7 Best Cleaver Knife Review 2022 [Strongest Japanese Cleaver Ever]

If you work with a lot of meat in the kitchen, then something that you will probably need is a really good cleaver, specifically a meat cleaver. When you are taking apart cow legs, you are quartering chickens, chopping a duck in half, or making a nice steak, a meat cleaver can always come in handy. Whether you are a professional butcher or just somebody who works with a lot of meat, a good clear is something that you can always use.

With that being said, a good cleaver can also be used for many other purposes, such as chopping vegetables, fruit, and herbs. Now, there are of course many cleavers out there that you can purchase, thousands of them in fact, but with that being said, not all of them are ideal for your purposes, and moreover not all of them are good.

What we are here to do today is to help make your life much easier by taking a closer look at the top seven best cleaver knives that the market has to offer at this time. If you plan on cooking in any professional capacity or on a consistent basis, then this is definitely a type of knife that you need to have in your kitchen arsenal.

Quick Comparison Between 7 Best Cleaver Knife

Take a look of the given comparison table and detailed reviews and let us know which one touched your heart. 

Best Cleaver Knife Review in Detail

1. Yoshihiro High Carbon White Steel Cleaver Knife

If you are looking for a very nice vegetable and meat cleaver, one that is extremely high in quality, then this is a great investment worth making. Now do keep in mind that this is definitely one of the more expensive cleavers out there, but you know what they say., you get what you pay for, and what you get here is quality, specifically handmade quality.

This particular cleaver is made with a special type of steel known as white Steel, number 2, which is extremely durable and hard. In terms of the Rockwell Hardness scale, it scores at 62, which is of course very hard. This is the kind of cleaver that you can use to bash through most foods, although it should not be used for bone. Do keep in mind that this is a relatively large 8.5 inch cleaver, but it is also very thin and sharp, thus allowing it to make quick work out of veggies, meat, and more.

What you may also appreciate is that this cleaver features of full tang design, which is something that helps add to its overall durability, not to mention that it also allows for a very well-balanced design that it’s user friendly. Speaking of the handle, what you get here is a Western style handle that is quite large and comfortable to hold. It’s all about being ergonomically friendly.

Key Features

• Stain and rust resistant
• Double edge blade
• 62 Rockwell hardness rating
• Real rosewood handle
• Forged white steel #2 blade
• 8.5 inch blade

The Bottom Line

If you are willing to invest quite a large sum of money into what has to be one of the very best cleavers on the market at this time, then the Yoshihiro High Carbon White Steel Cleaver is definitely a great choice to go with.

2. DALSTRONG Cleaver Knife

Dalstrong is of course a very popular and trusted brand when it comes to the world of kitchen knives, and they surely have not failed to produce a quality product in this particular Shogun X Series Cleaver. What we have to say right off the bat is that the hammered finish of the Damascus steel used here looks absolutely beautiful. This is quite likely the most beautiful knife that we have ever seen.

In terms of the knife material, what you need to keep in mind here is that the core of the knife is made out of Japanese AUS 10B Super Steel, which is then finished off with many layers of hammered Damascus steel. The result here is an extremely hard and durable knife that will not bend, break, or chip on you no matter how hard you hit something with. It also should not go rusty or corrode on you.

Now something that you do need to keep in mind here is that the razor sharp scalpel like edge up this cleaver is ideal for cutting, chopping, slicing and dicing. Mostly all foods, but you still do not want to use it for thick bones. Keep in mind that the blade is honed to between 8 and 12 degrees, so it is quite fine. However, just because you can’t hit bone with it does not mean that it is not durable. The nitrogen cooled harden process that this blade goes through is one of the best in the world.

Yes, this knife does feature a full tang design, which means that the blade material extends all the way through to the end of the handle. This of course allows for greater durability and better balance. Speaking of the handle, it is made out of military grade G10 fiberglass. It’s one of the toughest handles out there, plus it is also designed in an ergonomically friendly manner to allow you to easily hold onto it. Let’s not forget that this big boy comes complete with a lifetime warranty.

Key Features

• 7 inch blade
• 12.8 ounces
• AUS-19V Japanese super steel core
• 67 layers of Damascus steel on the exterior
• Made with a three step sharpening process
• Tapered bolster for excellent balance
• Full tang design
• Rockwell hardness rating of 62+

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that if you are looking for an affordable yet high quality cleaver for all of your vegetable, fruit, herb and meat cutting needs, then this one from Dalstrong is a great option that go with.

3. Wüsthof Classic 6-inches Cleaver Knife

Sometimes there’s just nothing better than some good old German engineering, and that’s exactly what you get with this particular cleaver. What is surprising is that even though this super high quality cleaver that he has is made in Germany, actually comes in at a fairly reasonable price. In fact, so far on your list today it is the most affordable option. Do keep in mind that this cleaver comes in four different sizes, including 6 inch, 8 inch, 9 inch, and an absolutely massive 16 inch beast of a cleaver.

The blade here is made with some of the best high carbon steel that can possibly be used for a cleaver. To be specific, the type of steel is X50 Cr MoV 15. Let’s type of steel is about as hard and durable as it gets, which means that you can rest assured that it’s not going to break on you.

In terms of the hardness level, this has to be the hardest blade on the list so far today, and the reason for it is because it is also the first blade armor list today that is able to cut through bone. Yes, that is right, this knife is durable and hard enough to chop right through bone.

However, with that being said, it does actually still have quite a sharp edge, which means that it is good enough for chopping and mincing. This blade is actually made with so-called precision edge technology, which helps to ensure that the blade is up to 20% sharper with up to twice the edge retention than leading competitors. Moreover, this cleaver does feature a full tang design, complete with an ergonomically designed handle.

Key Features

• 1 pound
• Choice of 6, 8, 9, and 16 inch blade lengths
• Super high quality high carbon stainless steel blade
• Durable polymer handle with good water resistance
• Comes with Wüsthof’s Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) for a 20% sharper blade and twice the edge retention.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that if you need a relatively affordable cleaver that works for smashing its way through bone, then this piece of German engineering is one of the best options you have to go with.

4. DALSRONG Gladiator Series Meat Cleaver Review

If what you need is a super heavy and large meat cleaver that is strong enough to bash its way through a brick, then this is a great option to consider. Yes, this is an absolutely massive meat cleaver as it comes in at a full 6 millimeters in thickness and three pounds in weight.

As you can tell, this thing is a massive beast. It is designed specifically for cutting its way through even the thickest of animal bones. Of course, this is not something that you would use for slicing, chopping, or mincing vegetables. This thing is more of a medieval weapon than it is a cooking utensil.

This particular blade is forged with premium high carbon 7cr17mov steel that also has been heat treated. The result is that this cleaver comes in at a 60 on the Rockwell hardness scale, which as you might be able to tell, is very hard indeed.

Moreover, this unit does feature a full tang design, which extends all the way down through the military grade G10 fiberglass handle, which is equally as tough, and water resistant too. This particular cleaver also comes with a 100% satisfaction or money back guarantee, as well as a lifetime warranty against all defects.

Key Features

• 9 inch blade
• Weighs 9 pounds
• Blade is forged out of
• 7cr17mov high carbon stain-resistant steel
• Edge is sharpened with to 16 to 18-degree angle
• Rockwell hardness rating of 60

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that although you probably won’t be using this thing to chop some vegetables and herbs, it is the ideal choice to go with if you need to smash your way through large cuts of meat that still have bones in them.

5. Zwilling J.A. Henckels TWIN Signature Chinese CLeaver Review

 What we have here is a high-quality German made cleaver that is made out of a special formula that includes high carbon, no stainless steel. What you do need to know is that this particular blade is stamped. It is stamped instead of forge, which means that it is much lighter but still does not sacrifice any strength.

One of the reasons why this blade is still very strong is because it has been ice-hardened. Overall, this is a very hard and durable blade that should not ship or crack on you. Moreover, it is also very resistant to rusting and staining.

On that same note, due to the materials used in the design of this blade, it features a Rockwell hardness rating of 57, which means that it is also great in terms of edge retention. Do keep in mind that the edge angle of this blade is 15 degrees per side, which doesn’t make it ideal for most kitchen tasks.

Yes, this is a full tang knife, which means that the blade material extends all the way down through the handle of us, allowing for great balance and even more durability. Speaking of the handle, what you get here is an ergonomically designed polymer handle that is fully bonded to the tang. This handle is designed to really hug the shape of your hand so you can be as comfortable as possible while using it. Not to mention that it also shouldn’t get slippery when wet.

Key Features

• Weighs 10 ounces
• 7” blade
• Ice hardened high carbon no stain steel
• High quality polymer handle
• Has three traditional rivets in the handle
• 15 degree double bevel
• 57 Rockwell hardness rating

The Bottom Line

If what you need is a quality meat cleaver that won’t come apart the first time you hit something with it, then this one is a good option to consider. The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature Chinese Cleaver may not be the highest-end cleaver in the world, but it certainly gets the job done.

6. Kamikoto Chuka Bocho Cleaver Review

What we have here is a cleaver that is average in length, but is designed to be extremely thin, which makes it ideal for precision work. This is the kind of cleaner that you would use for chopping, mincing, and slicing. Yes, you can also use it for cutting meat, but it’s definitely not something that can cut through bone.

Each blade is made with high-quality steel alloy, which is known for being very hard and durable. Now, this is a thin knife, so it is fairly lightweight, thus making it easy to use for long periods of time. Moreover, you may also like how this knife is perfectly balanced for comfort, and yes, it does come with a fairly nice handle too.

Key Features

• 7.5” blade
• Weighs only 3.29 ounces
• Comes with a wooden storage box
• High quality steel alloy

Pros

• Ideal for most jobs
• Very lightweight
• Very user friendly
• Sharp and precise
• Long lasting
• Comfortable to use
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Not for bone
• Not overly impact resistant

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that if you need a very thin and lightweight clear that it’s ideal for making quick work out of various vegetables and herbs, and then this is a great option to consider.

7. Imarku Cleaver Knife Review

What we have here is by far the most affordable cleaver on the list today. Now do keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so this is not exactly the highest quality cleaver out there. But with that said, it won’t cost you a fortune and it will get the job done as long as you are careful with it and treat it right.

This is the kind of cleaver that is ideal for chopping up meat, and vegetables, but definitely not for bone. This creeper features an 18 degree cutting angle on both sides, so it is quite sharp. Moreover, the blade itself is made out of very durable and strong high carbon stainless steel comes straight from Germany.

Now, in terms of overall durability and edge retention, while this is a perfectly acceptable knife, it’s definitely not the best in the world. That said, it does actually come with a hardness rating of 60, which is surprisingly impressive considering the rock bottom price. What you will definitely like is that it comes complete with a lifetime warranty.

Key Features

• 7” blade
• Weighs 13.1 ounces
• 60 Rockwell hardness rating
• Important German high carbon stainless steel
• Pakkawood handle
• Comes in a box

The Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that if you need a very affordable and simple cleaver, that is good enough for basic kitchen tasks, then this one is a good choice to keep in mind.

FAQs on Best Cleaver Knives  

1. Why buy a cleaver?

If you do a whole lot of cooking, then you definitely want to buy a cleaver because it is a true multi-purpose tool that can perform various tasks in the kitchen. If you have a good cleaver, you barely ever need to use any other knife. From breaking down animals to mincing garlic, a cleaver can do virtually everything.

2. Can all cleavers be used for bone?

No, not all cleavers can be used for cutting apart bone. If you plan on cutting apart bone, you need to get a meat cleaver that specifically states that it can be used for cutting bone.

3. How do you take care of a cleaver?

Taking care of a cleaver is really no different than taking care of any other knife. For one, you want to use a good chopping block or chopping board to protect the edge of the knife. Second, you want to sharpen the knife before and after each use. Third and final, you also want to wash and dry the knife after each use.

Wrap Up

When all has been said and done, there are plenty of great cleavers out there. The most important thing for you to keep in mind when choosing which one to purchase is whether or not you will need it to cut through bone. If you need a cleaver that can cut through bone, you will need to spend a little extra on something that is big, heavy, and able to take repeated impacts without the edge totally breaking.