Best Cleaver Chef Knives of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Cleaver chef knives are a versatile and essential tool for any kitchen. These knives are designed with a thick, heavy blade that can easily chop through tough meats and vegetables. The weight of the blade provides the necessary force to cut through bones and joints, making it a great option for butchering meat. In addition to its strength, the wide blade of the cleaver can also be used to scoop up chopped ingredients and transfer them to a pot or pan. Cleaver chef knives come in a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate different preferences and needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KYOKU Samurai 7" Cleaver Knife Cover #TOP 1
KYOKU Samurai 7" Cleaver Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Babish 1.4116 German Steel Cleaver Cover #TOP 2
Babish 1.4116 German Steel Cleaver
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Topfeel 3PCS Butcher Knife Set Cover #TOP 3
Topfeel 3PCS Butcher Knife Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cleaver Chef Knives

#TOP 1

KYOKU Samurai 7" Cleaver Knife

8541905292
Black
KYOKU Samurai 7" Cleaver Knife Cover
KYOKU Samurai Series - 7" Cleaver Knife - Full Tang - Japanese High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knives - Pakkawood Handle with Mosaic Pin - with Sheath & Case

The KYOKU 7" Cleaver is designed for exceptional performance in the kitchen. Its high-carbon steel blade delivers outstanding sharpness and edge retention, allowing you to slice through ingredients with ease. The ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue during long cooking sessions, ensuring comfort while you work. The Pakkawood handle not only looks great but is also durable and resistant to heat and moisture. With a mirror-polished edge crafted by skilled artisans, this cleaver provides the precision you need for all your chopping tasks.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness
Comfortable ergonomic design
Durable Pakkawood handle
Great edge retention
#TOP 2

Babish 1.4116 German Steel Cleaver

131295.01R
7.5"
Babish 1.4116 German Steel Cleaver Cover
Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel Cutlery, 7.5" Clef (Cleaver + Chef) Kitchen Knife, Good Housekeeping Standout Knife of 2022

The Babish Cleaver Knife stands out as a top choice for any kitchen. Made from a single piece of high-carbon German steel, it offers impressive durability and sharpness, allowing you to easily slice through various ingredients. The knife is expertly tempered and polished, ensuring a finely honed edge that enhances your chopping precision. Its full-tang handle is designed for a balanced grip, providing comfort during extended use. With its unique hybrid design combining features of a chef's knife and cleaver, this tool is versatile enough for both delicate tasks and heavier chopping.

What We Like
High-carbon German steel
Comfortable full-tang handle
Versatile hybrid design
Exceptional sharpness

Topfeel 3PCS Butcher Knife Set

DK03P
Brown
Topfeel 3PCS Butcher Knife Set Cover
Topfeel 3PCS Butcher Knife Set, Hand Forged Serbian Chef Knife & Meat Cleaver Knife & Viking Knives, Meat Cutting Kitchen Knife Set for Home, Outdoor Cooking, Camping BBQ Gift Idea Men

The Topfeel Butcher Knife Set includes a versatile 7" Serbian chef knife, a 7" butcher cleaver, and a 6.5" Viking knife, making it perfect for various kitchen tasks. You can easily slice vegetables, chop meats, and even fillet fish. Crafted with an upgraded anti-rust process, these knives resist corrosion, ensuring they remain clean and durable. Each knife is hand-forged from high carbon steel, providing you with incredibly sharp blades that stay sharp longer. The ergonomic rosewood handles offer a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue even during tough chopping tasks.

What We Like
Versatile multi-use knives
Rust-resistant and durable
Hand-forged for sharpness
Comfortable ergonomic handles

Dalstrong 7.5" Serbian Chef Knife - Meat Cleaver

GS-7.5inch-Serbian-Chef
Black G10 Handle
Dalstrong 7.5" Serbian Chef Knife - Meat Cleaver Cover
Dalstrong Serbian Chef Knife - 7.5 inch - Gladiator Series Elite - German HC Steel - Meat Cleaver Knife - Hammered Blade Finish - Razor Sharp Kitchen Knife - G10 Handle - w/Sheath - NSF Certified

The Dalstrong Serbian Chef Knife is a versatile and heavy-duty cleaver that can handle vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, and small bones, featuring a razor-sharp full-tang imported high-carbon German steel blade with a hand-polished edge. The G10 Garolite handle offers a comfortable grip and ergonomic design. The blade is engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness and hand-polished to a satin finish. It is NSF certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Razor-sharp full-tang blade
G10 Garolite handle with ergonomic design
NSF certified
#TOP 5

XYJ Serbian Chef's Knife

XYJ
Black
7.5"
XYJ Serbian Chef's Knife Cover
XYJ Authentic Since 1986,Outstanding Ancient Forging, 7.5 Inch Full Tang, Serbian Chefs knife,Chef Meat Cleaver,Kitchen Knives,Set with Leather Sheath,Take Carrying,Butcher

The XYJ Chef's Knife is designed with your comfort and efficiency in mind. Its full tang construction enhances stability, allowing you to cut with greater precision while reducing strain on your hands. The knife features a unique handmade forging process, ensuring a durable and long-lasting blade that can tackle various kitchen tasks with ease. Made from high carbon steel, this knife offers exceptional sharpness and wear resistance, making slicing and dicing a breeze. With its stylish hammered texture, not only is it functional, but it also adds a chic touch to your kitchen tools.

What We Like
Ergonomic design
Handmade craftsmanship
High carbon steel
Durable and long-lasting
#TOP 6

DALSTRONG Crixus Hybrid Cleaver Knife

Dalstrong
Black G10 Handle
DALSTRONG Crixus Hybrid Cleaver Knife Cover
DALSTRONG Hybrid Cleaver & 8" Chef Knife - Shogun Series ELITE - The 'Crixus' - Japanese AUS-10V Super Steel Kitchen Knife - Black Handle - Razor Sharp Knife - Meat Cleaver Heavy Duty - w/Sheath Cover

The DALSTRONG Crixus Knife is a versatile tool that combines the features of a chef's knife and a cleaver. Its razor-sharp edge, honed to perfection, allows you to slice through meats and vegetables with ease. The knife's full tang design provides exceptional strength, making it reliable for heavy-duty tasks. You will appreciate the ergonomic handle, designed for comfort and control, which enhances your cooking experience. Plus, the included sheath cover keeps the blade safe while adding an elegant touch to its overall look.

What We Like
Razor-sharp edge
Ergonomic handle
Versatile for various foods
Durable construction
#TOP 7

Huusk Japan Knives Serbian Chef Knife

Silver
6.5 inch
Huusk Japan Knives Serbian Chef Knife Cover
Huusk Japan Knives, Upgraded Serbian Chef Knife Japanese Meat Cleaver Knife for Meat Cutting Forged Butcher Knife with Sheath Full Tang Kitchen Chopping Knife for Home, Outdoor Cooking, Camping

The Huusk Japan Knives Serbian Chef Knife is a razor-sharp, powerful, and durable knife with a 59-61 Rockwell hardness. The traditional hand sharpening method brings the edge to a razor-sharp 13-15 degrees, making it easy to cut through steak and meat. The ergonomic oak handle is non-slip, stable, and comfortable to grip, with a hole for premium control. Equipped with a leather sheath, this knife is 100% suitable for outdoor grilling, camping, hiking, and hunting. It also comes with exquisite gift box packaging, making it a great gift choice for special occasions.

What We Like
Razor-sharp, powerful, and durable
Traditional hand sharpening method for razor-sharp edge
Ergonomic oak handle is non-slip and stable
Equipped with a leather sheath, suitable for outdoor use
Comes with exquisite gift box packaging
#TOP 8

Seido Knives Hakai Chef Cleaver

Seido Knives
sk-CJCF129481802BY-hck
Brown
6.6"
Seido Knives Hakai Chef Cleaver Cover
Seido Knives Hakai Chef Cleaver Knife with Curve Rosewood Handle and Premium Leather Sheath - Artisan Crafted High Carbon Stainless Steel for Kitchen, Camping, and BBQ

The Seido Hakai Cleaver is a versatile kitchen tool designed for various cutting tasks. Its high-carbon steel construction ensures outstanding sharpness and durability, making it perfect for slicing meats and chopping vegetables effortlessly. The ergonomic design, featuring a curved Rosewood handle, provides a comfortable grip and superior control, allowing you to work for extended periods without discomfort. With a robust hardness rating, this cleaver retains its edge well, ensuring you can tackle any culinary challenge with confidence and ease.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness and durability
Comfortable ergonomic design
Versatile for multiple tasks
High edge retention
#TOP 9

SANDEWILY 7-in Meat Cleaver

1808B1
Silver
7In Meat Cleaver
SANDEWILY 7-in Meat Cleaver Cover
SANDEWILY Meat Cleaver Chef Knife,7-in Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knife,Slicer Knife Cooking Knife Vegetable Knife,German HC Stainless Steel,Full Tang Wood Handle,Gift Box for Home Outdoor BBQ Camping

The SANDEWILY Meat Cleaver is a versatile 7-inch kitchen knife designed for all your chopping and slicing needs. Its well-balanced design makes it easy to handle, allowing you to cut through various ingredients with precision. Made from high-carbon German stainless steel, this knife offers exceptional strength and long-lasting sharpness, so you can enjoy effortless cutting. The ergonomic full-tang wooden handle ensures a comfortable grip, making it perfect for extended cooking sessions without fatigue. With its ultra-sharp blade, you can effortlessly slice through meat, vegetables, and fruits while preserving their moisture and nutrients for healthier meals.

What We Like
Well-balanced design
High-carbon stainless steel
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Ultra-sharp blade
#TOP 10

Dalstrong 12" Chef-Cleaver Hybrid Knife

GS-12inch-Crixus
Black G10 Handle
Dalstrong 12" Chef-Cleaver Hybrid Knife Cover
Dalstrong Chef & Cleaver Hybrid Knife - 12 inch Extra-Large - The Crixus - Gladiator Series Elite - HC German Steel - G10 Handle - Heavy Duty - w/Sheath - NSF Certified

The Dalstrong 12" Chef-Cleaver Hybrid Knife is a versatile, extra-long knife that is perfect for pitmasters, BBQ enthusiasts, and chefs who love meat. Made from high-carbon German steel, this knife is incredibly sharp and precisely tempered for stain resistance. The curved profile and weighted front half make it easy to slice through flesh, skin and sinew or chop like a cleaver for easy sectioning and portioning. The ultra-premium G-10 handle is military grade with life-long durability and the ergonomic shape is engineered for superior control, agility and comfort. NSF certified and comes with a 100% satisfaction or money back guarantee.

What We Like
Precisely tempered and stain resistant high-carbon German steel
Curved profile and weighted front half for easy slicing and chopping
Ultra-premium G-10 handle with ergonomic shape for superior control and comfort
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cleavers good chef knives?

Yes, cleavers are excellent chef knives. Also known as Chinese chef's knives, they are versatile and can handle a variety of tasks. Cleavers excel at heavy-duty tasks, from crushing aromatics to filleting fish. They are the ultimate do-it-all tool in the kitchen.

2. What are cleavers knives good for?

Cleaver knives are ideal for heavy-duty tasks where more force is needed. They are designed to efficiently cut through heavy pieces of meat, including cartilage and bones. Cleavers like the Cuso Cuts Cleaver can also make quick work of tough ingredients like squash and pineapple.

3. Why do Chinese only use cleavers?

Chinese chefs favor cleavers due to their versatile design. Cleavers have a broad, rectangular blade with a flat edge, making them well-suited for chopping through tough ingredients like chicken bones. The heavier blade provides more heft for efficient chopping.

4. Why do Japanese chefs use cleavers?

Japanese chefs use cleavers, known as chuka bocho, for their abundance of surface area, making it easier to scoop up ingredients. Japanese cleavers are perfect for cutting everything that goes into a stir fry, including vegetables and proteins. They are versatile and can handle dicing and precise cuts.

5. Why do chefs use cleavers?

Chefs love using cleavers because they are all-purpose knives. The large blade allows them to quickly switch from chopping vegetables to butchering meats without needing to pick up another knife. Cleavers provide convenience and efficiency in the kitchen.

6. When would you use a cleaver instead of a chef's knife?

A cleaver is preferred over a chef's knife when dealing with heavy vegetables like squash and root vegetables that require more force. Cleavers can also be used for pounding, mincing, dicing, and slicing a variety of other foods. They are versatile tools in the kitchen.

7. Can a meat cleaver knife actually cut through bones?

Yes, a meat cleaver knife is designed to cut through meat, cartilage, tendons, and even bones with ease. A good meat cleaver should have a sharp and heavy stainless steel blade that can handle these tasks effectively.

Editor's Notes

During our cleaver chef knives research, we found 24 cleaver chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 129,275 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cleaver chef knives list. We found that most customers choose cleaver chef knives with an average price of $34.72.

The cleaver chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cleaver chef knives, including KYOKU, Babish, Topfeel, Dalstrong, XYJ. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 178 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.