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The Best Cleavers for Effortless Chopping
Written By Review Team at the Kitchen Institute
A cleaver can be used for a variety of purposes. Meat cleavers can make easy work of meat and bones, and vegetable cleavers make short work of tough vegetables like radishes and potatoes. Although most cleavers look identical, there are some subtle differences between them. There are several things you can look for in a cleaver to judge its quality.
There are also some differences between them which are not necessarily better or worse but may be better suited to your needs. We will discuss these differences later in the article. First, you may want to check out our list of the highest-rated cleavers available for sale online in 2025.
Continue reading to see our favorite cleavers, we are sure you will love them.
Top 5 Cleavers on the Internet Reviewed
Aroma House Meat Cleaver
Overall Favorite
This seven-inch meat cleaver is made from durable and rust-resistant carbon stainless steel. It has a hardness of 58-60 RHC meaning it will withstand a lot of use without damaging the blade. The handle is available in two shades of wood so you can perfectly match it to your other utensils and kitchen decor.
The handle is also comfortable to hold and non-slip and the full tang blade reinforces the handle and it will not loosen. This versatile knife can be used for a variety of purposes including tough meat, light bone, and even coconut.
Key features/specs
| This product is durable and made to last which is why the company offers a lifetime warranty. |
Dalstrong Chinese Carbon Steel Cleaver Knife
Great Option
The Dalstrong Chinese Carbon Steel Cleaver Knife is a culinary masterpiece. Meticulously crafted to take your kitchen skills to the next level, the heritage of this product is deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. It’s a cleaver knife that has been designed with precision, versatility, and durability in mind. Its high-carbon stainless steel blade boasts exceptional sharpness and edge retention. That way, tasks like slicing, dicing, and chopping are effortless and precise.
The knife’s full tang construction and triple-riveted handle offer balance and control. These details make it a true extension of your hand in the kitchen. What sets this carbon steel cleaver apart from the rest is its unparalleled craftsmanship.
Key features/specs
| The blade is expertly forged with precise tempering, which creates a resilient and razor-sharp edge. As a result, this knife can withstand even the most demanding of kitchen challenges. |
Farberware Cleaver Knife
Runner Up
This cleaver comes with a sheath that will hone your blade every time you use it. The blade is made from durable high carbon stainless steel which will remain sharp for a long time. Additionally, this knife has a comfortable non-slip handle to help you keep a firm grip.
Both the sheath and the knife have a hole you can use to hang them for easy storage. The blade has a partial-tang, which keeps the handle and blade securely in place. The knife is well-balanced so you can use it comfortably for long periods.
Key features/specs
| This blade can be used for multiple purposes and comes with a lifetime warranty. |
Juvalle Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver
Contender
This heavy-duty meat cleaver is made from stainless steel. It has a full-tang blade that will ensure great durability and longevity. The handle is made from solid wood and is securely attached with three rivets.
This cleaver is strong enough to cut through bone and split coconuts and it is suitable for professional and home kitchens. There is a hanging hole in the corner of the knife for convenient storage. This product can be washed in a dishwasher as well as hand washed.
Key features/specs
| This is a heavy, well-balanced cleaver that is easy and satisfying to use. It arrives sharp and ready to use out of the box. |
DALSTRONG Cleaver Knife
Worthy Mention
This cleaver is made from rust-resistant high carbon steel and it has a full-tang blade design, making it extremely durable. With three rivets connecting the Pikka wood handle, you do not need to worry about the blade coming loose from the handle.
The handle is comfortable and balances well with the blade, so you can use this cleaver for long periods without feeling fatigued. This German steel knife arrives extremely sharp and can be used straight out of the box. The tall blade allows you to chop hard without hitting your knuckles against your work surface.
Key features/specs
| This product comes with a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee. |
Imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver
Also Consider
This cleaver has a German high-carbon stainless steel blade that is easily sharpened and maintained. This product has been professionally sharpened by experienced artisans at an 18-degree angle on both sides. It has strong rust and corrosion resistance.
The handle is non-slip and easy to grip and you can use this whether you are left or right-handed. It is made from high-quality Pikka wood that is as stylish as it is durable. The full-tang handle also ensures durability and a perfect balance.
Key features/specs
| This product will last you a lifetime with proper maintenance. This product arrives in a stylish black box and will make an excellent gift for a loved one. |
Best Cleaver Buying Guide
Now you’ve seen the finest cleavers available online, you may feel inspired to do some of your own research into cleavers. We will be covering various topics to help you find your perfect cleaver.
Scroll down for more information.
What Are the Different Types of Cleaver?
There are two types of cleavers. One for vegetables and one for meat. The two should not be interchanged.
Vegetable cleaver
Vegetable cleavers are sharper and lighter than meat cleavers.
Meat cleaver
Meat cleavers are not as sharp as vegetable cleavers and are heavier.
How To Choose a Cleaver?
To choose the best cleaver for your needs consider the following factors.
The length of the blade
Consider the length of the blade when you purchase a cleaver. It should be long enough to chop your food with as few chops as possible. A vegetable cleaver should measure between six and eight inches. A meat cleaver should be a little larger, measuring between seven and nine inches.
The height of the blade
A cleavers blade is tall to protect your hands from becoming damaged on a hard surface when you chop. Choose a high blade that you are confident will protect your knuckles from hard surfaces.
High-carbon stainless steel
High-Carbon Stainless Steel is the best material for a cleaver. It can be sharpened to an extremely sharp point and is both durable and rust-resistant.
RHC rockwell hardness level
The Rockwell hardness level is a measurement of how hard the blade is. The test involves dropping a heavy load onto the steel until it gives. A cleaver should have an RHC rating of between 54 and 62. The higher the better, however, a higher RHC rating comes with a higher price tag.
Full-tang
Look for a full-tang blade. This means there is a continuous piece of metal from the blade into the handle. This prevents the blade from coming loose from the handle. A partial-tang blade is another option that will make the weight of the cleaver a little lighter.
Handle
The handle of a cleaver is made from various materials. Look for an ergonomically shaped handle that is non-slip. You want a cleaver you can use for long periods without getting tired hands.
Consider purchasing a cleaver with three rivets on the handle. The more rivets, the more securely fixed it will be to the blade.
Balance
A cleaver should be well balanced and the blade should never be heavier than the handle. If the blade is heavier than the handle, it will make chopping produce more difficult.
Can it cut through bone?
If you want a cleaver that cuts through bone, you should ensure the product description claims it does. You should also consult customer reviews. Customer reviews will let you know if customers have successfully cut through bone with their cleaver.
It is important to note that cleavers may cut thin bones but not thick bones. It is important to specify which type of bone you will be using it for when looking at descriptions or asking the manufacturer for more specific information.
Sheath
You may want a cleaver with a sheath. A sheath will make storing your cleaver a little safer as you won’t accidentally cut yourself on the blade. Some cleavers come with an inbuilt honing device which will help the blade be sharper for longer.
Hole for storage
Some cleavers have a hole in the corner of the blade which is used to hold the blade for storage. Another option for blade storage is a magnetic strip. When using a magnetic strip, a full-tang blade is easier to hang.
Angle of cut
A meat cleaver has a wider angled cut than a vegetable cleaver. The edge of a meat cleaver is usually about 25 degrees on each side. The edge of a vegetable cleaver is about 15 degrees on either side. Checking the angle of the cut is a good way to tell what the cleaver can be used for.
Customer reviews
Before purchasing a cleaver, read the product’s customer reviews to get a better idea about the product’s durability, and ability to perform.
Warranty
Look for a cleaver with a lengthy warranty and a money-back guarantee. A product with a lifetime warranty is unlikely to break or the company will not offer a warranty in the first place.
When choosing the cleavers for our recommendations, we make a checklist of all these features, making sure we only suggest the best products to our readers.
Benefits of a Good Cleaver
A good quality cleaver offers numerous benefits to any chef. Aside from chopping difficult meats and breaking down bones and tendons, you can use a cleaver to tackle heavy vegetables such as squashes and root veg. Often, a cleaver will offer more force than a santoku knife. In addition, a cleaver can also be used to mince, pound, dice, and slice various foods.
Is There Anything You Should Not Cut With a Cleaver?
Avoid using a cleaver to cut small delicate slices of vegetables or small processed meats like sausages. Instead, you will need to use a sharper smaller chef’s knife.
In addition, cleavers should never be used to break through the ice. Although it will break the ice, the blade may become damaged in the process.
How Should You Clean a Cleaver?
If you want to clean your cleaver properly, we recommend doing so by hand in a sink of warm, soapy water. You should also take care to dry your cleaver properly to avoid any rusting. Pro tip: make sure you clean your cleaver immediately after chopping acidic fruits like lemons or tomatoes.
People Also Asked
How much should a cleaver cost?
Cleavers can cost between $10 and $300. Of course, you can find cheaper and more expensive items, but the majority of cleavers fall within this price range.
What is the difference between honing and sharpening the blade?
Honing a knife pushes the edge back to the center to maintain the blade's sharpness. Sharpening removes metal to create sharpness in the first place. Without proper maintenance, including regular honing, you will need to sharpen your blade regularly.
How long should a cleaver last?
When properly cared for, a good cleaver can last a lifetime. To ensure it lasts for as long as possible, choose a well-made cleaver. Apart from this, there are several things you can do to look after your cleaver and ensure its longevity. These include: Washing by hand Ensuring the cleaver is properly dried Applying blade oil Sharpening and honing when needed
Why is my stainless steel cleaver rusty?
Stainless steel is not rustproof, only rust-resistant. It will become rusty if there is a water build-up. It can gather in rivets or any stuck bits of food. If you ensure the blade is covered in a sheath, or knife block, and thoroughly clean and dry the knife, it will not rust as easily.
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