Our Top Pick
1. Winco Blade Chinese Cleaver
Key Specs:
- Blade Material: Stainless steel
- Blade Length: Approximately 8 inches
- Blade Width: Around 3.5 – 4 inches
- Blade Thickness: Medium, suitable for both meat and vegetables
- Handle Material: Traditional wooden handle for a comfortable grip
- Weight: Lightweight (10-14 oz) for easy handling
- Blade Type: Rectangular, multi-purpose design
2. ZWILLING Twin Pollux Chinese Chef's Cleaver Knife
Key Specs:
- Brand: ZWILLING J.A. Henckels
- Series: Twin Pollux
- Blade Material: Special formula stainless steel (FRIODUR ice-hardened)
- Blade Length: 7 inches
- Blade Width: 3.5 – 4 inches
- Blade Edge: Straight, razor-sharp edge
- Handle Material: Triple-riveted synthetic handle
3. TUO Vegetable Meat Cleaver Knife
Key Specs:
- Brand: TUO
- Series: Fiery Phoenix
- Blade Material: High-carbon stainless steel (vacuum heat-treated)
- Blade Length: 7 inches (approx.)
- Blade Width: 3.5 – 4 inches
- Handle Material: Pakkawood (moisture-resistant, ergonomic)
Why Traditional Chinese Cleavers?
- Chop vegetables with speed and accuracy.
- Slice meats thinly for stir-fries or hot pot.
- Crush garlic or tenderize proteins with the blade’s spine.
- Scoop ingredients off the cutting board with the flat surface.
There are three main types:
- Cai Dao (菜刀) – A general-purpose knife for slicing meats, vegetables, and more.
- Gu Dao (骨刀) – A heavier cleaver for cutting through bones.
- Duo Dao (剁刀) – A medium-weight cleaver used for light bone chopping and tougher ingredients.
How To Choose Best cleaver for Kitchen?
Choosing a cleaver blade is one of the important things. It should be very sharp and made of High-Carbon Steel, which keeps it from rusting and keeps it playing on meat and bones for a long time. A mix of carbon and stainless steel offers sharpness and rust resistance.
Some Other Meat Cleavers
Dream Reach Butcher Cleaver with Leather Sheath: This cleaver is a handcrafted knife used to tear meat into fine pieces. It perfectly suits your kitchen. This is made from high carbon steel, this cleaver offers superior sharpness and edge retention. This cleaver has a very balanced weight with the best wooden handle to give a comfortable grip and better grip. Each cleaver has a unique leather sheath, safeguarding the blade and allowing for safe transportation. The sheath can be attached to a belt, making outdoor activities like camping and barbecues convenient.
Oklahoma Joe’s Blacksmith Cleaver & Chef Knife: The best Cleaver for slicing Meats and chopping vegetables. Its blades are made of Full-Tang Carbon Steel. Their long, wide blade features dimples to prevent food from sticking, enhancing cutting efficiency. It has an Ergonomic Raised Handle to give a comfortable grip. It comes with a holster; it is like a cover to protect it from any damage while storing.
Kiwi #504 3″ Mini Cleaver: This is a beautiful compact kitchen cleaver used to perform multitasking in your kitchen, such as chopping small vegetables, slicing herbs, and handling delicate food items. To keep its sharp edges, avoid using it on hard surfaces like bones or frozen foods, as the small blade is designed for precision tasks.
Our Expertise:
FAQS:
A cleaver has a broad, heavy blade designed for cutting through bones and thick cuts of meat. A butcher knife, on the other hand, has a curved blade and is more suitable for slicing and trimming meat rather than chopping through bones.
2. Can a cleaver cut through bones?
Yes! A meat cleaver is designed to cut through bones, joints, and thick cuts of meat. However, a Chinese cleaver (Chai Dao) is more versatile and is used mainly for vegetables, boneless meat, and fine slicing.
3. Are cleavers only for professional chefs?
No! While professional chefs use cleavers regularly, home cooks can benefit from them, especially when preparing large cuts of meat or chopping tough vegetables.
4. Can I use a cleaver for vegetables?
Yes! Chinese-style cleavers are great for chopping vegetables and slicing herbs. They are often preferred over traditional chef knives for their versatility.
