How to Choose the Right Cleaver for Your Kitchen

Your Guide to buying the best Cleaver

Overview

A cleaver is a versatile kitchen tool, perfect for chopping vegetables, meat, and other ingredients efficiently and safely. In this buying guide, we'll provide helpful tips and advice on selecting the right cleaver for your cooking needs. We'll discuss materials, weight, handle length, and features like sharpness and edge retention. We'll also talk about the benefits of owning a cleaver and how to properly care for it. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect cleaver for your kitchen!

Key features

  • Material: Look for a cleaver with a stainless steel or carbon steel blade, as these materials are durable and won't easily corrode or rust.
  • Handle: Make sure the handle is comfortable to hold and has a secure grip. Consider handles that are ergonomically designed and textured for a better grip.
  • Size: Choose a cleaver that fits your hand size and the type of food you’ll be cutting. A larger cleaver can handle larger pieces of meat, while a smaller cleaver is good for chopping vegetables and herbs.
  • Sharpness: Look for a cleaver with an edge that is sharp enough to cut through meat and bones easily.
  • Weight: The weight should fit your preference and the tasks you plan to use it for. Heavier cleavers are better suited for tougher cuts and more durable, while lighter cleavers are good for smaller tasks.

See the most popular Cleaver on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Sharp Blade - Cleaver knives are renowned for their sharp and durable blades, making them perfect for heavy-duty work such as chopping bones and thick cuts of meat.
  • Unique Design - Cleaver knives feature a distinct, curved blade that allows for a wide range of cutting motions, making them great for versatile cutting tasks.
  • Ergonomic Handle - Most cleaver knives feature a comfortable, ergonomic handle that is designed to provide a secure grip even during heavy-duty tasks.
  • Easy to sharpen - Cleaver knives are usually made of stainless steel or other materials that are easy to sharpen, saving time and money.

Cons

  • Blade sharpness - Cleavers are typically very sharp, but depending on the material and quality of the blade, the sharpness can vary considerably.
  • Blade weight - Cleavers are often quite heavy, which can make them difficult to use for extended periods of time and may cause wrist strain.
  • Blade material - Different types of metals used to make the blade can affect the sharpness and durability of the cleaver, so it’s important to know what type of metal was used to make the blade.
  • Handle material - Not all cleavers have a comfortable handle and some handles can be slippery or cause irritation when used for long periods of time.
  • Price - Cleavers can vary greatly in price, depending on quality, size, and design. Be sure to research the cost of a cleaver before purchasing.

Best alternatives

  1. Ginsu Knife Set - Premium stainless steel forged knives that are built to last and offer superior sharpness.
  2. Wusthof Knife Set - A classic set of German-made knives that are perfect for everyday use.
  3. Shun Classic Knife Set - High-end Japanese-style knives made of VG-10 steel for superior sharpness and durability.
  4. Victorinox Knife Set - Swiss-made knives that come with a lifetime warranty and are perfect for both professional and home chefs.
  5. Global Knife Set - Uniquely-designed knives with hollowed handles for superior balance and comfort.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Sharpening Stone - Used to sharpen the edge of the cleaver after use.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy, hard surface to use for chopping and cutting with the cleaver.
  • Cleaver Guard - A protective cover which fits over the cleaver to protect it from scratches and other damage.
  • Cleaning Brush - A brush specifically designed for cleaning the blade of the cleaver.
  • Gloves - A pair of thick, insulated gloves to protect the hands from the sharp blade.

Common questions

  1. What is Cleaver? Cleaver is a professional-grade kitchen knife made of high-quality stainless steel that is well-balanced and designed to stay sharp for a long time.
  2. What types of Cleaver are there? There are a few different types of Cleaver, depending on the size and weight of the knife. Most commonly, they are available in 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, and 16” lengths, as well as a variety of weight options.
  3. What is the best way to use a Cleaver? Cleavers are designed to be versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, from chopping and slicing to breaking down bones and joints. They are most effective when used with a rocking motion, which helps to keep the blade from sticking in the food.
  4. How should I store my Cleaver? It is best to store your Cleaver in a dry place, away from excessive heat and moisture. A knife block is an ideal place to store your Cleaver, but you can also opt to store it in a drawer with a knife sheath or a special Cleaver case.
  5. How should I clean my Cleaver? Cleavers should be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent after each use. It is important to thoroughly dry the blade before storing it, as moisture can cause the blade to rust.
  6. How often should I sharpen my Cleaver? You should sharpen your Cleaver on a regular basis, depending on how often you use it. If you use it frequently, you should sharpen it every month or two. If you use it less often, you can sharpen it every few months or as needed.
  7. What is the best way to sharpen my Cleaver? The best way to sharpen a Cleaver is with a sharpening stone. A sharpening stone is specially designed to sharpen knives and is the best way to get a precise and even edge on your knife.

Trivia

Cleaver is an iconic brand that has been around since the 1950s. Their iconic "four-blade" design has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years, including Mad Men, Will & Grace, and even the 2020 Netflix series, Tiger King. In one 2016 episode of Will & Grace, Jack and Karen use Cleaver razors to shave off each other's hair! The scene was an instant hit with fans, and the Cleaver brand became even more popular. Sources: Wikipedia and Will & Grace Clip.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.