Most people think of cleavers as big, intimidating “butcher shop” tools made only for hacking bones and smashing through ribs. And yes—cleavers can do that. But a good cleaver is far more versatile than it gets credit for.

In fact, once you learn how to use one, you might find it becomes one of the most enjoyable tools in your entire kitchen.

Whether you're using the compact power of the

• Kaiju 8" Cleaver or the deep, bold chopping face of the

• Dynasty Serbian Cleaver or the rustic strength of the

• Grizzly Serbian Cleaver you’ll be surprised by how much a cleaver can actually do.

Let’s dive into the tasks cleavers are secretly brilliant at—and why you’ll start reaching for yours more often.

1. Slicing Vegetables (Yes, Really)

Cleavers aren’t just for brute force. That wide blade gives you stability and control, making it surprisingly great for:

• thinly slicing cabbage

• chopping carrots

• cutting sweet potatoes

• dicing onions

• mincing garlic

The weight of the cleaver does some of the work for you, meaning you don’t have to push as hard. With a sharp edge—especially on the Kaiju 8" Cleaver—you can get clean, precise cuts that rival a chef knife.

If you’ve never thin-sliced a zucchini with a cleaver, prepare to be shocked at how smooth and controlled it feels.

2. Crushing Garlic & Ginger Instantly

Forget wrestling with the side of a chef knife. The flat, broad face of a cleaver gives you:

• a bigger surface area

• more weight

• more stability

• more smashing power

Just press the blade gently onto garlic or ginger and boom—perfectly crushed aromatics ready for cooking.

It’s not only easier; it’s safer.

3. Scooping Ingredients Off the Cutting Board

One of the unsung joys of cleavers?

The built-in “scoop.”

The big flat blade allows you to:

• transfer diced onions

• scoop piles of shredded veg

• move herbs, garlic, meats, and more

No need for a bench scraper—the cleaver does both jobs.

The Dynasty Serbian Cleaver excels here because of its broader surface, making ingredient transfers ridiculously convenient.

4. Precision Cuts on Meat

People assume cleavers are only good for blunt force, but a sharp cleaver is incredibly precise.

You can use it to:

• trim fat

• cut chicken thighs

• slice steaks

• cube pork or beef

• cut boneless meats into strips

The shape gives you leverage and effortless downward power, meaning smoother, cleaner cuts—especially with the Grizzly Serbian Cleaver and its deep, curved profile.

5. Breaking Down Whole Chickens

Cleavers shine when working with poultry.

You can:

• cut through joints

• remove the backbone

• trim wings and legs

• portion thighs

You don’t have to “hack”—a few controlled taps do the job gently and safely. The weight of the cleaver carries the blade through, so you're not forcing anything.

If you’ve ever broken down chicken with frustration, a cleaver will feel like a revelation.

6. Cutting Through Small Bones (The Right Way)

We’re not talking about huge beef bones—leave that to the pros.

But a sturdy cleaver like the Kaiju 8" Cleaver is great for:

• chicken backs

• pork rib tips

• duck bones

• fish heads

The trick is controlled taps, not swinging. With practice, you can portion proteins cleanly without splintering or tearing.

7. Making Thin Herb Minces

This surprises a lot of cooks.

Because cleavers are heavier, they naturally encourage a “rocking” motion—similar to a chef knife.

That makes them amazing for:

• finely chopping parsley

• mincing cilantro

• slicing basil without bruising

• chopping green onions

The Dynasty Serbian Cleaver in particular has a gentle curve that makes herb prep incredibly smooth.

8. Crushing Nuts, Peppercorns & Spices

If you need coarsely crushed:

• peppercorns

• cardamom pods

• nuts

• spices

…the flat face of a cleaver is your mortar and pestle.

Place your spices under parchment, press with the side of the blade, and let the weight do the work. Quick, easy, and efficient.

9. Making Restaurant-Style Vegetable Chunks

Stir fries? Curries? Stews?

Cleavers create perfect large chunks because:

• the blade is tall

• the weight gives you clean cuts

• you get uniform pieces effortlessly

If you love cooking Asian dishes, you’ll feel right at home using the cleaver as your main vegetable knife.

10. Serving as a Mini Butcher Knife + Chef Knife Hybrid

Here’s the part most cooks miss:

A cleaver can replace 3–4 knives in your kitchen.

It can:

• chop

• slice

• mince

• portion

• smash

• transfer ingredients

• cut through joints

If you want a single tool that feels powerful yet practical, a cleaver might end up being your everyday prep beast.

The Kaiju 8" Cleaver is a perfect all-arounder for this, while the Grizzly Serbian Cleaver offers that rugged, rustic performance ideal for outdoor cooking, BBQ, and hearty dishes.

How to Choose the Right Cleaver for You

Here’s a quick guide based on cooking style:

For everyday home cooking:

Kaiju 8" Cleaver
Lightweight feel + versatile shape.

For BBQ lovers and outdoorsy cooks:

Grizzly Serbian Cleaver
Chunky, rustic, great for thick cuts and hearty prep.

For big prep sessions and bold chopping:

Dynasty Serbian Cleaver
Huge chopping face + excellent food scooping.

Each one brings something different to the table—literally.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cleaver

A few pro pointers:

• Let the weight do the work. Don’t force it.

• Choke up on the blade for more control.

• Use a proper wooden cutting board to protect the edge.

• Hone regularly with the Kaiju Honing Rod.

• Store safely—cleavers deserve the same care as chef knives.

The better you treat your cleaver, the more it rewards you.

A Cleaver Isn’t Just for Butchers—It’s for Everyday Cooks

Once you start using a cleaver for everyday cooking, it becomes oddly addictive. It’s powerful yet controlled, bold yet precise, and surprisingly enjoyable to work with. It can replace multiple tools and turn prep work into something that feels effortless.

So if you’ve always been a little intimidated by the “big blade,” consider this your sign to give it a try.

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If you're thinking of upgrading your kitchen knives, now is the best time of the year.

Shop the Black Friday Knife Set Sale

You’ll find incredible deals on premium knife sets—perfect for gifting, upgrading your setup, or adding your first cleaver to the collection.