If you spend quality time in the kitchen, then you already know that having the right tool for the job becomes crucial. This is important with all of your kitchen tools but especially with the knives you use. A proper cleaver has a specific job, and you'll want the right one for your needs.
These utensils tend to be a bit heavier than your run-of-the-mill knife, but that's because of the job they are intended for. A cleaver is used to chop through meat, bone, and vegetables with ease. Finding one that is sharp, and comfortable in your hand is super important.
XYJ handmade full-tang cleaver with leather sheath
Staff pick
Forged from one continuous piece of steel, XYJ's full-tang cleaver is handmade and hand-sharpened. Such attention to detail makes for a sturdier cleaver, with a 12-degree edge that stays as sharp as the day you bought it. The inclusion of a leather sheath is a welcome one; it will protect the knife and you. The full tang and riveted handle allow for a more ergonomic, comfortable grip. In fact, this cleaver is so well balanced that despite its size and weight, you'll experience a significant (and likely welcome) reduction in wrist fatigue.
Pros:
- Sturdy carbon steel construction
- Available in two different sizes
Cons:
- Will rust if not properly taken care of
DALSTRONG Phantom Series 7-inch cleaver knife and sheath
Well worth it
If you're looking to invest in a professional-grade cleaver but don't want to break the bank, then DALSTRONG's Phantom Series cleaver is the one for you. Made with one continuous piece of high-carbon steel and a full tang, DALSTRONG's cleavers are lightweight, maneuverable, and their handles fit comfortably in your palm. DALSTRONG also nitrogen-cools their blades for added hardness (they measure a 58+ on the Rockwell Hardness Scale). Artisans painstakingly hand-grind the edge for a precise slice every time, and the inclusion of a protective sheath is a smart one.
Pros:
- Carbon steel construction
- Hefty Pakkawood handle
Cons:
- Only available in one size
Imarku 7-inch cleaver
Easy to sharpen at home
Presented in its red velvet display case, Imarku's 7-inch stainless steel cleaver is perfect for gifting to your foodie friends (or to yourself). Its no-slip pakkawood handle is designed similarly to that of DALSTRONG's Phoenix Series cleaver; it's rounded, smooth, and tucks neatly into your palm. Like most professional knives, you want to avoid putting them in the dishwasher since the intense heat and detergent will damage the cleaver over time. A soapy wipe down and a rinse will do the trick just fine.
Pros:
- High carbon stainless steel construction
- Classic 7 inch size
- Very thin ultra sharp blade
Cons:
- Poor quality handle
TUO Cutlery Chinese cleaver
Strong steel for longevity
Perhaps the first place you saw Damascus steel was on Game of Thrones; the Valyrian steel swords owned by each major House in Westeros bore the same rippling, mysterious swirled pattern. Luckily, TUO Cutlery doesn't need dragonfire to forge their exceptional kitchen knives. Sixty-six layers of softer steel envelop an AUS-10 high-carbon core for the ultimate in rust prevention and edge retention. Its 18-degree edge is razor-sharp and ground by hand in a triple-step process originating from Japanese knifemakers known as Honbazuke honing.
Pros:
- Carbon steel construction
- Extra sharp 19 degree blade
- Ergonomic pakkawood handle
Cons:
- Handle can be slippery at first
- Can rust if not properly taken care of
Chop to it
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As we found, cleavers can differ greatly when it comes to sharpness, balance, and grip comfort. We tried to keep our selections diverse, so we're confident you'll dig at least one of the options above. XYJ's handmade cleaver with a bonus leather sheath stands firm as our best overall. Its traditional Serbian design makes for a well-balanced and sturdy blade you can count on for years to come. For those wanting a cleaver that's daringly designed but still capable at the cutting board, then I'd gravitate to TUO Cutlery's hammered Damascus steel cleaver. Dozens of rippling, swirled layers of steel envelop the blade's high-carbon core. Its polished, hammered finish paired with a blonde wood handle makes for one gorgeous cleaver.
Before you click "Add to Cart," we do have a couple of tips for new cleaver owners that are worth remembering. One: never forget to wash your cleaver, and knives in general, after use. Metal cutlery will always be susceptible to rust and corrosion from acids over time. Two: pakkawood is widely used for cutlery handles but isn't dishwasher safe because it's a composite of dyeable wood fibers and resin. However, it's heat resistant up to 450-degrees Fahrenheit, so handwashing with gentle soap and hot water won't harm it at all.
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