Meat Cleavers

Joseph Sanders
13 min readMay 28, 2024

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Looking for a reliable and efficient meat cleaver to make your cooking experience smoother and quicker? Look no further, as we’ve compiled a list of the best meat cleavers in the market, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Our roundup covers a range of products, from top-tier brands to budget-friendly options, and provides comprehensive reviews and comparisons to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in and find the perfect meat cleaver for your needs.

The Top 10 Best Meat Cleavers

  1. Koconic Stainless Steel Meat Cleavers for Home Cooking — The Koconic Manual Frozen Meat Slicer is a durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel slicer ideal for home cooking, offering cost savings for untreated meat and versatility for various food items.
  2. High Carbon Steel Meat Cleaver for Outdoor Cooking — Experience the ultimate butcher knife with XYJ’s 6.7 inch Meat Cleaver, designed for cutting, dicing, and slicing in your kitchen or camping, featuring V-shaped blade, ergonomic full tang handle, and high rust resistance.
  3. Licaidao Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver for Bone and Meat Processing — The LICAIDAO Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver Butcher Knife offers a thick and heavy blade for effortless bone chopping, combined with a comfortable rosewood handle and reinforced stability for ultimate satisfaction in your culinary endeavors.
  4. High-Quality Carbon Steel Chinese Cleaver for Slicing Meat and Vegetables — Experience ultimate edge retention and durability with the Togiharu Carbon Steel Chinese Cleaver — the perfect addition to any well-equipped kitchen.
  5. Svord Meat Cleaver — 6" Carbon Steel Blade, Black Micarta Handles, Leather Sheath — Svord’s 6" Professional Meat Cleaver, featuring a robust 8670 high carbon steel blade and ergonomic Micarta handles, is the ultimate chopping tool for professional chefs, backed by a leather sheath and New Zealand craftsmanship.
  6. Heavy Duty Butcher Cleaver with TPR Handle — Experience precision chopping with the Zhen VG-10 Series Heavy Duty 8" Chopping Chef Butcher Knife, offering durability, comfort, and unmatched cutting performance in your kitchen.
  7. Professional 7.5-inch Stainless Steel Cleaver Knife — Experience unmatched precision and durability with the LAN Series 7.5 inch Stainless Steel Meat Cleaver, perfect for both home and professional kitchens.
  8. Silver Dragon Hatchet Knife Meat Cleaver — Experience a versatile cutting performance with the Silver Dragon Hatchet Knife Meat Cleaver, featuring a robust 5-millimeter carbon steel blade and streamlined design.
  9. Wusthof Classic 6 Piece Cook’s Set with 6" Black Meat Cleaver — Experience ultimate precision with the Wusthof Classic Six Piece Cook’s Set, featuring a durable 6-inch cleaver knife that boasts superior edge retention, craftsmanship, and an ergonomic design perfect for any culinary adventure.
  10. Professional Heavy-Weight Meat Cleaver — A heavy-weight powerhouse: Experience effortless cuts and precise cleansing with the Chef’s Heavy-Weight Cleaver — the ultimate specialized tool for professional butchers.

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Reviews

Koconic Stainless Steel Meat Cleavers for Home Cooking

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The Koconic Manual Frozen Meat Slicer has been a fantastic addition to my home cooking routine. This stainless steel cleaver has an ingenious blade shape that allows for easy and precise cutting of various frozens meats, including beef roll, mutton roll, pork roll, ham, and beef jerky.

I’ve even used it for cutting fruits, vegetables, and frozen cheese slices to top off my pizzas and burgers. The slicer’s long-lasting construction ensures efficiency and saves me time in the kitchen.

The interchangeable blade system is convenient, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Overall, I highly recommend this manual meat slicer for its versatility and cost-effective use for a wide range of culinary needs.

High Carbon Steel Meat Cleaver for Outdoor Cooking

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This versatile 6.7-inch cleaver is great for all your cutting needs in the kitchen, backyard, or camping. Made from high carbon stainless steel, the blade offers impressive rust resistance and is perfect for slicing through meat, bone, and vegetables with ease.

The ergonomic full tang handle, crafted from pakkawood, ensures a comfortable grip and non-slip performance. Stand out features include the V-shaped blade that minimizes food sticking and the sharp edge ideal for cutting through tougher foods compared to typical cleavers. The complete package arrives in a gift box with a leather sheath, a mini whetstone, and a mini knife with a matching sheath.

These reviews rave about its sturdiness and ease of use, praising its sharpening ability and overall value.

Licaidao Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver for Bone and Meat Processing

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Experience the perfect blend of traditional forging and modern craftsmanship with LICAIDAO’s Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver. Its thick and heavy blade provides high rigidity, making it effortless to chop through bones without any blade curling. The rosewood handle, adorned with three rivets, ensures a non-slip and comfortable grip, while the reinforced installation adds stability and durability.

As a versatile butcher knife, it excels at chopping and breaking bones, perfect for any meat-based dish. Its double sharpening and dual blade grinding greatly enhance the sharpness level, ensuring precise cuts every time. With a dedication to customer satisfaction, LICAIDAO’s Meat Cleaver is the ultimate choice for your kitchen needs.

High-Quality Carbon Steel Chinese Cleaver for Slicing Meat and Vegetables

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The Togiharu Carbon Steel Chinese Cleaver is a top-notch product that excels in various aspects. Boasting a unique blend of style and quality, this cleaver is a favorite among food enthusiasts. Made from Virgin Carbon Steel, its remarkable durability and edge retention make it an ideal all-purpose kitchen tool.

The rosewood handle provides a comfortable grip, while the carbon steel blade is both sharp and strong, making it a great choice for slicing boneless meats, cutting vegetables, and crushing spices. The product’s performance and appealing design have earned it high praise from users and have led to a consistent 4.9-star rating across multiple reviews. With its impressive features and positive reviews, the Togiharu Carbon Steel Chinese Cleaver definitely deserves a spot in any well-equipped kitchen.

Svord Meat Cleaver — 6" Carbon Steel Blade, Black Micarta Handles, Leather Sheath

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I recently had the opportunity to try out the Svord Pro-Chefs 6" Meat Cleaver, and let me tell you, this was a game-changer in my kitchen! The hefty 0.275" thick 8670 high carbon steel blade makes short work of any meat-cutting task, and the black Micarta handle scales provide a comfortable grip.

However, the real standout feature for me is the cleverly designed 6" cleaver head, which effortlessly glides through meat with little to no pressure required. The included black leather sheath is a nice touch, as it keeps the blade protected and tidy in between uses. Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great aspect of the knife — the weight, while effective in getting through thick cuts, can be a bit cumbersome for smaller tasks.

Nonetheless, considering the impressive performance and high-quality materials, I’d definitely recommend this cleaver to fellow professional chefs or aspiring home cooks seeking a reliable and versatile meat cleaver.

Heavy Duty Butcher Cleaver with TPR Handle

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In my daily life, I’ve found the Zhen VG-10 Series Heavy Duty 8" Chopping Chef Butcher Knife to be incredibly versatile and ideal for cutting through a variety of ingredients. The knife’s striking appearance, constructed using VG-10 super steel and 2 layers of low carbon steel, stands out with its silver blade edge, providing both a sleek aesthetic and efficient cutting capabilities. With a comfortable, non-slip TPR handle, it’s simple to clean and maintain, making it a must-have for any aspiring or seasoned cook.

While it’s a bit heavy for some users, its sharpness and durability are unparalleled — a perfect addition to any kitchen arsenal.

Professional 7.5-inch Stainless Steel Cleaver Knife

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The LAN series 7.5-inch professional cleaver knife has been a game changer in my kitchen. With its premium stainless steel construction, I can achieve precise cuts every time, making it the perfect addition to my collection. Its durability and ease of cleaning have made it a go-to for both home and professional settings.

However, one downside I’ve noticed is that it may not be as well-suited for delicate tasks as some other knives in my collection. Overall, it’s a reliable and efficient tool for tackling those tougher cuts in the kitchen.

Silver Dragon Hatchet Knife Meat Cleaver

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I recently had the chance to try the Silver Dragon Hatchet Knife Meat Cleaver, and let me tell you, it’s a versatile tool for any home chef. The 50.5 cm long, 1.12 kg knife is sturdy yet light enough for everyday use. Its 20 cm carbon steel blade, with a thickness of 5 mm, boasts a perfect balance of sharpness and durability.

However, like every product, it has both its pros and cons. The knife’s weight, while comfortable, made it slightly cumbersome for smaller hands during tricky tasks. Despite this, the overall feeling while using it was satisfying, making me appreciate the Silver Dragon Hatchet Knife Meat Cleaver even more.

Wusthof Classic 6 Piece Cook’s Set with 6" Black Meat Cleaver

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Wusthof’s Classic Six Piece Cook’s Set is a must-have for any home cook. This well-rounded set includes essential knives such as a cleaver and six-inch chef’s knife, making it an ideal choice for any level of culinary skill. The knives feature a full tang, triple riveted synthetic polypropylene handle that is comfortable to grip while resisting fading, discoloration, heat, and impact.

The Wusthof Classic Series is renowned for its high-quality construction, as these knives are made from a single block of high carbon stainless steel that is tempered to 58 degrees HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) results in a blade that is 20% sharper and twice as durable as previous models. The Meat Cleaver is incredibly versatile, effortlessly slicing through meat, cartilage, bone, and tough vegetables. Its wide, thick blade can be used to transfer ingredients from your cutting board to pots, pans, and bowls, making meal preparation easier than ever.

Wusthof’s classic knives offer fantastic edge retention, perfect for those who dislike frequent sharpening. The comfortable, durable handle, combined with the knives’ exceptional edge angle, creates a well-balanced tool that is both easy to use and a delight to work with. Made in Germany with the finest forged German steel, Wusthof’s Classic Six Piece Cook’s Set is a testament to craftsmanship, ensuring years of reliable use.

Professional Heavy-Weight Meat Cleaver

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The Chef’s Heavy-Weight Cleaver is a powerful and versatile tool for tackling any food task with ease. With its massive 740-gram (or 26-ounce) blade, it’s perfect for professional butchers and home cooks alike. Whether you’re cutting through a steamed Peking duck, a whole chicken, or even vegetables and minerals, this cleaver handles it all with precision and strength.

This badass cleaver is designed to take on any challenge you throw its way, making it a reliable go-to for a wide range of culinary projects. And, with attention to detail in its specifications (a 192mm blade and 6mm spine thickness), you can trust that every cut will be clean and efficient.

Although this cleaver is a force to be reckoned with, it’s essential to use caution when handling it, as its weight and sharpness require careful handling to ensure safety. But, once you’ve mastered its use, the Chef’s Heavy-Weight Cleaver will quickly become an indispensable part of your kitchen arsenal.

Buyer’s Guide

Meat cleavers, also known as boning knives, are essential tools for any meat enthusiast. They are designed to cut through meat and bones with precision and ease. Picking the right meat cleaver is crucial to ensure you have the best experience when working with your favorite cuts of meat. In this buyer’s guide, we will cover the important features, considerations, and general advice when selecting a meat cleaver.

Blade Material

The blade material is a significant factor to consider when choosing a meat cleaver. High-quality blades are made from stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Investing in a cleaver with a high-quality blade will guarantee its durability and performance for years to come. However, be cautious of cheaper stainless steel blades, as they may not be as strong or resistant to rust.

Blade Shape

Meat cleavers come in various blade shapes, such as straight, curved, or laminated. The straight blade is best for cutting through thick parts of the meat, while the curved blade is ideal for boning and trimming. A laminated blade combines both straight and curved edges, providing versatility in usage. Consider the type of meat you will be working with and choose a blade shape that aligns with your needs.

Handle Material and Design

The handle material and design play a crucial role in the overall comfort and usability of a meat cleaver. Handles can be made from materials such as wood, plastic, or synthetic materials. Wooden handles are eco-friendly and durable, while plastic and synthetic materials are more lightweight and easy to clean. Choose a handle that is comfortable to grip, fits well in your hand, and is easy to maintain.

Weight and Balance

The weight and balance of a meat cleaver are essential factors to consider. A heavier cleaver typically provides more power for cutting through tougher parts of the meat. However, it may be more challenging to control. Choose a cleaver with a balanced weight distribution that feels comfortable and easy to maneuver while maintaining precision in your cuts.

FAQ

What are the primary functions of meat cleavers?

Meat cleavers are versatile instruments designed to simplify the process of cutting and slicing meats, poultry, fish, and even larger cuts of meat. They are regularly utilized in professional kitchens, butcher shops, and by home cooks for a variety of tasks, including separating joints, trimming fat, and dividing large portions into smaller ones.

These cleavers are characterized by a sturdy, sharp blade that can effortlessly slice through bones and cartilage. Some models feature ergonomic handles that enhance control and comfort while in use.

How do meat cleavers compare to other slicing knives?

While meat cleavers may look similar to other slicing knives, such as boning or chef’s knives, there are notable differences that set them apart. First, meat cleavers typically have wider, heavier blades designed to handle dense materials and tackle larger tasks, making them ideal for breaking down entire animals or massive cuts of meat.

Secondly, meat cleavers often exhibit a distinct blade shape compared to other slicing knives. Their blades may boast a more profound curve or pronounced point, enabling them to penetrate bones and cartilage more effectively. This feature makes them particularly beneficial for separating bones from meat and dividing joints

Are meat cleavers suitable for beginners?

While meat cleavers can be beneficial tools for home cooks, they may not be the optimal choice for novices. Their large, heavy blades can be difficult to maneuver, especially for those unaccustomed to knife skills. Furthermore, their larger size can complicate finer tasks or navigating tight kitchen spaces.

Beginners may find it more practical to start with a smaller, lighterweight slicing knife tailored to general cooking tasks. As their proficiency and comfort level increase, they can subsequently explore using a meat cleaver for more demanding cutting tasks at home.

What should I consider when selecting a meat cleaver?

When purchasing a meat cleaver, consider several key features to ensure it functions effectively and safely. Look for a high-quality blade crafted from resilient materials like stainless steel, capable of enduring regular usage and retaining its sharpness. Additionally, consider the weight and balance, along with the comfort of the handle, to facilitate precise control and minimal fatigue.

Furthermore, pay attention to the blade shape, ensuring it is suitable for cutting a variety of materials, including bones and cartilage

What safety precautions should I follow when using a meat cleaver?

Using a meat cleaver entails potential hazards if not managed with care. To guarantee safety while handling a meat cleaver, adhere to these common safety precautions: Keep the blade sharp to reduce slippage; never cut towards yourself or others; keep fingers wrapped around the handle, not on the blade; and utilize a cutting board or stable surface to safeguard against the blade slipping or bending.

Consider donning protective gear such as gloves and a protective apron to minimize the risk of injury. Also, remain vigilant of your surroundings, ensuring the area is clear from distractions or hazards before commencing cutting tasks with a meat cleaver. Following these guidelines ensures a safe and proficient meat cleaver experience in the kitchen.

How should I clean and maintain a meat cleaver?

Proper cleaning and maintenance of a meat cleaver are crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. After each use, rinse the blade thoroughly under running water to eliminate debris or residue. Subsequently, use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the blade and handle, taking care to steer clear of sharp edges. If necessary, clean the blade with mild detergent and warm water to sanitize it, but avoid soaking the handle or employing abrasives that may damage the surface.

Once cleaned, dry the blade and handle with a clean towel to prevent the accumulation of bacteria or rust. Periodically sharpen the blade using a honing steel or sharpener to maintain its cutting edge. By adhering to these straightforward steps, you perpetually ensure your meat cleaver remains in top condition and a reliable component of your kitchen arsenal.

As an Amazon Affiliate we receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you

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