One of the vital tool used in the kitchen by cooks and chefs is the Meat Cleaver. It is most likely the largest knife found in kitchens and around, where food, most likely, meat, is being cooked.
A typical best meat cleaver is specifically designed to break large chunks of meats that had got between and within it, bones that may be somewhat difficult for an ordinary kitchen knife to cut through. This unique tool is also used to cut other large items like squash, thick-skinned melons, large tubers, pumpkin etc.
Designs of this kitchen tool are usually strongly built to withstand pressure from hard substances it is required to cut through.
Comparison Table of Best Meat Cleaver– 2021:
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(4.6 / 5) Do I really need a meat cleaver?
You may be having this thought within you, that you may not necessarily need to possess a meat cleaver if most of the time you purchase already butchered meats from the stores.
What you may not quickly grasp is the fact that acquiring this essential tool is worth investing some money on. You’ll realize you’ve needed it over time.
Benefits of having a Bone Cleaver
- It saves a lot on cost. It’s no news that an already processed/dressed beef or poultry meat costs more than the not-processed/undressed ones. You’ll notice the huge difference with the price tags on the two when you visit stores to buy them.
- The best meat cleaver will easily crack down on whole chicken without any added discomfort or stress. It makes the process easier and faster, you’ll even enjoy and have fun doing it yourself.
- The flat part of the blade is commonly used to flatten the thighs of different kinds of birds
- One interesting fact about the meat cleaver is that you do not need to be specially trained to handle one, no special technique is required for handling. Use as you would a hammer or home hatchet. If you can handle any of the aforementioned tools, it will be quite easy to maneuver the meat cleaver with no difficulty.
- Another great benefit that some may not be able to wrap hands on is that it can be useful by vegetarians. They can use it to cut through large melons, chopping clean, whole coconut and some other hard nuts.
Essential features of the best kitchen cleavers
Cutting Edge
You will need to check out the blade designs before ordering or acquiring a meat cleaver. For the best impact, a strong, tough, thick and resilient metal will be the main materials of your tool. It, therefore, means before you purchase, look out for steel designs with tempered range between 54-58 HRC.
With this, you’re assured of having a cutting edge that does not buckle nor roll, nor chip. Cleavers that fall within this range are tough and strong, and can also be sharpened.
There are various types of edge for meat clever but the most popular one is the flat grind also called V-edge made with durable steel.
The peculiarity of most cutting edges is either it comes straight, or a bit curved. With a slightly curved blade, it is possible to easily cut through small chops of food materials that may otherwise have been difficult to cut with one with a straight edge.
Blade profile
This is in actual fact, the level of thickness of the meat cleaver. This blade profile can be in different shapes and thickness, we can see some designed like a wedge: this is mostly used by people in the western part of the world.
Whereas, some are thinner/tapered knife with an outlook and functionality of a Chinese vegetable cleaver
The best cleaver for bones is usually thick from the spine, down to the cutting edge. The cutting edge has varying levels of thickness/wideness, usually between 13 to 25 degrees. Some designs are usually thick from the spine right down to the cutting edge, with cutting edges that range from a thin 13 degrees to a wideness of about 25 degrees.
If your bone cleaver falls into the categories mentioned above, you’ll get the best results with consistent, non-stressful striking force.
Note that the wedge-like designs of the meat cleaver may seem not to cut as expected, but really, they are the most durable, delivering the most recommended/required striking force needed for most food types that require the use of a cleaver.
Although, oftentimes, the foods cut are not smoothly sliced. They are either torn or smashed but you can be more precise with your cutting, and with consistent usage and experience, you’ll be assured of the best outcome.
Those with thinner blades and tighter cutting angles are most versatile, they cut smoothly and are easy to handle, but because of its flexibility and thinness, it tends to lose its sharpness over time and you may need to re-sharp as often.
Spine
The best chef cleaver usually comes with a very thick spine. The function-ability of this kitchen tool is greatly dependent on the spine’s thickness. Those with a measuring range of 1/4 to 3/16 inches function more effectively and can be used for cracking the hardest of nuts and bones. It is also best for tenderizing tough meats.
Size
The size of the blade always has a significant impact on the efficiency of the meat cleaver. For cleaving large food items, you’ll most likely need a cleaver with a height not less than 3.25 inches and length between 7 to 7.75, with height and length of these sizes, you’ll be able to have the best results.
Important features to look out for when looking out for the best meat cleaver suitable for use are:
- The weight range
- Balanced grip
- Handles
- Swing moves
In this buying guide, you will find from our top picks, varieties of meat cleavers in different sizes, shapes etc. Check out on each, note every detail and ensure you’re satisfied before making a purchase. Those reviewed here have been thoroughly researched and verified as solid.
The DALSTRONG Gladiator Series R Obliterator Meat cleaver with a stand and sheath, crafted with outstanding technology for great performance.
The main use of this unique tool is to cut through difficult hard food substances like bones, nuts etc. Strong sharp cutting-edge with beautiful designs, you wouldn’t resist its outlook and when you start to use, you will be wowed with its outstanding efficiency.
Made with premium high-carbon 7cr17mov steel, and heat that is treated to 60HRC. With a height of 9 inches, thickness of 6mm, and total weight of 2.9lbs you’re are assured of a sturdily built meat cleaver.
The shape is completely different from the regular ones, designed like a weapon, it wouldn’t disappoint as it strikes through all kinds of obstacles placed before it.
With the ultra-premium G-10 handle just, the hold is firm, ergonomic and satisfactory.
As a chef or do it yourself cook, you will experience the powerful effect of having a sturdy meat cleaver that requires minimal efforts when in use.
Clean up is made easy as the blades with superior wear and stain removal. Cuts precisely through heavy-duty and delicate food materials.
Pros
- Cleaver stand and sheath
- Heavy-duty and delicate cuts
- Sturdily built
- Easy cleanup
- Quality wear and stain removal
- High carbon steel material
- Ergonomic handles
- Uniquely shaped
Cons
- Heavy on the arms, not so easy to wield
Pros
- Cleaver stand and sheath
- Heavy-duty and delicate cuts
- Sturdily built
- Easy cleanup
- Quality wear and stain removal
- High carbon steel material
- Ergonomic handles
- Uniquely shaped
The imarku meat cleaver is made with quality durable materials that are strong enough to cut through bones and other hard foods with great precision, also cuts through delicate vegetables without destroying them.
This 7 inches kitchen cleaver is suitable for chopping, mincing, slicing etc. Very easy to clean up and maintain. Can be used in homes and restaurants by cooks and chefs.
Very sharp and blades that cut with so much ease can be re-sharpened after consistent usage. Design is forged from superior quality stainless steel 7cr17mov materials from Germany for edge retention and long-lasting performance.
Rust and corrosion-resistant blades and handles. Ergonomic handles made with Pakka Wood, a special type of wood that safeguards and protects your hands and arms from all forms of related discomfort or distress.
Easy-grip and balanced maneuvering ability. This product comes with a lifetime warranty, the confidence of the manufacturers is on it. Guaranteed to deliver as advertised and represented.
Pros
- Durable strong materials
- For hard and delicate cuttings
- Sturdy design
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to maneuver
- Lifetime warranty on the entire product
- Easy cleanup
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
- Pakka wood handle
- Safe to handle by professional chefs and others
- Beautiful outlook
Cons
- Lightweight
- Sharp blades, to handles
Pros
- Durable strong materials
- For hard and delicate cuttings
- Sturdy design
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to maneuver
- Lifetime warranty on the entire product
- Easy cleanup
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
- Pakka wood handle
- Safe to handle by professional chefs and others
- Beautiful outlook
This premium 7 inches meat cleaver is highly rated. It’s one of the best meat cleavers you’ll find out there.
Made with strong durable materials that perform excellently when in use. Comes with a sturdy protective case for safekeeping when not in use. This case has a magnetic closure which allows for easy opening and protects the knife from rust and stains.
Made with high-quality carbon stainless steel material that enhances its hardness at 58-60 RHC. These include the molybdenum and vanadium metal elements that help the knife to maintain its sharpness, hardness and strength, making it resistant to rust.
This product is designed ergonomically for easy handling, this prevents the blade from slipping off when being used. Impeccable outlook, durable design, versatile, multifunctional and outstanding performance.
With the ability to cut, chop, slice, de-bone, cleave not too hard bones, etc. Very easy to re-sharpen and would not need to be re-sharpen until after prolonged usage.
The wide blades safeguard users fingers from the plains. Warranty on this product is for a lifetime, you’re assured of outstanding performance.
Pros
- Durable sturdy design
- High-quality carbon stainless steel materials
- Ergonomic handles for a firm and easy grip
- Can be re-sharpened
- For soft and hard food types
- Multifunctional
- Impeccable outlook
- Safety case with magnetic closure
- Rust resistant
- Extremely sharp edges
Cons
- Thin sharp blades
- Lightweight, not for heavy-duty materials
Pros
- Durable sturdy design
- High-quality carbon stainless steel materials
- Ergonomic handles for a firm and easy grip
- Can be re-sharpened
- For soft and hard food types
- Multifunctional
- Impeccable outlook
- Safety case with magnetic closure
- Rust resistant
- Extremely sharp edges
This is a verified product by Cutluxe. This 7″ butcher knife is multifunctional, can be used for varying purposes, giving you the same satisfying and outstanding results.
Superior quality forged with high carbon original German steel; tapered to 56+ Rockwell for edge retention. This sharp-edged knife can be used for chopping, slicing, mincing, dicing meats and vegetables.
Rust and stain-resistant for long-lasting performance. Designed ergonomically with triple-riveted Pakka wood handles that firm and easy grip, maneuvering easily with no discomfort.
The product is laminated and polished to have a fine outlook, safe for house kitchens and restaurants. Edges are sharpened at 14-16 degree on each side for the best sharpness and edge retention, this is to ensure great precision with each slicing moves.
Quality product, pocket-friendly, durable design. You’ll be amazed at the efficiency and effectiveness of this spectacular, handy kitchen instrument that gets work done easily and comfortably. It’s a much-needed tool by all chefs and cooks.
Pros
- Ergonomic pakka wood handles
- High carbon German steel
- Well sharpened edges
- Rust and stain resistant
- Tapered to 56+ Rockwell for maximum edge retention
- Laminated and polished
- Beautiful design
- Quality product
- Affordable
- Multifunctional
- Efficient performance
Cons
- Short knife, height is 7″
- Needs to be re-sharpened before use
Pros
- Ergonomic pakka wood handles
- High carbon German steel
- Well sharpened edges
- Rust and stain resistant
- Tapered to 56+ Rockwell for maximum edge retention
- Laminated and polished
- Beautiful design
- Quality product
- Affordable
- Multifunctional
- Efficient performance
One of the gladiator series of the best meat cleavers is the DALSTRONG 7″ Cleaver knife.
A versatile multifunctional cleaver made with superior quality materials. Outstanding features for peak performance. Affordable meat cleaver with advanced technology, Razor sharp edges for cutting through strong bones and other hard food produce.
Full tang, high-carbon German cleaver with a carefully polished edge at 16-18 degrees per side. Ergonomic handles for the most comfortable grip and easy maneuvering made with high-quality ABS polymer that is triple-riveted.
Rust and wear-resistant. Cutting, slicing, dicing made easy. Very easy to maintain and clean after each use. With its wide blade, it serves as a scooping panel for transferring food from the cutting board into your pots and pans.
Beautiful outlook, you would marvel at its functionality and efficiency when you in use. Crafted perfectly with a balanced heft with weight accurate for both heavy-duty cuts and soft cuts.
Bolter enhances counterweight to protect the fingers from unintentional cuts. The right choice for all breaking into pieces large boneless meats and poultry.
Pros
- Multifunctional meat cleaver
- Balanced heft
- Beautiful and sturdy appearance
- Rust and wear-resistant
- Razor-sharp edges
- Ergonomic handles for easy maneuvering and firm grip
- For both heavy-duty cuts and delicate cuts
- Wide blades for scooping
- Affordable quality product
Cons
- Smaller handles with sticking edges
Pros
- Multifunctional meat cleaver
- Balanced heft
- Beautiful and sturdy appearance
- Rust and wear-resistant
- Razor-sharp edges
- Ergonomic handles for easy maneuvering and firm grip
- For both heavy-duty cuts and delicate cuts
- Wide blades for scooping
- Affordable quality product
This portable 6″ meat cleaver by TUO, with outstanding functions, is one of the best versatile meat cleavers you can find.
When you purchase this, you’re assured of the finest quality with long-lasting effectiveness and high performance. The right handy choice for cutting and breaking down larger pieces of meats.
You can as well use it for chopping, dicing, and mincing hard and difficult to slice vegetables. Performs the task with great ease, with minimal efforts. Large blades for scooping foods.
Tempered German stainless steel, with the right hardness required for delicate and hard cuttings. Flexible handles, easy to maneuver. Hand-sharpened edge, 14-16 degree on each side. Superior design, sturdy and resilient to rust and wear.
Ergonomic handles, finely shaped for a firm hold and comfortable grip. Stunning blades with satin finish and pakka wood handles, triple-riveted, for a deeply impressive appearance.
This outlook complements its efficiency and effectiveness. Packaged with a complimentary gift box, you can buy it as a gift for someone and can be the present recommended for personal use.
Guaranteed product with 100% money-back warranty.
Pros
- Durable meat cleaver
- Multifunctional
- Suitable for cutting down larger bones
- Flexible ergonomic handles
- Tempered blades
- Easy to maneuver
- Hand-sharpened razor edge
- Rust and wear-resistant
- Finely structured
- Sturdily built
- Long-lasting performance
Cons
- Heavy, smooth handles
Pros
- Durable meat cleaver
- Multifunctional
- Suitable for cutting down larger bones
- Flexible ergonomic handles
- Tempered blades
- Easy to maneuver
- Hand-sharpened razor edge
- Rust and wear-resistant
- Finely structured
- Sturdily built
- Long-lasting performance
Freelander portable hand-forged meat cleaver is a great tool that is essential for all kitchen.
Cutting large sizes of meats into smaller parts is made easy with this small, yet great tool. Perfectly crafted, sturdily built with high-quality carbon steel, with a hardness of 58HRC, maintaining the sharpness of the edge, even with consistent or prolonged use.
This chef knife can be used for different purposes. Easy to clean, comes with a leather sheath for safekeeping after handling. Rust resistance, can be used for a longer period with no significant effect on the blade and its sharpness.
High-quality red sandalwood ergonomic handles to maintain a firm hold and grip when you’re using. Cuts smoothly with accurate precision, no smashing or squashing of delicate or hard food substances.
Razor-sharp blades make cutting easier and smoother and the seamless full-tang designs keep the blades from sliding off.
A perfect gift for friends, family members and acquaintances. This extremely sharp meat cleaver can be used for butchering, mincing, slicing, de-boning fishing, hunting, BBQ, Camping and other food-related activities.
This is practically an essential tool in the kitchen and other outdoor cooking.
Pros
- Multi-purpose meat cleaver
- Sturdy design
- Razor-sharp blades
- Sandalwood ergonomic handles
- Firm and comfortable hold
- Rust resistant
- Seamless full-tang
- Leather safety sheath
- Quality design with long-lasting performance
Cons
- Heavy cleaver, can weigh on the arms after prolonged usage
Pros
- Multi-purpose meat cleaver
- Sturdy design
- Razor-sharp blades
- Sandalwood ergonomic handles
- Firm and comfortable hold
- Rust resistant
- Seamless full-tang
- Leather safety sheath
- Quality design with long-lasting performance
This is a typical professional Chinese chef’s knife. Suitable for use in kitchens and outdoor cooking.
For cutting large meats, vegetables and other food material. Imported German carbon steel for enhanced performance. Sharp blades that cut with great ease and precision. Strong durable kitchen knife essential for all homes.
Firm grip, non-slip sharp knife with ergonomic stainless steel handle for a comfortable hold. Can be used for other tasks aside from meat cutting such as dicing, chopping, cutting of fruits and vegetables etc.
Rust, acid and corrosion-resistant. It maintains its polished outlook with consistent usage. Built to withstand both high and low temperature, can be cleaned in dishwashers without fear of damaged blades or edge.
Double-edged knife for right and left-handed users. This sturdy equipment is specifically designed to be handled by men as it may sometimes require high wielding power.
The design of the blade and edge safely safeguards and protects the hands from fatigue and mostly cuts.
Pros
- Professional chef’s knife
- Versatile and multi-functional
- Double-edged knife with a sharp blade
- High wielding effects
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy German carbon steel design
- Cuts with great ease and accurate precision
- Withstand high and low temperature
- Ergonomic handle
- Rust, acid and corrosion resistant
Cons
- The hollow and contoured handle doesn’t lay flat on surfaces
- Knife cover/shield not with the package
Pros
- Professional chef’s knife
- Versatile and multi-functional
- Double-edged knife with a sharp blade
- High wielding effects
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy German carbon steel design
- Cuts with great ease and accurate precision
- Withstand high and low temperature
- Ergonomic handle
- Rust, acid and corrosion resistant
Another meat cleaver by DALSTRONG is the 7″ razor-sharp high-carbon stainless steel cleaver.
Effective for cutting both delicate and heavy-duty food substances. Classic design, sturdily built to perform extraordinarily. Beautiful outlook, purely refined, the right choice for chopping into pieces boneless meats and other poultry meats with great precision.
Very efficient for slicing, dicing, chopping and mincing tough vegetables. This is a professional chef’s knives, used for various purposes. Thick blades with sharp edges, cuts easily and precisely with less effort.
Shaped ergonomically like a bolster for an effortless grip and handle. The renowned Pakka Wood is used for the handle, durable, hand-polished, laminated firm handle, fits perfectly into the palm for the best control and maneuverability.
Comes with a 100% money-back lifetime manufacturers warranty. You’re assured of the best performance ever. Experience the natural feel of the greatest cleaver knife you can hold your hands on.
Slice and cut with powerful effect with this exceptional best meat cleaver for all kitchens, cooks and chefs.
Pros
- Razor-sharp blades
- Easy to maneuver
- Ergonomic firm handle
- Effortless grip
- Pakka wood handle
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sturdily built with an attractive appearance
- Multifunctional, for different cooking purposes
- Precise fine cuts
- Refined to resist rust and stain
Cons
- Thick edges, needs to be re-sharpened oftentimes
Pros
- Razor-sharp blades
- Easy to maneuver
- Ergonomic firm handle
- Effortless grip
- Pakka wood handle
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sturdily built with an attractive appearance
- Multifunctional, for different cooking purposes
- Precise fine cuts
- Refined to resist rust and stain
The last on our list of the best meat cleaver is the polished Kiaitre Cleaver knife.
With a total height of 7″, the unique tool performs optimally. Made with quality German stainless steel recommended for the varieties of knives.
Cuts through boneless meats, soft bones and sinews with accurate precision. Can be used for dicing and chopping soft and hard vegetables.
Effective and clean-cut, you’ll enjoy using the Kiaitre knife for cutting and slicing. Affordable quality product made for the satisfaction of all users. Can be handled easily with its firm holder handle and balanced grip.
This essential tool makes working in the kitchen very easy. You achieve many things in the comfort of your home with no additional cost.
Razor-sharp blade with cutting edge of 15″ for each side. Ergonomic pakka wood handle, corrosion and wear-resistant, it keeps your tool finely fitted into the palm, to prevent fingers from getting weary easily.
Durable sturdily structured, fine material, easy to clean and preserved for future use. Comes in a beautiful padded box for safeguarding the knife after each use.
Pros
- German stainless steel
- Ergonomic pakka wood handle
- Razor-sharp blade
- Precise cuts
- Affordable
- Durable sturdy design
- Flexible balanced cleaver
- Corrosion and wear-resistant
- Easy to maneuver
- Comfortable handling
- Multifunctional
- Padded safety box
Cons
- Thick edge, may not cut some food types
- Slippery handles
Pros
- German stainless steel
- Ergonomic pakka wood handle
- Razor-sharp blade
- Precise cuts
- Affordable
- Durable sturdy design
- Flexible balanced cleaver
- Corrosion and wear-resistant
- Easy to maneuver
- Comfortable handling
- Multifunctional
- Padded safety box
