Best Forged Meat Cleavers of 2025

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

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Forged meat cleavers are a must-have tool for any home cook or professional chef. These heavy-duty knives are made from high-quality materials, such as carbon steel or stainless steel, and are designed to handle tough meat and bone with ease. The forging process creates a strong and durable blade that is resistant to wear and tear, making it a reliable tool in the kitchen. The weight and balance of a forged meat cleaver allow for precise cuts and the ability to apply force when needed. Whether you're preparing a Sunday roast or breaking down a whole chicken, a forged meat cleaver is an essential tool for any kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

J.A. Henckels International Forged Premio Meat Cleaver Cover #TOP 1
J.A. Henckels International Forged Premio Meat Cleaver
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Babish 6.5 Inch German Steel Cleaver Cover #TOP 2
Babish 6.5 Inch German Steel Cleaver
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Huusk Japan Knife Cover #TOP 3
Huusk Japan Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Forged Meat Cleavers

#TOP 1

J.A. Henckels International Forged Premio Meat Cleaver

16915-151
Black
J.A. Henckels International Forged Premio Meat Cleaver Cover
HENCKELS Forged Premio Meat Cleaver, Black, 6-inch

The J.A. Henckels International Forged Premio Meat Cleaver is made of high-quality German stainless steel with durable forged bolster construction. The professional, satin-finished blade is finely honed for precision cutting and long-lasting sharpness. The modern, triple-rivet design is curved for comfort and the stainless steel, logo-stamped endcap is stylish and sturdy. It is dishwasher safe and made in China, perfect for meat cleaving.

What We Like
Durable forged bolster construction
Professional, satin-finished blade for precision cutting and long-lasting sharpness
Modern, triple-rivet design is curved for comfort
#TOP 2

Babish 6.5 Inch German Steel Cleaver

138210.01R
6.5"
Babish 6.5 Inch German Steel Cleaver Cover
Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel 6.5 Inch Full Tang, Forged Cleaver Kitchen Knife

The Babish German Steel Cleaver is crafted from high-carbon 1.4116 German steel, ensuring exceptional durability and precision for your kitchen tasks. Its cutting edge is finely honed to a sharp 13° angle, making it easier for you to slice through meat, poultry, and fish with minimal effort. The full-tang design provides excellent balance and strength, allowing you to tackle tough cuts with confidence. Additionally, the polished finish not only enhances its sharpness but also makes maintenance a breeze. With this cleaver, you can chop through skin and bones effortlessly, making meal prep quicker and more efficient.

What We Like
High-carbon German steel
Sharp 13° cutting edge
Full-tang strength and balance
Effortless chopping power
#TOP 3

Huusk Japan Knife

Silver-white
7.1 Inches
Huusk Japan Knife Cover
Huusk Japan Knife, Hand Forged Meat Cleaver Knife Japanese Kitchen Knife with Sheath Cooking Butcher Knife for Meat Cutting Vegetable Cleaver for Kitchen, Camping Thanksgiving Christmas Gifts

Huusk Meat Cleaver is a razor-sharp and stylish chef knife made of high carbon steel ATS-34, achieving 58±2 Rockwell Hardness. Its abstract textures are clear, and a small hole is designed for hanging. The handle is made of Japanese-style oak, comfortable to grip, and stable like a mountain. The full Tang design with 3 rivets makes it durable. It comes with an exquisite leather sheath, portable for camping and picnics. This knife is named Beyond The Clouds, and it is perfect for cutting fruits, vegetables, and meat. It is an ideal gift choice with its gift box packaging and quality far beyond its price. Huusk offers a 30-day free return without any reason and a 12-month warranty.

What We Like
Razor-sharp high carbon steel
Comfortable oak handle
Exquisite leather sheath

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 5

Huusk Hand Forged Meat Cleaver

Black
Huusk Hand Forged Meat Cleaver Cover
Huusk Knives Japan, Hand Forged Meat Cleaver Knife with Sheath, High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife for Meat and Vegetables, Full Tang Butcher Knife for Camping, BBQ, Gift for Men Women

The Huusk Meat Cleaver is expertly crafted from high-carbon steel, ensuring durability and sharpness for all your cutting needs. Its unique curved blade allows you to cut through meat fibers effortlessly, making meal preparation easier. The ebony handle is designed for comfort and stability, fitting perfectly in your hand and reducing fatigue during extended use. Versatile and portable, this knife excels in the kitchen and is perfect for outdoor activities like camping and BBQs, thanks to the included leather sheath for easy carrying.

What We Like
High-carbon steel durability
Comfortable ebony handle
Curved blade for easy cutting
Portable with leather sheath

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 7

ROCOCO Hand Forged Meat Cleaver

UNKnife07
Silver
6 Inches Cleaver
ROCOCO Hand Forged Meat Cleaver Cover
ROCOCO Hand Forged Meat Cleaver Sharp Butcher Knife for Meat Cutting Vegetable Cleaver with Sheath for Home Kitchen Outdoor Camping BBQ Father Mother Gift Idea Men

The ROCOCO Meat Cleaver is crafted from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring a sharp and durable edge that outlasts typical stainless steel knives. With its ultra-sharp 16° V-shaped blade, cutting through food becomes effortless, making meal prep a breeze. The unique ergonomic design features a curved wood handle that provides a comfortable, non-slip grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Additionally, this versatile knife is perfect for various kitchen tasks, from chopping vegetables to deboning meat, making it a valuable tool for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Effortless cutting experience
Ergonomic, comfortable handle
Versatile for multiple tasks
#TOP 8

JDRICHX 4-Piece Butcher Knife Set

JDRICHX
JD-001
Black
8 inch
JDRICHX 4-Piece Butcher Knife Set Cover
JDRICHX Butcher Knife Set,4 PCS Heavy Duty Hand Forged Serbian Chef Knife Meat Cleaver Knife Boning Viking Knife Set-Full Tang High Carbon Steel for Home Cooking Outdoor BBQ Camping Gift Idea

The JDRICHX Butcher Knife Set is your all-in-one solution for kitchen tasks. With four essential knives, including a meat cleaver and a chef knife, you can easily handle various cutting jobs, from meats to vegetables. The full tang design offers excellent stability and control, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Crafted from high-quality Japanese carbon steel, these blades stay sharp and resist rust, ensuring durability. Presented in a beautiful gift box, this set makes a thoughtful present for anyone who loves cooking or outdoor activities.

What We Like
Versatile for various cutting tasks
Comfortable ergonomic handles
Durable high carbon steel blades
Elegant gift packaging
#TOP 9

TIJERAS Butcher Knife Set

TIJERAS
Silver
TIJERAS Butcher Knife Set Cover
TIJERAS Butcher Knife Set, 3PCS Hand Forged Meat Cleaver, Serbian Chef Knife Set, Viking Knives with Sheaths, High Carbon Steel Meat Cutting Kitchen Knife Set for Kitchen Camping BBQ Gift Idea Men

Elevate your kitchen experience with the TIJERAS Butcher Knife Set. This versatile set includes a Serbian chef knife, butcher knife, and Viking knife. The Serbian chef knife is wide and sturdy, perfect for cleaving through bone. The butcher's knife is heavy and sharp, effortlessly cutting through roasts. The boning knife features a curved blade that can easily cut through fiber and connective tissue in boneless chicken breast. Crafted from high carbon steel, these knives are incredibly sharp and durable. The comfortable ergonomic handle and finger hole provide exceptional cutting freedom, while the full-tang wooden handles ensure a comfortable grip. The set comes with leather sheaths and makes a perfect gift for loved ones or professional chefs. With a 12-month warranty and friendly customer service, the TIJERAS Butcher Knife Set offers a risk-free shopping experience.

What We Like
Versatile design
Long-lasting sharpness
Comfortable ergonomic handle
#TOP 10

ROCOCO Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver

UNKnife13
5.3" Bone Axe
ROCOCO Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver Cover
ROCOCO Meat Bone Cleaver Knife for Meat Cutting Handmade Heavy Duty Butcher Axes Hand Forged Full Tang Chopper for Kitchen Outdoor BBQ Chirstmas Mother Father Gifts Idea Men Black

The ROCOCO Meat Cleaver is designed for effortless meat cutting. Its premium 1095 high carbon steel blade is hand-forged, ensuring exceptional sharpness and durability. You'll appreciate the ultra-sharp V-shaped edge that minimizes resistance, making it easy to chop through tough bones and meat. The integrated full tang handle offers a comfortable, non-slip grip, allowing you to chop efficiently without tiring your hands. Additionally, its versatile design makes it suitable for various tasks, from preparing your favorite meats to outdoor cooking adventures. This cleaver is a reliable kitchen companion for both chefs and home cooks alike.

What We Like
Hand-forged high carbon steel
Ultra-sharp, labor-saving blade
Comfortable, non-slip handle
Versatile for multiple uses
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are meat cleavers good for?

Meat cleavers are versatile tools that are perfect for tenderizing, mincing, slicing, and even scaling meat. They are especially useful when dealing with whole pieces of meat that still have bones.

2. Why do Chinese chefs only use cleavers?

Chinese chefs prefer cleavers because of their design, which offers great versatility. The broad, rectangular blade with a flat edge, measuring around 6-9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide, allows for chopping through tough ingredients like chicken bones. The heavier blade provides more heft and makes it easier to handle.

3. Why do meat cleavers have a hole?

The hole on a meat cleaver's heavy-duty blade serves a practical purpose. It allows you to hold the upper part of the blade with your fingers, while reinforcing your grip on the handle. This design feature makes it easier to pull the blade free, saving you energy, time, and frustration when cutting through bone.

4. Do cleavers cut through bone?

Yes, meat cleavers are excellent for cutting through tough cuts of meat and small bones, such as those found in chicken. They are also great for mincing meat for hand-ground applications, and their wide, flat side can be used to crush ingredients like garlic, ginger, and lemongrass.

Editor's Notes

During our forged meat cleaver research, we found 24 forged meat cleaver products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 55,419 customer reviews through our big data system to write the forged meat cleavers list. We found that most customers choose forged meat cleavers with an average price of $40.77.

The forged meat cleavers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of forged meat cleavers, including HENCKELS, Babish, Huusk, ENOKING, Topfeel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.