Finding Your Perfect Meat Cleaver

Few kitchen cutlery tools are as impressive and versatile as the exceptional meat cleaver. With its thick and robust handle paired with a rectangular or curved blade, the meat cleaver is one of the most recognizable knives. And although the meat cleaver may seem daunting to beginner chefs, mastering this exceptional blade can unleash your cooking potential.

What is a Meat Cleaver, And What is it Used For?

In the simplest terms, a meat cleaver is a knife with either a large or curved rectangular blade predominantly used for cutting through thick objects such as meat, bone, or dense vegetables. 

One of the many great things about the meat cleaver is its versatility. Because when you put the meat cleaver into the right hands, there are almost no limitations. Some of the most common uses for a meat cleaver include:

Cutting Through Bone: A meat cleaver can easily cut through hard bones and separate meat effectively, owing to its sturdy construction and sharp edge.

Slicing Large Vegetables and Herbs: Whether you want to slice up a thick melon or quickly dice herbs and vegetables, a well-made cleaver can handle both tasks.

Crushing Ingredients: The wide blade of a cleaver can double as a crushing instrument, perfect for garlic cloves or ginger root.

Transferring Ingredients: After cutting, the broad blade on a meat cleaver provides a convenient surface to transport chopped goods from the cutting board straight to the cooking stove or grill.

What is a Meat Cleaver Knife Called? 

A meat cleaver knife, often referred to simply as a "cleaver," is a kitchen essential renowned for its robust construction and versatile utility. Its broad, hefty blade, coupled with a substantial weight, makes it a formidable tool for breaking down large cuts of meat, bones, and dense vegetables. The name "cleaver" aptly describes its primary function, as it "cleaves" through the toughest of ingredients with a single, confident stroke. This culinary workhorse embodies a fusion of strength and precision, embodying the essence of culinary expertise as it transforms raw materials into delectable creations.

Types Of Cleavers

Cleavers come in various types, each designed for specific tasks and culinary traditions. Here are some of the most common types of cleavers:

• Meat Cleaver
• Chinese Cai Dao
• Japanese Nakiri
• Chukabocho
• Chinese Gudao

Each type of cleaver serves a specific purpose, and understanding their unique features can help you choose the right cleaver for your culinary needs. Whether you're working with meat, vegetables, or a combination of both, there's a cleaver designed to make your kitchen tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

Comparison of Meat Cleaver Knife In Different Countries

Are you interested in understanding the distinctions between German and Japanese meat cleaver knives? Let's delve into the nuances that set these two types apart.

German meat cleaver knives are renowned for their thicker and more substantial blades, granting them a sense of versatility that covers a wide range of tasks, unlike their Japanese counterparts.

However, it's worth noting that the Japanese meat cleaver knife demonstrates comparable performance to the German version regarding tasks such as cutting through animal bones or tackling hard-shelled winter melons. Furthermore, the Japanese meat cleaver boasts a sharper and finer edge. Japanese knife blades typically feature an angle ranging from 10 to 15 degrees, while German knives tend to have a wider angle of approximately 17.5 degrees.

In terms of the Rockwell scale, German knives typically score around 57, while Japanese knives fall within the range of 60 to 63, indicating that Japanese knife steel is harder. However, it's important to recognize that heightened hardness isn't always synonymous with superior long-term durability.

Although a harder Japanese knife edge holds its sharpness more effectively, it is concurrently more susceptible to chipping and breaking, rendering it less durable in certain situations.

Furthermore, if you're a left-handed chef seeking an adept cutting knife or meat cleaver, it's advisable to opt for a German knife over a Japanese one unless the Japanese knife model is explicitly designed for the Western market by brands such as Shun, Global, and Miyabi. 

Beyond the realm of German and Japanese meat cleavers, the Chinese meat cleaver also holds a significant presence.

The Chinese meat cleaver slightly differs from the standard meat cleaver design. It is a versatile tool for many culinary tasks, from precise slicing and dicing vegetables to more robust tasks like meat dissection.

A top-tier Chinese meat cleaver offers capabilities that extend beyond mere meat chopping. Its finesse surpasses conventional butcher knives, enabling it to excel in delicate operations such as filleting or achieving consistent fineness when chopping shallots and carrots. This unique combination of versatility and exceptional craftsmanship underpins the popularity of Chinese kitchen knives.

Best Meat Cleavers

Having the right cleaver knife can make all the difference in your cooking experience, and we tested several of our favorite products to find the best meat cleaver on the market.

The Tests

Before landing on our top picks for meat cleavers, each product underwent rigorous tests to evaluate its performance, functionality, and overall value.

Sharpness Test

A crucial element of any knife is its sharpness. To compare the initial sharpness of each cleaver, we put all of the knives through rigorous cutting challenges. The tasks included cutting straight through bones, fileting fish, and powering through thick vegetables. Our goal was to find the most precise and clean cuts.

Curved Blade vs. Straight Blade 

We also pitted curved-blade cleavers against straight-blade ones to see how much of an impact the blade design has. Working with numerous blade weights, sizes, and widths helped us identify some fascinating findings.

Transferring and Crushing

Finally, we spent some time seeing how handy the blades for scooping up chopped goodies like onions, garlic, or diced veg from the chopping board straight to the pot. Plus, we gave some bonus points for how easily they could crush ingredients - think garlic cloves or ginger pieces squashed perfectly in the blink of an eye.

The Best Overall Meat Cleaver - Nomad Series Cleaver

Step into your kitchen with confidence. With this culinary masterpiece in hand, you can tackle every chopping task with ease and precision. The Nomad Series Cleaver breezed through our tests, effortlessly cutting through bones and thick vegetables thanks to its sharp and curved blade.

What we loved about this cleaver is the balance it offers. Its well-distributed weight makes handling heavy-duty tasks feel almost effortless, and its ergonomically designed handle, forged with radiant burl wood and combined with deep sea epoxy, guarantees that confident grip needed to create culinary magic.

Key Specs

• Perfectly Balanced 
• X70Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
• Burl Wood and Deep Sea Epoxy Handle
• Length: 8 inch / 20.4 cm
• Width: 3.1 inch / 7.85 cm
• Thickness: 0.2 inch / 0.25 cm
• Length: 13.1 inch / 33.3 cm

Another Fantastic Cleaver for Meat & Fish - Dynasty Serbian Cleaver

Unleash the unparalleled power of the legendary Dynasty Series knife set. Forged out of a marriage of AUS-10 high carbon stainless steel and softer steel via the San Mai technique, the Dynasty Serbian Cleaver provides a lethal combination of strength and finesse, helping you cut through the meat (ribs, chicken thighs, cartlidge) and fish like hot butter, earning it our top spot for the best meat and fish cleaver. 

In our tests, no bone was too thick and no fillet too delicate for the Dynasty Serbian Cleaver. The meat virtually fell off the bones, and each fish was filleted with laser precision. No matter how daunting the cut, its sturdy yet balanced blade manages the job with elegance and ease.

Key specs

• San Mai AUS-10 Stainless Steel
• Carbonised Rosewood Handle
• Material - San mai AUS -10 core W/ 430 stainless steel.
• Length: 7.9 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 3.9 inch / 9.9 cm
• Thickness: 0.1 inch / 0.3 mm
• Length: 12.8 inch / 32.5 cm

A Great, Precise Cleaver - ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver

Discover unmatched performance with the ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver, our top Western selection. This exceptional meat cleaver epitomizes expert craftsmanship, combining an 8-inch sharp blade of high carbon Damascus steel and a full tang, polished Ebony handle adorned with a fine Mosaic pin. 

In our rigorous testing, it stood out for its efficiency. We loved slicing through melons, cutting meats for a BBQ, and adeptly transferring ingredients. 

The ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver is more than a basic kitchen knife, it is an investment in superior kitchen performance.

Key specs 

• 1095 High Carbon Damascus Steel
• Perfectly Balanced
• Full Tang
• Material: 1095 High carbon Damascus steel with hammered finish.
• Length: 8 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 3.7 inch / 9.6 cm
• Thickness: 0.8 inch / 2 mm
• Hardness - HRC61
• Handle Material: Black polished ebony with detailed mosaic pin

Best Heavy-Duty Cleaver - Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver

The Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver is an unrivaled kitchen ally, acing our sharpness and cutting tests like a pro. We used the Rustic Hand Forged Serbian cleaver to cut through a coconut and de-bone chicken thighs, and the Bushcraft Cleaver did it all with exceptional finesse. 

This unique blade is crafted with 1095 High Carbon Steel and brings balanced weight and effortless agility to your kitchen. The curved blade design allows for a wider cutting angle, improving accuracy tenfold when used as a meat or vegetable cleaver. 

With its lightweight size and substantial build, the Bushcraft Cleaver excels at applying downward force, meaning that almost no ingredient offers resistance against the cleaver’s formidable power.

Key specs

• Perfectly Balanced
• Full Tang
• 1095 High carbon steel
• Length: 8 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 4 inch / 10 cm
• Spine Thickness: 1.1 inch / 3 mm
• Thickness: 0.8 inch / 2 cm
• Hardness - HRC61
• Handle Material: Rosewood.

Best Budget - Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver

If you are looking for that all-purpose cleaver but do not have much to spend, the Rustic Hand Forged Serbian cleaver is the perfect option. 

To put it to the test, we had it dice through thick chicken thighs, slice through the husk of a rock-hard coconut, and accurately mince delicate herbs. To our delight, the Rustic Hand-Forged Serbian Cleaver not only met but exceeded all of these challenges.

While the Rustic Hand-Forged blade may be inexpensive, it is certainly not cheaply made. Handcrafted with 1095 High Carbon Steel that is refined using a blend of Serbian and Japanese techniques, this 2-in-1 sharp blade boasts an impressive framework at this price point.

Key specs

• Perfectly Balanced
• Full Tang
• 1095 High carbon steel
• Length: 8 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 4 inch / 10 cm
• Spine Thickness: 1.1 inch / 3 mm
• Thickness: 0.8 inch / 2 cm
• Hardness - HRC61
• Handle Material: Rosewood.

Best For Amateur Cooks - Dynasty Serbian Cleaver

The Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver is the perfect assistant for an amateur chef. With its lightweight design and Carbonised rosewood handle, it is our favorite cleaver to hold. From the moment you grab the wooden handle, you harness the strength needed to cut any ingredient with the razor-sharp, rust-resistant blade of hardened stainless steel.

We tested the Dynasty Cleaver by slicing through thick cuts of beef and dicing hard vegetables; it handled it all with precision and little effort, and that versatility and confidence are exactly what an amateur chef needs to try new recipes and techniques.

Any home cook aiming to hone their culinary skills will fall in love with the Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver, and it may even be the last knife you ever buy.

Key specs

• San Mai AUS-10 Stainless Steel
• Carbonised Rosewood Handle
• Material - San mai AUS -10 core W/ 430 stainless steel.
• Length: 7.9 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 3.9 inch / 9.9 cm
• Thickness: 0.1 inch / 0.3 mm
• Length: 12.8 inch / 32.5 cm

Best Handle Design - Nomad Series Cleaver

Meat cleavers do not have to be bland and colorless. The Nomad Series Cleaver is a work of art, featuring a fusion of burl wood and deep sea epoxy to create a beautifully ergonomic handle. Picking up the knife in your hand feels right, and its shape naturally molds with your grip, making cutting, filleting, or dicing effortless.

Beyond its exceptional handle, this knife has an air of uniqueness and elegance, all thanks to the hand-forged stainless steel blade. At first glance, you will be amazed by the mountain range-inspired design, but over time, you will fall for the excellent edge retention and robust resistance to corrosion and rust.

It is not all about the design, and no chef wants a beautiful knife that cannot perform. Thankfully, the Nomad Series Cleaver does not fall under this category, as its curved blade, balance, and design make for effortless chopping, mincing, dicing, and slicing.

Key Specs

• Perfectly Balanced
• X70Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
• Burl Wood and Deep Sea Epoxy Handle
• Length: 8 inch / 20.4 cm
• Width: 3.1 inch / 7.85 cm
• Thickness: 0.2 inch / 0.25 cm
• Length: 13.1 inch / 33.3 cm

Best Lightweight - Nomad Series Cleaver 

Lightweight and powerful is the best way to describe the Nomad Series Cleaver. Weighing in at a modest 1.2 pounds, this knife feels light in your hand, and the exceptionally crafted German 1.4116 stainless steel blade helps you dice through the thickest ingredients. 

We tested the Nomad Series Cleaver for five days, and it impressed us with its seemingly effortless ease on the cutting board. When tasked with chopping thick cuts of meat, slicing through root vegetables, and mincing delicate herbs, this cleaver was up for every challenge. Even after all this rigorous use, the blade retained its razor-sharp edge, a testament to its high-quality, German-made stainless steel.

Key Specs

• Perfectly Balanced
• X70Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
• Burl Wood and Deep Sea Epoxy Handle
• Length: 8 inch / 20.4 cm
• Width: 3.1 inch / 7.85 cm
• Thickness: 0.2 inch / 0.25 cm
• Length: 13.1 inch / 33.3 cm

Best Design - Nomad Series Cleaver

No meat cleaver has a better blade and handle design than the Nomad Series Cleaver. Every aspect of this cleaver exudes elegance and efficiency.

The stainless steel blade features a built-in mountain range design that immediately fills you with awe. As your eyes wander past the blade, the next element to catch your eye is the wood fusion handle, which is visually stunning and ergonomically designed to offer a comfortable grip. 

During our use, we continually marveled at its perfect balance, enabling effortless heavy chopping while its sharp edge facilitated precise mincing, dicing, and slicing. 

Key Specs

• Perfectly Balanced
• X70Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
• Burl Wood and Deep Sea Epoxy Handle
• Length: 8 inch / 20.4 cm
• Width: 3.1 inch / 7.85 cm
• Thickness: 0.2 inch / 0.25 cm
• Length: 13.1 inch / 33.3 cm

Most Versatile - ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver

We loved using the ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver so much that it was hard to put it down and test the other knives. From the moment we first picked it up, the blade felt like the perfect fit. It is light, easy to use, and is sharp enough that it has no limitations.

In terms of specs, few meat cleavers are as detailed and as intricate as the ONYX Damascus Steel Cleaver. The blade is forged from 1095 high-carbon Damascus Steel and possesses a hammered finish, adding an artistic touch to its clean black finish.

The steel cleaver stayed remarkably sharp during our tests and has a hardness of HRC61. We used this knife for everything, from cutting through watermelons to portioning top sirloin and preparing ingredients for a stew.

Key specs 

• 1095 High Carbon Damascus Steel
• Perfectly Balanced
• Full Tang
• Material: 1095 High carbon Damascus steel with hammered finish.
• Length: 8 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 3.7 inch / 9.6 cm
• Thickness: 0.8 inch / 2 mm
• Hardness - HRC61
• Handle Material: Black polished ebony with detailed mosaic pin

Best With A Seamless Handle - Dynasty Serbian Cleaver

The Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver is already one of our top picks, but we loved the seamless wood handle and could not let it go unappreciated. Holding the Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver is natural and allows you to generate effortless power and agility on the cutting board.

When testing all the meat cleavers outlined in this article, none compared to the comfort of the Dynasty Series Serbian Cleaver. And combining that comfort with its exceptional blade made from Japanese crafting techniques and rust-resistant stainless steel creates a premium product and experience.

Key specs

• San Mai AUS-10 Stainless Steel
• Carbonised Rosewood Handle
• Material - San mai AUS -10 core W/ 430 stainless steel.
• Length: 7.9 inch / 20 cm
• Width: 3.9 inch / 9.9 cm
• Thickness: 0.1 inch / 0.3 mm
• Length: 12.8 inch / 32.5 cm

What We Learned

Sharper Blades Cleaved Cleanly

If your blade is not razor-sharp, your cut will not be clean. The sharpness of a meat cleaver is the most crucial consideration. With a sharp cleaver, you can power through that tough steak or chunky veg without breaking a sweat.

Size Is Not Everything: Bigger Wasn't Necessarily Better

Bigger is not always better. In our experience, size had little to do with the performance of the cleaver. Sure, a big, heavy cleaver looks impressive and can generate more power, but that is not always what you want. A smaller and lighter meat cleaver is often more versatile and comfortable to use for longer.

The Advantages of a Subtle Blade Curve

We learned a secret during our testing that you might find surprising - curved blades often performed better than straight blades. The curved blade design helps you get a wider cutting angle, which means more accuracy.

A Solid Handle Made A Difference

A good handle can make or break a meat cleaver. If the handle does not feel good and grippy in your hand or moves about when you are chopping - we do not recommend it. In all our tests, those with grippy, ergonomically designed handles consistently performed better.

What To Look For In A Meat Cleaver

Construction

When it comes to knife construction, a full tang construction is ideal. This classification describes when the blade steel goes right into the handle, giving you more balance and sturdiness. It is like the backbone of a good cleaver.

Material

Stainless Steel is the best material for a meat cleaver, as it is always dependable, rust- and stain-resistant. But if you want something different, high-carbon steel is another recommended option. 

Grip

The grip and handle of a meat cleaver often determine how comfortable it is to use. Therefore, go with wood or durable plastic, as these materials are light and offer a comfortable grip even in intense chopping sessions.

Weight 

Weight is another crucial factor, and you often do not want the thickest and heaviest option. While it may seem the most powerful, you want a blade that is heavy enough to power through tough cuts yet light enough to do so with a quick wrist flick; 1 to 2 pounds usually hits that sweet spot.

Blade Length

The blade length is another important consideration when shopping for a meat cleaver. A longer blade is ideal for thicker cuts of meat. However, most home cooks will likely prefer a shorter blade for small cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs or pork ribs.

Blade Thickness

Lastly, when it comes to strength and flexibility - thickness matters. For high power, go thicker. If agility and versatility are what you require, keep it thin and light.

Good to Know

One bit of knowledge that is helpful to know when purchasing a meat cleaver is the Hardness Rockwell Scale (HRC), which defines the hardness of a material. 

So how does this relate to cleavers? Meat cleavers should be hard enough to stand up to chopping through tough meats and bones but not so hard that they become brittle and liable to chip or crack. Therefore, you generally want to find a blade with a hardness rating typically between 55-65 HRC, which offers an optimal balance between strength and flexibility.

FAQ

Do You Need A Meat Cleaver in Your Life?

Yes, every home and professional kitchen should have a meat cleaver. Its unique design allows it to cut through thick ingredients that other knives would struggle with.

Meat Cleaver Versus Chinese Cleaver: What’s the Deal?

In the simplest terms, a meat cleaver is designed primarily to cut meat and breakthrough sturdy bones without a second thought. The Chinese cleaver is more of a multi-tasker - it can still slice meats free from bones, but you will often find yourself using it when chopping veggies, squashing garlic, or even transferring ingredients from the cutting board to the pot. 

How Do You Sharpen A Meat Cleaver?

Sharpening your meat cleaver is a simple four-step process.

1. Get yourself a sharpening stone and secure it in place. 

2. Spritz some water on the stone to stop it from heating up too much.

3. Place the edge of the blade against the stone and ensure it is at about a 20-degree angle. Now, gently apply pressure and slide it across from one edge of the blade to the other.

4. Repeat this process 12 times, then flip to the other side of the cleaver and repeat.

What Is The Best Metal For Cleavers?

Stainless steel is the best material for meat cleavers, as it possesses the perfect combo of sharpness, unmatched durability, and resistance to any rust or staining.

Why Is There A Hole In Some Meat Cleavers?

First off, the hole allows for safe and easy storage. Cleavers are often bulkier than kitchen or bread knives and might not fit in knife blocks or drawers. 

Secondly, the hole becomes crucial when the cleaver gets lodged in meat sections or substantial bones. If the blade is stuck, insert your finger in the hole to reinforce your grip and smoothly pull the cleaver out. 

Why Trust The Cooking Guild?

At The Cooking Guild, we are serious about quality, passionate about all things culinary, and committed to ensuring you get nothing short of the best cooking experience. 

We dive into every review with precision and personal testing, plus our writers are home cooks and professional chefs who love sharing their nuggets of wisdom with every post.