Knife

7 Best Meat Cleavers of 2021

Photo: Dalstrong

People who usually cook meat at home direly requires best meat cleaver in the kitchen. These knives help in chopping the slabs of meat conveniently. While cutting meat at home, the hardest part is to chop the bones. Well, meat cleavers are used for the same purpose.

Only a strong and well-built meat cleaver will be able to help you hack though the meat and cut the hardest bones with ease. A meat cleaver is a heavy knife with thick blade, made to help you with the hard meat parts and it does the job very well.

Product Name

Blade Length

Blade Material

Weight

Current Price

1. Gunter Wilhelm Butcher’s Cleaver

8.0 in

X50CrMoV15 High Carbon No-Stain Steel

19.2 oz

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2. Dalstrong 7-Inch Heavy Duty Cleaver

7.0 in

High Carbon German Steel

35.2 oz

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3. Zelite Infinity 7-Inch Cleaver Knife

7.0 in

X50 Cr MoV 15 Stainless Steel

14.08 oz

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4. Sky Light 7-Inch Cleaver

7.0 in

X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel

7.2 oz

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5. Tuo Cutlery Heavy Duty 6-Inch Meat Cleaver

6.0 in

X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel

20.8

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6. Dalstrong 7-Inch Cleaver

7.0 in

High Carbon Stainless Steel

12.8 oz

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7. Wüsthof Cleaver 8-Inch Knife

8.0 in

High Carbon Stainless Steel

23.52 oz

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1. Gunter Wilhelm 8-Inch Butcher’s Cleaver

Photo: Gunter Wilhelm

  • Blade Length: 8 inches
  • Blade Material: X50CrMoV15 High Carbon No-Stain Steel
  • Handle Material: PakkaWood
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds

Gunter Wilhelm cleavers are usually considered to be the best knives in the market. The 8-inch butcher’s cleaver is no different. It is a high-quality meat cleaver that does all the slicing and chopping tasks effectively.

The knife is crafted of German-made X50CrMoV15 high carbon stainless-steel which is considered to be the highest quality steel. It is corrosion-resistant and does not change its colour with time. The extra-wide blade is perfect for varied chopping and slicing tasks.

The blade has undergone intense heat treatment and is ice-hardened which makes it better in performance. It also ensures the longevity of the knife, making it more durable and useful for the buyer.

The knife is further enhanced with triple tang PakkaWood handle that give optimum control and balance while using the knife. Due to the stiff handle and strong built, you can use this model with the meat bones and hard fruits as well.

Overall, the knife gives you great performance in kitchen and is priced just right as per its qualities.

Pros:

  • Highest-quality stainless steel
  • Excellent in performance
  • Give optimum balance
  • Triple tang handle

Cons:

  • Expensive
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2. Dalstrong 7-Inch Heavy Duty Cleaver

Photo: Dalstrong

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon German Steel
  • Handle Material: Black PakkaWood
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds

This is a good meat cleaver. The standard 7-inch blade is made of high carbon German steel which is considered to be a decent choice in steel as it can stay corrosion less for many years. The full tang blade comes with Rockwell hardness which makes it more durable.

Since the blade is extra-wide, it gives optimum knuckle clearance. The knife has ultra-sharp edge to give buttery soft cutting. It is also completely stain resistant.

The blade is fastened to an ergonomic triple riveted black PakkaWood handle which is carefully designed to give you best manoeuvrability and comfort.

Talking about other features, it is a heavy-duty meat cleaver that will help you in getting the job done effortlessly. The price is highly suitable for all kind of buyers.

Note : It is a heavy-duty cleaver so you are recommended to not to use it on thin wooden cutting board. With its high performance and heavy weight, it will cut the board along with the meat.

Pros:

  • Full tang blade
  • Exceptional durability
  • Ergonomic handle for best manoeuvrability and comfort
  • Knuckle clearance
  • Stain-resistant

Cons:

  • Heavy
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3. Zelite Infinity 7-Inch Cleaver Knife

Photo: Zelite

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: X50 Cr MoV 15 Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Bolster Handle
  • Weight: 0.88 pound

Zelite meat cleaver is equipped with 7-inch blade that is ideal for cutting, chopping, slicing, de-boning, and cleaving the meat. The blade of this model is made of X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel that offer top-lasting performance to the knife.

It is rust, corrosion, and stain resistant and strengthened with exceptional edge retention. The blade is rockwell hardened which means that it can give satisfactory performance and utmost control. For all kind of chopping and cutting tasks, the blade is simply perfect.

About the handle, this model has got an impressive full tang, ergonomic big forged black handle. It of further tapered with bolster which gives utmost control and robustness to the knife.

This meat cleaver makes an ideal gifting option for your near and dear ones. Decently priced, this item is certainly the best cleaver knife in the market to chop meat bones and tight skinned fruits.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Extremely durable
  • Full tang
  • Highest quality stainless steel
  • Comfortable handle

Cons:

  • Does not work well with really hard bones
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4. Sky Light 7-Inch Cleaver

Photo: Sky Light

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Bolster Handle
  • Weight: 0.45 pound

Sky light has given this splendid model which is equipped with 7 inches blade. Well, the blade of this model is made with highest-quality X50CrMoV15 stainless steel which is best in its kind and does not corrode or rust too soon.

The blade is precisely forged with heat treatment and has 58 rockwell hardness to ensure optimum performance and durability. However, the blade is rather thinner than the competitive models. Yet, it can handle every day kitchen cutting tasks effectively.

The handle given to this model is full tang triple-riveted and tapered with bolster. It has non-slip feature and highly suitable for professional use. Also, the bolster material makes the knife extremely lightweight and high in control.

It has a protective finger-guard that safeguard your hand and protect it from accidents.

Note : It is suggested to hone the knife after every 2-3 months to enjoy optimum performance. Also, the knife is dishwasher friendly but you are recommended to wash it with hand and keep it dry to avoid corrosion and rusting.

Pros:

  • Best quality stainless steel
  • Protective finger guard
  • Lightweight
  • Highly durable

Cons:

  • Not perfectly balanced
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5. Tuo Cutlery Heavy Duty 6-Inch Meat Cleaver Knife

Photo: Tuo

  • Blade Length: 6 inches
  • Blade Material: X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: PakkaWood Handle
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds

Tuo is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to the best cutlery in the market. This model has a 6 inches blade made of high-quality German steel. It is a well-designed blade, enhanced with razor sharp technique to give perfect cutting, slicing, and chopping of the hardest meat.

The blade comes with hand polished edge at 12-15 degrees on each side to ensure optimum performance. As the steel is of utmost quality, you will find it corrosion, stain, and rust-resistant.

The handle is made with superior quality PakkaWood, sourced from Africa. It is a full tang handle with a slight curve that gives extremely comfortable holding and does not tire the hand as you hold the knife for long time.

This model is affordable and comes with lifetime warranty from Tuo. Also, this makes a great gifting option for the cutlery collectors.

Pros:

  • Heavy duty
  • Designer looks
  • High quality steel
  • Extremely comfortable handle
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Small blade size
  • Heavy as per its size
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6. Dalstrong 7-Inch Cleaver

Photo: Dalstrong

  • Blade Length: 7 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Ultra-Premium G10 Handle
  • Weight: 0.8 pound

Dalstrong has given this model incredible and award-winning craftsmanship. This model is equipped with 7 inches high carbon stainless steel blade. It has 66 layers of premium high quality stainless steel coating on the blade which makes its extremely durable, strong, and corrosion resistant.

Furthermore, the blade has non-stick properties. To ensure buttery smooth cut, the knife has got perfectly balanced and precisely tapered blade. It is also nitrogen cooled for enhanced harness and flexibility.

The high-quality blade is fastened with full tang, triple riveted ultra-premium G10 handle which give extreme comfort and control to the holder’s hand. This is one of the utmost quality handles that you will find in meat cleavers.

Considering the features of this knife, the price of this model is completely justified. It comes with lifetime warranty against defects to safeguard your purchase.

Pros:

  • Full tang
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Ultra-premium G10 handle

Cons:

  • Very expensive
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7. Wüsthof Cleaver 8-Inch Knife

Photo: Wüsthof

  • Blade Length: 8 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Synthetic Polypropylene
  • Weight: 1.47 pounds

This 8-inch high-carbon stainless steel knife is also one of the finest models in our list. The steel used to make the blade is of highest quality and manufactured in German. It has the ability to resist stains, rust, and corrosion.

The length of the blade is big enough to handle large batch of work at a time. It seamlessly cuts through the poultry, ribs, bones, etc. Also, the blade is hand polished and strengthened with heat technology.

The handle is however different from its peers in the list. This one has got synthetic polypropylene handle which is non-slip and comfortable enough. It is a full tang triple riveted handle, durable enough to serve you for years. This model is precisely tapered from base to tip.

Note: The knife is not dishwasher friendly. You must hand wash it and ensure instant drying to avoid corrosion and rusting.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • High quality stainless steel
  • Comfortable handle
  • Non-slip feature

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Too large
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Chinese Cleaver vs. Meat Cleaver

The Chinese cleaver, often recognized as Japanese meat cleaver or Chukabocko is delicate than a meat cleaver (Butcher’s cleaver) in many aspects, other than just cutting. Let’s see:

  • Production t echnique : The production technique of Chinese cleaver is different as it is made with Japanese steel alloy which is usually more expensive. On the other hand, meat cleaver is strong built and hard with thick and dense blades made of German stainless steel.
  • Purpose : Chinese cleaver is an all-purpose tool used for mincing, cutting chopping, vegetables, fruits, different types of meat products etc. whereas, a meat cleaver is ideally to cut through the hardest meat bones, ribs and other parts.
  • Thickness : Chinese cleaver is much thinner in cross-section when compared with the Butcher’s cleaver.
  • Handle : Meat cleaver is equipped with a handle heavier than the Chinese cleaver . The butcher’s cleaver is not suitable for delicate tasks like peeling, slicing, etc. whereas Chinese cleaver does all these tasks effectively.

The major difference is of the weight and blade of both the knives.

How to Buy the Best Meat Cleavers

Photo: Tuo

There are some essentials that must be kept in mind while purchasing a meat cleaver. We are going to discuss those below:

1. Versatility

Since there are different types of meat products cooked in a kitchen, it is essential to buy a cleaver that is versatile in its performance. You should look for the product based on its sharpness and size. The cleavers are divided for two prime users:

  • For Professional Use : If you are a professional then you must pick a multi-purpose cleaver that can be used for chopping all kinds of meat products, vegetables, and fruits.
  • For Domestic Usage : If you need it for your kitchen where you don’t tend to make different kinds of meats then a standard meat cleaver can also work for you.

2. Handle

The handles are usually made of wood, bolster or different kinds of steel. It is essential for a cleaver to have good and rigid handle to get better control of the knife. Here are some significant points to consider-

  • Stainless Steel Handle : These day, you can find one-piece cleavers as well with handle and blade stitched together as one. Such handles are mostly made of stainless steel and considered as the most durable handles among its competitors.
  • Other Handle Types : The wood and bolster or polypropylene handles give optimum gripping and do not slide away as your hand get sweaty.

Since handle plays an important role, it is essential to pick it wisely.

3. Size

The size of cleavers is usually large with wide mouth. But there are still some differences in the dimensions of these knives. It is essential to pick broader blades for tough meat and narrow blade for soft meat.

4. Balance

The weight of blade and handle should be balanced for the cleaver to perform effectively. Also, you must consider the weight of the cleaver because the ones with extreme light weight will not be able to deliver good performance.

On the other hand, the cleavers with decent weight will require less repetitions to cut through the tough meat.

Conclusion

Here we conclude our hunt of best meat cleaver with our top suggestions and the meat cleavers review. The products are perfectly balanced and made of top-notch quality steel. All the knives are stain, rust, and corrosion resistant.

However, it is essential to know that all kind of steel is prone to rust or corrode. It is best to keep the knife moisture-free and dry it instantly after washing. This will enhance the longevity of the knife.

Pick the model of your choice and make every day meat chopping an easy task for you.

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