In the kitchen, a good Chinese cleaver is important for a wide variety of tasks. These blades are designed to be versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Your Chinese cleavers will come in handy for slicing virtually anything, from delicate chicken pieces to vegetables and cheese. The availability of so many different food options means that it is unusual to discover something as adaptable as this. Let us suggest the finest Chinese cleavers if you like to cook on the fly and have a penchant for versatility in the kitchen.
Best Pick
The core blade of the TUO TC0702H Cutlery Chinese Cleaver is made from a specific formulation of Japanese high-carbon steel, and it is covered by 66 layers of soft blades, making it exceptionally rust- and wear-resistant. Maintaining a razor’s sharp edge over time is a given with this product.
Budget Pick
For affordable quality, go no farther than the Mueller Cleaver Knife. The device features a razor-sharp stainless steel blade that won’t tarnish or rust under normal use. Its many uses and elegant appearance make it a must-have.
10 Best Chinese Cleavers
TUO TC0702H Cutlery Chinese Cleaver
The TUO TC702H Cutlery Chinese Cleaver, because to its superior build quality and cutting performance, is our pick for best Chinese cleaver. The product boasts excellent resistance to rust and wear. The blade is made of high-carbon steel, but it is coated with 66 additional layers of softer steel to increase its durability. As a multi-purpose knife, its edge retention is top-notch.
Silver plating decorates the blade, and a rich timber tone is included in the handle. Comfortable use, especially while chopping big amounts of food, is ensured by the ergonomically designed handle. This item is constructed of Pakka wood and given a high gloss finish.
It was claimed that the cleaver was one of the most versatile tools available. And there was logic to back up the decision. Extremely gifted and adept smiths are responsible for honing its edge. The three-stage process entails sharpening the blade at 18 degrees Fahrenheit on both sides between each step. All of this contributes to the blade’s unparalleled effectiveness.
Pros
- The ergonomically designed Pakka wood handle gives you a firm grasp and adds a touch of luxury to the product.
- Knives are hand sharpened by master smiths using a three-stage conventional procedure, with each side being honed to an acute 18 degrees.
- The core carbon blade is surrounded by 66 layers of softer steel, which together provide for a very sturdy blade.
Cons
- Too much blade thickness for use on plants.
Mueller 7-inch Meat Cleaver Knife
The blade of the Mueller Cleaver Knife is 7 inches and is crafted from German stainless steel, making it a high-end kitchen knife. The blade’s edge retention and resistance to rust and corrosion have both been given special care. The blade can also be easily resharpened.
Given that the sharpness of the knife is the single most important aspect in making clean cuts, it is the undisputed champion of the cutting regime. Just throw practically anything under there, and it will effortlessly cut, mince, dice, and slice. So, it’s great for commercial and domestic kitchens both. Its thinness makes it ideal for chopping small veggies and thick enough to easily cut through huge quantities of bones.
Knife is also simple to keep clean and in good working order. Improvements in precision are attributed to the incorporation of cutting-edge technology. You can rest assured that boredom is not in the cards. The robust construction of the handle makes it impervious to water.
Pros
- The blades have been put through a laser test, and they have been designed to mince and chop practically anything.
- Even after continuous use, your hands won’t become tired because to the cleaver’s ergonomic and secure grip.
- Wooden handles are treated to prevent warping and cracking from exposure to water.
Cons
- Despite the product’s claims that it can easily slice through tough fabrics, it thaws out poorly.
ZWILLING Twin Signature 7-inch Chinese Vegetable Cleaver
Zwilling is a brand name to keep in mind if you’re searching for specialty knives. This German company produces an array of high-end knives by fusing premium materials with state-of-the-art technology to create cutting tools with unparalleled functionality.
This cleaver, for example, features a Friodur blade. This is a high-carbon steel that has been treated with ice-hardening technology, giving the blade exceptional durability and edge retention.
This blade is stain-proof, flexible, and will keep its edge for a long time thanks to the manufacturing process and the material used. As a result, you can reduce the frequency with which you sharpen your cleaver and it will remain free of rust and stains from cutting various food ingredients. Precision cutting is greatly aided by a 15-degree angle on either side of the blade’s edge.
The handle is also well-made, with special attention paid to its polymer construction and its contouring to ensure a secure hold without sacrificing comfort. The handle has been reinforced with triple riveting so that it can withstand repeated pounding.
Pros
- The cleaver is the product of a well-known German manufacturer with expertise in blades.
- Friodur, an unique steel used to make the blade, has excellent stain and corrosion resistance, a high ability to retain an edge, and sufficient pliability to prevent the blade from cracking under normal use.
- The polymer handle has been ergonomically shaped for a firm grip and is lightweight and durable.
- This handle is quadruple riveted for extra strength.
- Every side of the blade’s cutting edge is angled at 15 degrees for clean, precise cuts.
Cons
- Avoid using it to cleave tough bones.
Cleaver Knife – imarku 7 Inch Meat
Most of us like knives with wooden handles because they feel more natural in the hand and have a more traditional look and feel.
However, wooden handles have their own set of problems, such as warping and encouraging mold and bacterial growth, especially in the wet and humid conditions of a kitchen.
The Pakka wood used for the handles is a smart decision on iMarku’s part because it satisfies the demand for wooden grips while also providing excellent durability. Composite wood is a unique substance that looks and feels like genuine wood but is resistant to warping and remains watertight, preventing the spread of bacteria and fungi. This ensures the handle will persist through rough use and repeated uses.
Knowing that the blade of this cleaver is crafted from a particular form of stainless steel called 7Cr17mov will explain why it is every bit as impressive as the handle. It is a modified 440A steel with the added vanadium that makes it resistant to wear and corrosion and helps it keep its edge for longer.
For this reason, the cleaver can stand up to regular, hard use, making it ideal for any kind of heavy-duty tasks. In addition, the 7-inch-long and 3.3-inch-wide blade is ideal for moving food from the cutting board to the pan.
Pros
- The cleaver has several potential applications.
- The handle is not only built from a wood-like substance that is pleasant to the touch and durable against warping, chipping, and mold growth, but it also looks like wood.
- The 7Cr17mov stainless steel used in the blade’s construction ensures that it will last a long time with minimal wear.
- The blade’s expansive surface area allows for multiple uses beyond simple slicing, like crushing garlic and moving food from the cutting board to the pan.
- The cleaver may be hung up to dry and be stored thanks to a hole in the blade’s corner.
Cons
- Foods that have been frozen cannot be sliced with it.
- It is not dishwasher safe.
Winco Blade Chinese Cleaver
This Chinese knife has a genuine wooden handle and a carbon steel blade. The carbon steel construction of the blade provides superior durability and edge retention.
That means you may go longer between sharpenings and enjoy the knife’s razor edge for longer. The blade measures 6.75 inches in length and 3.5 inches in breadth, providing enough of cutting area for a wide range of tasks. The ridges on the wooden handle make it easy to hold and feel secure in your hand.
Pros
- The blade’s generous size makes it well suited for a wide variety of cutting methods.
- With carbon steel used in its construction, the blade will keep its edge for a very long period.
- The handle is crafted of solid wood, lending the knife a natural feel and true look.
- It may be put through the dishwasher without fear of damage.
Cons
- A high chromium content steel would be more rust resistant, but the carbon steel used in the blade makes it durable nonetheless.
- The knife’s handle is constructed of wood, thus it needs to be kept in a dry environment.
LedgeON 6″ Professional Boning Knife – Pro Series – High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade – Wood Handle
This knife is worth looking into if you’re looking to upgrade to a high-end Chinese cleaver. In addition to being packaged in a beautiful box, this knife may be properly kept away when not in use.
Pakka wood, a composite wood with a woodlike look but strong resistance to bending and mold formation, was used to craft the knife’s handle. The triple riveting of the Pakka wood handle increases its longevity, making it a favorite even in establishments like restaurants, which put cutlery through a lot of wear and tear.
The knife’s blade is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel that has been hardened through heat treatment and forged for added strength, making it not only very sharp and powerful but also extremely long-lasting. This cleaver’s blade is designed to do double duty, cutting through tough materials like meat and bones as easily as it does peeling the skin off a fish with pinpoint accuracy. The fact that this cleaver can perform both power and traditional cuts sets it apart from other Chinese cleavers.
Pros
- This cleaver is flexible since it can be used for both power cutting and precise cutting.
- It’s packaged in a lovely box that serves as a convenient container for safekeeping or as a kind present.
- Pakka wood, used to make the handle, not only resists mold growth, but also gives comfort and a nice woodsy aesthetic.
- The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and has undergone a specific heating process that makes it very sharp and long-lasting.
- The cleaver can be dried by hanging it from the hole in the blade.
Cons
- In order to produce clean cuts through bones, the knife is a bit heavier than average, which could be a problem for those with weaker grips.
Shun DM0712 Classic 7-Inch Chinese Vegetable Cleaver
This one-of-a-kind Chinese-style cleaver was forged in Seki, Japan—the country’s “sword capital.” Out of the box, the blade of this cleaver is already extremely sharp. Several innovative design choices were made for the blade of this cleaver, setting it apart from competitors.
Because it is a cutlery grade steel, the blade is crafted from a unique Japanese steel called VG-10, which is very resistant to corrosion and wear.
Our utmost respect goes to the blade’s design, which has a cladding comprised of 16 layers of SUS410/SUS431 stainless steel on both sides. Banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water characterize this Damascus coating, a pattern that has been popular in the sword and knife production industries for a very long time. This Damascus cladding pattern not only makes the blade look beautiful, but it also strengthens it.
The cladding process creates tiny air pockets in the blade, which decreases friction during cutting, lengthens the blade’s lifespan, and makes it stain-proof. The blade is 16 degrees at the edge on both sides, making it incredibly sharp and precise and ideal for slicing through tough foods like meat and vegetables with ease. The blade’s hardness, at 60 to 61 on the Rockwell’s Hardness Scale, ensures that it will keep its edge for a very long time.
Pakka wood, used for the cleaver’s handle, is a type of wood treated with resin that retains the feel and appearance of wood while being more resistant to moisture-retention and warping. The D-shaped contouring of the cleaver’s handle makes it easy to maintain a firm hold while cutting.
Pros
- The VG-10 Japanese cutlery grade steel used to make the blade is exceptionally resistant to rust and wear.
- The Damascus covering provides the blade a distinctive look and also makes it easier to glide through delicate cuts.
- The blade is 16 degrees on the bevel, making it razor sharp and ideal for slicing into foods with precision and ease.
- The blade has a Rockwell hardness of 60 to 61, making it extremely robust and capable of keeping its edge for a long time.
- Pakka wood was used for the handle, which not only makes the cleaver more long-lasting but also gives it a more natural look.
- The D-shaped grip ensures a firm hold and less hand fatigue.
Cons
- Due to its precision-oriented design, it is not ideal for chopping tough bones along with soft vegetables and meat.
- Unlike European-style blades, this one has an extremely shallow blade edge, making it both sharp and fragile.
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Victorinox 7″ Chinese Classic Chefs Knife Stainless Steel Cleaver Butcher Knife
Swiss Army Knives and the Victorinox brand of kitchen cutlery are household names, so you can expect to hear about them frequently. You can trust that the standard and quality of this Chinese cleaver are particularly excellent because it was created by the same company that produces the iconic Swiss army knives.
Also, anyone searching for a cleaver that can chop through bones in addition to veggies and meat should give this one serious consideration. This cleaver will serve you well whether you’re butchering a whole bird or chopping ribs for a barbeque.
Rather than having a flat handle, this cleaver features a rounded cylindrical one, which improves the ergonomics and makes it simpler to apply force when slicing through tough foods.
Pros
- It was manufactured by a well-known Swiss manufacturer of army knives.
- The cleaver can easily slice through tough meat and bones.
- Unlike most butcher knives, this one features a cylindrical handle, making it both more ergonomic and more suitable for heavy-duty tasks like chopping bones.
Cons
- It’s not recommended for people with weak hands because the cleaver is heavier than comparable vegetable cleavers.
Dexter S5198 8″ x 3-1/4″ Chinese Chefs Knife with Wooden Handle
This is Dexter s5198 User interest in the Chinese Cleaver has been piqued by the versatility of its blades, which can be thin enough to chop vegetables cleanly but sturdy enough to cut through chicken bones. If it’s something that piques your attention, this versatile knife is an excellent choice for your kitchen.
The knife has a stainless steel blade that measures 8 inches long and a brown wooden handle. It requires no assembly and may be used straight from the box. As a result of the product’s small weight, it may be cut in huge quantities without causing any discomfort to the cutter’s hands.
Pros
- It quickly and easily slices through big quantities of veggies and meat despite its low weight.
- The ergonomic shape of the grip makes it suitable for use by those with smaller hands.
- This product’s distinctive geometry is optimized for durability and edge retention.
Cons
- Stains tend to stick on the product. After each use, it must be cleaned thoroughly.
SKY LIGHT 7″ Cleaver, Chinese Butcher Knife
If you need a cleaver that can break down tough, thick bones like ribs and process whole poultry, this is the one you should get. This cleaver is heavier than the rest since it requires a substantial amount of force when slamming down on tough ingredients.
This knife’s blade is crafted from X50CrMoV15 stainless steel, which is exceptionally robust (58+ on the Rockwell Hardness scale) and hence perfect for exerting brute force when cutting bones and tough meat.
It’s a cleaver that won’t need to be changed for a long time due to the blade’s extreme hardness and resistance to stains and corrosion. The 17-degree bevel angles on this knife make it exceptionally sharp and precise, allowing it to cut and slice with great precision in addition to withstanding a great deal of power.
Sky Light appears to put most of their effort into manufacturing incredibly hard knife blades, but they know you don’t want hard handles, so they built the handle out of a polymer that is comfortable to the touch but resistant to mechanical, heat, and cold temperature damage.
Pros
- Because of its design, the cleaver is able to easily slice through tough muscle and bone.
- German steel with a high carbon content and Nitrogen treatment was used to forge the blade, making it very hard.
- With the blade’s 2.5 mm thick spine, you may easily use brute power to slice through tough materials.
- Both sides of the blade’s cutting edge are angled at 17 degrees, making it an exceptionally sharp and precise tool.
- The high-quality ABS used in the handle is not only pleasant to the touch, but also resistant to harm from either heat or pressure.
Cons
- This cleaver is heavier than most others because of its intended use in butchering; hence, it may not be comfortable in the hands of someone with weaker grip strength.
Tips for Choosing the Finest Chinese Cleaver
Size and Weight
Depending on the type of slicing you intend to do with your Chinese cleaver, the size of the cleaver is a crucial consideration before making a purchase. You should get a small or medium cleaver for regular slicing, dicing, and mincing tasks. However, a larger cleaver will be necessary for more strenuous tasks, such as dismantling a whole chicken or slicing through tough rib bones.
You should know how big and powerful your hands are before purchasing a cleaver because this will affect how well the cleaver fits in your hand. The weight of a cutting tool is another factor in how easily and comfortably it may be used.
Check the weight of the cleaver before you buy it to make sure you can easily move and maneuver it; the weight of a cleaver depends significantly on the sort of materials used in its construction, thus the larger the cleaver, the less likely it is to be heavier.
Type of material used
This section gets into some technical details, but don’t worry; we’ll walk you through the basics of what materials are available and how to pick the right one for your project. Cleavers no longer utilize generic terms like “stainless steel” for the blade material; instead, they list the exact type of stainless steel used, such as 9Cr15, VG-10, 7Cr17mov, Friodur, etc.
The names of the steels may sound frightening, but a fast internet search will show their basic features, and you will therefore readily know what kinds of cutting operations your cleaver will be good for. Aside from that, it’s helpful to know that blades made from steel with a high chromium content are extremely resistant to corrosion, while those made from steel with a high carbon content have a high grade of hardness, making them suitable for cutting processes that demand a lot of strength.
The handle material is also important since it will affect how easy or difficult it is to obtain a firm hold on the cleaver. Wooden handles provide a classic look and feel while also being highly durable and offering a reasonable amount of comfort.
Cleaning directions
Since Chinese cleavers are made from high-quality materials, they need to be maintained carefully to ensure they last for many years to come. Whether or not your cleaver can go in the dishwasher depends on the materials and construction it was made with.
The blade’s sharpness and precision can be damaged by using abrasive detergents or sponges, therefore it’s better to wash most varieties by hand with mild soap. Cleavers with wooden handles should be kept as dry as possible, thus it’s a good idea to look for cleavers with a hole in the blade for drying purposes after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Chinese chefs use cleavers?
Cleavers from China are great for chopping, dicing, slicing, mincing, and any other cutting operation you can think of. The cleavers aren’t as much of a chef’s knife as they are a bone-cutter. Cut through tough connective tissue and bones with ease. Also useful for chopping pork and beef. Those are the kinds of thick ribs and bones that these knives are most suited for slicing through.
Can you use a Chinese cleaver for everything?
When it comes to multitasking in the kitchen, cleavers are hard to beat. They can do anything and everything, making them a master of none. Small cleavers are convenient as kitchen knives since they are both portable and powerful enough to handle virtually any slicing activity.
Conclusion
Once you’re used to using a Chinese cleaver, it will likely replace most of your other cutting implements in the kitchen. The ideal Chinese cleaver for you will depend on a careful comparison of your needs to the features offered by the various models now available. We hope this post has made it simpler for you to purchase the ideal “ciao dao” for your home kitchen, where you can begin perfecting your culinary abilities with your very own “ciao dao.”
