthlessly sharp and can tackle even the toughest root vegetables.
Price: $135
Advantages of the Nomad Series Cleaver:
- The beautiful mountain range blade edge and mountain burl wood fusion handle make it a visually appealing addition to any kitchen.
- Precision engineering and German 1.4116 stainless steel construction make the blade corrosion and rust-resistant, ensuring it lasts a long time.
- The blade is ruthlessly sharp and can handle even the toughest root vegetables with ease.
- The weighted and balanced design makes heavy chopping a breeze.
- The fine cutting edge provides exceptional sharpness for mincing, dicing, and slicing a variety of other foods.
Disadvantages of the Nomad Series Cleaver:
- None
3. Grizzly Series Serbian Cleaver
Forged using the Japanese San Mai method, each knife ensures sharpness and durability. With a full tang structure, these knives are built to last for generations. Elevate your BBQ experience with the Grizzly Series, where tradition meets innovation for a cut above the rest.
Price: $119
Advantages of the Grizzly Series Serbian Cleaver:
- Crafted with durable 430 stainless steel and a Hitachi SLD Steel Edge for sharpness.
- The 8" Serbian Cleaver is versatile for various kitchen cutting tasks.
- Enhanced durability with a full tang design.
- Stylish design with added structural reinforcement.
- The 5-inch rosewood handle provides a comfortable grip.
The Disadvantages of the Grizzly Series Serbian Cleaver:
- Storage may be challenging with its 8-inch blade and 13.5-inch width
- The rosewood handle requires specific care for maintenance.
4. Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver
The stunning hand-forged Serbian Cleaver is a true masterpiece in the world of culinary tools. Meticulously crafted with a perfect balance of hardness, flexibility, and toughness, this cleaver is the ultimate tool for anyone who loves to cook. With its superior quality and exceptional design, this cleaver will elevate your cooking experience and make meal preparation a true pleasure.
Price: $115
The Advantages of the Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver
- Hand-forged construction ensures high quality and durability
- Perfect balance between hardness, flexibility, and toughness for optimal performance
- Screamingly sharp blade edge makes cutting effortless and precise
- Heating process adds flexibility to the blade, making it more versatile and easier to use
- Hardness of the steel ensures long-lasting sharpness and durability
- Serbian Cleaver design is ideal for a variety of cutting tasks in the kitchen
- Enjoyment of cooking may increase due to the ease and precision of cutting with this tool
The Disadvantages of the Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver
- The weight and size of the Serbian Cleaver may be too large or heavy for some users, making it difficult to handle
- The specific design of the Serbian Cleaver may limit its versatility for certain types of cutting tasks in the kitchen
- Some users may not enjoy the extra maintenance required to keep the knife in top condition, such as oiling and careful storage.
if you are looking for a high-quality and unique kitchen tool that can handle a variety of cutting tasks and are willing to invest in its maintenance, the Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver could be a great choice for you.
5. The Hand Forged Kiri Cleaver
The Hand Forged Kiri Cleaver is a 2-in-1 blade crafted by Serbian and Japanese artisans, combining the strength of a Serbian Chef’s Knife with the precision of a Master Kiritsuke. Its unique shape allows for sashimi precision and Serbian strength can handle tough opponents.
Price: $105
The Advantages of the Hand Forged Kiri Cleaver
- Combines the mastery of Serbian and Japanese artisans to create a unique and versatile blade
- Perfectly balanced weight and formidable strength of the Serbian Chef’s Knife combined with the ruthlessly sharp versatility of Master Kiritsuke
- Unique shape allows for sashimi level precision in cutting tasks
- Brutish Serbian strength ensures it can handle even the toughest of ingredients with ease
The Disadvantages of the Hand Forged Kiri Cleaver
- The Hand Forged Kiri Cleaver may be too heavy or large for some users, making it difficult to handle or store
- The specific design of the Kiri Cleaver may limit its versatility for certain types of cutting tasks in the kitchen
- The maintenance required to keep the knife in top condition, such as oiling and careful storage, may be more intensive than for other knives
6. ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver
Our Verdict — Best For Cleaver Knife
The ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver - the culmination of a year's worth of effort in perfecting the balance between sharpness and beauty. Forged with high carbon Damascus steel and featuring a full tang polished Ebony wood handle with a detailed Mosaic pin, these knives are our proudest pieces of work to date. The cleaver comes complete with an exclusive ONYX branded sheath and premium custom packaging, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen.
Price: $165
Advantages:
- High carbon Damascus steel provides exceptional sharpness and durability
- Full tang construction ensures strength and stability
- Polished Ebony wood handle offers a comfortable and secure grip
- Detailed Mosaic pin adds a unique and aesthetic touch to the knife
- Exclusive ONYX branded sheath and premium custom packaging provide a luxurious presentation
Disadvantages:
- High carbon steel requires more maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion
- Ebony wood handle may be more susceptible to cracking or splitting if not properly cared for
- The intricate Mosaic pin may increase the cost of production and ultimately, the price of the knife.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEAVERS
What is the difference between a Chinese cleaver and a meat cleaver?
A Chinese cleaver and a meat cleaver may look similar at first glance, but there are significant differences between the two. One key difference is the thickness of the blade.
A Chinese cleaver has a thinner and lighter blade, making it well-suited for precision cutting of soft ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and boneless meat. Conversely, the thicker and heavier blade of a meat cleaver is designed for chopping through tougher materials such as bones and thick cuts of meat.
While meat cleavers are commonly used in butcher shops, Chinese cleavers are a staple in Chinese kitchens and are used for a wide range of tasks beyond Chinese cuisine. Due to their versatility and ease of use, many home cooks prefer to use a Chinese cleaver as their primary cutting tool in the kitchen.
In addition to slicing, dicing, and chopping, a Chinese cleaver can also be used for crushing garlic, scooping up chopped ingredients, and even as a makeshift mortar and pestle.
What is the difference between a butcher knife and a cleaver?
Comparing butcher knives and cleavers is common because of their similar uses, although some people classify cleavers as a type of butcher knife. The primary distinction between them is their size; cleavers are usually huge and tall knives designed for strength and force, whereas butcher knives are similar in size and weight to regular chef's knives.
How to sharpen cleaver knives?
Properly sharpening a knife is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness, ease of use, and safety. Dull knives are not only frustrating to work with, but also increase the risk of injury due to slipping or inconsistent cutting. Regular sharpening of your knives, including cleavers, is recommended to maintain their sharpness. It's important to follow proper usage, storage, and sharpening techniques to ensure that you don't damage the blade.
If you're unsure about how to sharpen your cleaver, there are a variety of methods available, including using a sharpening stone, honing steel, or electric sharpener. A thorough explainer can provide guidance on how to sharpen your cleaver effectively and safely, so be sure to do your research and follow best practices.
