Best Carbon Steel Meat Cleavers of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Carbon steel meat cleavers are a must-have for any home cook or professional chef. These versatile knives are designed to easily cut through tough meats and bones, making them ideal for preparing large cuts of beef, pork, and poultry. Made from high-quality carbon steel, these cleavers are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. They feature a sharp, heavy blade that can handle even the toughest of cutting tasks, while the comfortable handle provides a firm and secure grip. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, a carbon steel meat cleaver is an essential tool in any kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver Knife Cover #TOP 1
imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HOSHANHO 7-Inch Cleaver Knife Cover #TOP 2
HOSHANHO 7-Inch Cleaver Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
KitchenAid Classic Cleaver Knife Cover #TOP 3
KitchenAid Classic Cleaver Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carbon Steel Meat Cleavers

imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver Knife

I-KC0009
Light Black
imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver Knife Cover
imarku Cleaver Knife 7 Inch Meat Cleaver - SUS440A Japan High Carbon Stainless Steel Butcher Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Ultra Sharp Knife, Kitchen Gadgets for Home/Restaurant, Christmas Gifts

The imarku 7-Inch Meat Cleaver Knife is a multi-purpose cleaver designed for slicing, chopping, mincing, boning and cutting meat, vegetables, and fruits. The blade is hand-sharpened by experienced artisans, with a thin, ultra-sharp blade thickness of 2.3mm, making it easy to resharpen and maintain. The knife is forged from high carbon stainless steel SUS440A for easy maintenance and edge retention. The ergonomic Pakkawood handle ensures a comfortable grip and high maneuverability, making it a great kitchen essential for home and restaurant use.

What We Like
Easy resharpening, cleaning and maintenance
Durable and strong, easily cuts large pieces of food
Extremely strong rust and corrosion resistance
#TOP 2

HOSHANHO 7-Inch Cleaver Knife

7 inch Cleaver Knife
Silver
HOSHANHO 7-Inch Cleaver Knife Cover
HOSHANHO Cleaver Knife 7 Inch, Ultra Sharp Japanese AUS-10 High Carbon Steel Vegetable Meat Cleaver, Multifunction Chopper Butcher Knife for Home Kitchen and Restaurant

The HOSHANHO Cleaver Knife is designed for precision and ease in your kitchen. With its extremely sharp 15° blade angle, you can enjoy clean cuts while preparing meat and vegetables. Made from high-quality Japanese AUS-10 stainless steel, this knife maintains its sharpness over time, making it perfect for everyday use. Its ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control, reducing hand fatigue during extended cooking sessions. This versatile tool excels in various tasks, whether you're slicing fish or chopping veggies, making it an essential addition for both novice cooks and culinary experts.

What We Like
Ultra sharp blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Durable AUS-10 steel
Versatile for various tasks
#TOP 3

KitchenAid Classic Cleaver Knife

KE6IVSEOHOBA
Black
4.5"
KitchenAid Classic Cleaver Knife Cover
KitchenAid Classic Cleaver Knife with Custom Fit Blade Cover, 6 inch, Sharp Kitchen Knife, High Carbon Japanese Stainless Steel Blade, Meat Cleaver, Black

The KitchenAid Cleaver Knife is an essential tool for your kitchen, ideal for slicing through both tough meats and dense vegetables with ease. Its high-carbon Japanese stainless steel blade ensures long-lasting sharpness, giving you a professional-quality cut every time you use it. The ergonomic handle is designed for a comfortable grip, offering you better control during food prep. Plus, it comes with a custom-fit blade cover for safe storage, making it both practical and convenient for daily use.

What We Like
Sharp, durable blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Safe storage cover included
Dishwasher safe
#TOP 4

PAUDIN 7" Meat Cleaver Knife

200mm
Silver,Brown
PAUDIN 7" Meat Cleaver Knife Cover
PAUDIN Cleaver Knife, Ultra Sharp Meat Cleaver 7 Inch, High Carbon Stainless Steel Butcher Knife with Wooden Handle, Chinese Cleaver for Meat Cutting Vegetable Slicing

The PAUDIN 7" Meat Cleaver Knife is a multipurpose kitchen tool that can handle daily kitchen needs such as chopping, shredding, and slicing, as well as disjointing cuts, carving thicker meat, or hacking bones. The cleaver is made with premium high-carbon German stainless steel, which ensures excellent performance and a longer-lasting sharp edge retention. The knife is designed with an ergonomic Pakkwood handle that is comfortable and safe to use.

What We Like
Multipurpose kitchen tool
High-carbon German stainless steel blade for excellent performance and longer lasting sharpness
Ergonomic Pakkwood handle that is comfortable and safe to use

ENOKING HandForged Meat Cleaver Knife

Black Handle
Black
ENOKING HandForged Meat Cleaver Knife Cover
ENOKING Serbian Chef Knife 6.7 Inch, Handmade Professional Meat Cleaver Knife with Leather Sheath, High-Carbon Clad Steel Butcher Knife with Full Tang Handle for Kitchen, Camping, BBQ

The ENOKING HandForged Meat Cleaver Knife is a must-have for every chef! With an upgraded anti-rust process, this forged butcher knife is rust and corrosion-resistant, ensuring it stays cleaner and lasts longer. Made of high carbon steel, the blade is super sharp and has an extraordinary performance in edge retention. The multifunctional Serbian chef knife can meet your daily needs like mincing, chopping, slicing, cleaving meats, bone, steak, fish, vegetables, and fruits. It comes with a matching leather sheath and gift box packaging, making it convenient to carry when camping or outdoor parties.

What We Like
Hand-forged by craftsmen with over 50 years of experience
High carbon steel blade with super sharp edge retention
Multi-functional for all your chopping needs
Matching leather sheath for easy carrying
Comes with an exquisite gift box packaging, making it a great gift for chef friends
#TOP 6

KOFERY Heavy-Duty Bone Chopper Knife

HDR06
KOFERY Heavy-Duty Bone Chopper Knife Cover
Heavy-Duty Bone Chopper Knife - Handmade 5mm Thick High Carbon Steel Meat Cleaver with Axe Blade for Kitchen and Outdoor BBQ (Black)

The KOFERY Bone Chopper Knife is designed for powerful cutting, making it easy for you to tackle tough bones and meats. With its 5mm thick axe blade, you can expect smooth and effortless chopping. Made from high carbon steel, this knife not only offers exceptional durability but also features an ancient hammer texture that enhances its performance. You’ll appreciate the ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip, minimizing the risk of breakage and making your chopping experience more comfortable. Whether you're preparing a feast or just cooking for yourself, this versatile knife is ready for any kitchen task.

What We Like
Heavy-duty performance
Durable high carbon steel
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Versatile for various foods

Topfeel Meat Cleaver & Knife Set

DK02
Brown
Large
Topfeel Meat Cleaver & Knife Set Cover
Topfeel 2PCS Meat Cleaver & Heavy Duty Bone Chopper Knife Set, Hand Forged German High Carbon Stainless Steel Butcher Knife for Home Kitchen & Outdoor

Introducing the Topfeel Cleaver Set, a versatile and durable knife set perfect for any kitchen. This set includes a 7.5" cleaver knife and an 8.5" heavy-duty butcher bone knife. The hand-forged blades are made from German high carbon stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and effortless cutting. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip and balanced control, reducing hand fatigue even when tackling tough bones. With its stain and rust-resistant properties, this cleaver set is easy to maintain. It comes in a high-grade black gift box, making it a perfect gift for any occasion. Upgrade your kitchen with the Topfeel Cleaver Set today!

What We Like
Hand-forged blades
Ergonomic handle
Stain and rust resistant
#TOP 8

ENOKING Meat Cleaver Hand Forged Serbian Chefs Knife

AC-06
Black Wood Handle
7.1inches
ENOKING Meat Cleaver Hand Forged Serbian Chefs Knife Cover
ENOKING Cleaver Knife, Meat Cleaver Hand Forged Serbian Chefs Knife German High Carbon Stainless Steel Butcher Knife for Meat Cutting with Full Tang, Chinese Cleaver for Kitchen & Outdoor

The ENOKING Meat Cleaver Hand Forged Serbian Chefs Knife is made of premium German high carbon stainless steel, making it ultra-solid and maintaining sharp edges. It is a multi-purpose knife suitable for daily kitchen tasks, as well as outdoor activities such as BBQ, hunting, hiking, and camping. The ergonomically designed wood handle is comfortable, safe, and prevents handle breakage. Maintenance is easy, but avoiding rust is important. ENOKING provides a permanent after-sales guarantee and comes in a deluxe gift box.

What We Like
Premium German high carbon stainless steel blade
Multi-purpose cleaver suitable for indoor and outdoor activities
Ergonomically designed wood handle for comfort and safety
Easy maintenance with permanent after-sales guarantee
Comes in a deluxe gift box
#TOP 9

HOSHANHO Powder Steel Meat Cleaver

HSHCS-2024-002-2
Silver
HOSHANHO Powder Steel Meat Cleaver Cover
HOSHANHO Meat Cleaver Knife for Meat Cutting, Powder Steel and High Carbon Steel Butcher Cleaver Knife, Chinese Cleaver with Ergonomic Wooden Handle for Home Kitchen and Restaurant

The HOSHANHO Meat Cleaver is designed for serious kitchen tasks. Its powder steel and high carbon steel construction ensure exceptional edge retention, making it ideal for cutting through tough bones and meat. The hand-polished, V-shaped blade minimizes resistance, allowing for smooth cuts without food sticking. Its ergonomic wooden handle offers a firm grip, ensuring comfort during long use. This multifunctional cleaver is perfect for various cutting techniques, from chopping to slicing, helping you tackle all your meat preparation needs with ease.

What We Like
Exceptional edge retention
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Versatile for various cuts
Minimizes cutting resistance
#TOP 10

TUO Meat Cleaver - Fiery Phoenix Series

TUO
TC0720
Sliver
TUO Meat Cleaver - Fiery Phoenix Series Cover
TUO Meat Cleaver - Heavy Duty Meat Chopper - High Carbon German Stainless Steel Butcher Knife - Pakkawood Handle Kitchen Chopping Knife - Gift Box - 7 - Fiery Phoenix Series

TUO Cleaver from the Fiery Phoenix Series is an awarded kitchen knife that offers exceptional performance when dealing with various ingredients like vegetables, cartilage, and meat. Its blade is made of premium German steel, which undergoes high-tech vacuum heat treatment and nitrogen cold treatment to enhance hardness and corrosion resistance. The hand-polished blade features a razor-sharp edge, ensuring effortless cutting and precise results. The ergonomically designed Pakkawood handle provides a comfortable grip, while the unique tan and black color combination adds a stylish touch. With the TUO lifetime guarantee and a luxurious gift box, this cleaver is not only a practical choice for your kitchen but also a thoughtful gift option.

What We Like
Awarded kitchen knife
Premium German steel
Razor sharp edge
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What steel is best for a cleaver?

The best blade material for cleavers is high carbon stainless steel. This steel will provide resistance to corrosion as well as any stains on the blade, and will make for a ruthlessly sharp blade edge.

2. Why do Chinese chefs use cleavers?

A Chinese cleaver is a strong multi-use blade that is as handy as a chef's knife. Often made out of carbon steel, which will last for years, its sharp-edge design and flat blade make it perfect for mundane and advanced cooking tasks alike.

3. Are cleavers better than chef knives?

The Blade Material Unlike meat cleavers, the Chinese chef knife is traditionally higher in carbon, which makes it harder, but more brittle and more likely to rust. The high amount of carbon also makes the knife easier to sharpen.

Editor's Notes

During our carbon steel meat cleaver research, we found 24 carbon steel meat cleaver products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 91,215 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon steel meat cleavers list. We found that most customers choose carbon steel meat cleavers with an average price of $33.93.

The carbon steel meat cleavers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon steel meat cleavers, including imarku, HOSHANHO, KitchenAid, PAUDIN, ENOKING. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 503 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.