The America’s Test Kitchen cleaver knife is our top pick for the best cleaver knife on the market. This knife is perfect for any home cook who wants a quality, durable cleaver knife that will last for years. The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and is sharpened to a razor-sharp edge, making it easy to cut through meat, poultry, and fish with ease.

The comfortable soft-grip handle provide a secure grip even when your hands are wet. Plus, the entire knife can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. So if you’re looking for the best cleaver knife money can buy, look no further than the best cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen!
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Top 5 Best Cleaver Knife Amazon Table Compared
What is a Cleaver Knife?
A Cleaver Knife is a type of kitchen knife that is characterized by its large, heavy blade. This type of knife is most commonly used for splitting meat and bones, hence the name “cleaver”. Cleaver knives are typically quite large, with blades measuring 6-10 inches in length. They are also quite heavy, with most models weighing in at 1-2 pounds. Cleaver knives are not as versatile as other kitchen knives, but they are perfect for slicing through thick cuts of meat.
What are some of the benefits of a cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen?
Cleaver knives are perfect for slicing through thick cuts of meat, making them a must-have for any home cook who likes to prepare steaks and roasts. They are also great for chopping through bones, which can be difficult to do with other kitchen knives. Cleaver knives are not as versatile as other kitchen knives, but they are perfect for the tasks they are designed to do.
If you are looking for a cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen that can handle big cuts of meat, then a cleaver is the perfect choice. Cleaver knives are heavy and durable, and they can easily slice through even the toughest meat. Thanks to their large blade, cleaver knives are also great for chopping through bones, making them a must-have for any home cook who likes to prepare steaks and roasts.
Reviews of List Best Cleaver Knife America’s Test Kitchen
Top 1 – Shun Classic 7-inch Classic Meat Cleaver
Looking to purchase a high-end cleaver knife? Then the Shun Classic 7-inch Classic Meat Cleaver is worth checking out. This cutlery is named best cleaver knife America’s test kitchen for its non-stick resistant blade and sturdy construction.
This classic meat cleaver is excellent for chopping softer meats, fruits, and vegetables. This favorite cleaver comes with a 7-inch steel blade to allow users to glide swiftly through thick vegetables like lettuce and cabbage or smash garlic cloves quickly.
While this product is an upgraded version of the VG10 formula, its VG-MAX steel blade is a perfect blend of tungsten, carbon, chromium, and cobalt. The result is butcher cutlery with rugged, ultra-sharp, and high edge retention.
More so, the blade’s texture adds a great visual to the knife while reducing sticking for smooth cuts with the least resistance and friction. On top of that, this model features an ebony Pakkawood handle with a D shape to offer a more traditional feel while ensuring more comfortable handling.
Plus, the traditional hardwood handle has excellent resistance to corrosion and water for increased durability.
All in all, the Shun Classic 7-inch Classic Meat Cleaver is sturdy, premium-quality vegetable cutlery that fits comfortably in hand.
Pros:
- Proprietary Shun VG-MAX steel cutting core formula
- Ebony PakkaWood D-shaped handle
- 7-inch wide, square blade for swift vegetable prep
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It tends to chip after a while
Top 2 – Utopia Kitchen 7 Inches Cleaver Knife
Cutting through the thickest meat joint is a breeze with the right tool like the Utopia Kitchen 7 Inches Cleaver Knife. This product is equipped with a 7-inch blade to deliver incredible cutting performance. It’s a great pick for chefs and butchers to make longer cuts effortlessly.
This 7-inch cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen comes with enough strength to cut through bones quickly and shorten the prep time. This 3mm thick blade has a sharp edge for swift, safe cuts with higher precision.
Worth mentioning is the design featuring an ergonomic handle to ensure this knife sits comfortably in your hands. The ABS+430 handle offers a good, slip-free grip and easy maneuvering.
Also, the Utopia Kitchen 7 Inches Cleaver Knife can be tossed into the dishwasher for a convenient cleaning experience. However, it’s best to hand wash for extended service life.
Talking about lifespan, the blade is fabricated from stainless steel to ensure it’s rust and corrosion-resistant for exceptional durability. Even better, this study unit comes at an affordable price – what a steal!
Pros:
- Durable construction to withstand the rigors of daily use
- Affordable price point
- Stainless steel blade and ABS+430 handle
- Suitable for large swift cuts
Cons:
- The blade’s edge retention could be better
Top 3 – Dalstrong 7-inch Gladiator Series Cleaver
Next, the Dalstrong 7-inch Gladiator Series Cleaver features a one-piece high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel construction assuring buyers of razor-sharp edge and impressive durability.
Not just the blade, the quality of the handle did not disappoint. It’s ambidextrous and features an ergonomic handle for easy maneuvering. The handle is made with G-10 Garolite – a durable military-grade, non-porous material for a comfortable and good grip.
What’s more? The Gladiator Cleaver is moisture and heat-resistant to guarantee life-long durability. The series included several options, but the 7-inch cleaver is tagged as a chopping beast. Regardless of the cutting task, the Dalstrong 7-inch Gladiator Series Cleaver waltz through bones, thick meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Pros:
- Multipurpose and versatile design
- Triple-riveted for reliable durability
- Full tang with laminated Pakkawood handle for extra strength
- 56+ Rockwell hardness
- Better edge retention
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Dent prone blade edge
Top 4 – KYOKU 7″ Vegetable cleaver Knife with Damascus Blade
Another cleaver knife with a Damascus blade is the KYOKU 7″ Vegetable cleaver Knife. This cutlery is designed for chopping ingredients quickly and with minimal effort, thanks to its ultra-sharp edge. However, the blade comes in a unique design to help minimize the risk of kitchen injuries.
For longevity, the manufacturer opted for a VG10 Japanese Damascus Steel with a hollow-ground design to improve its cutting-edge retention. This best cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen might not be recommended for heavy-duty use; nonetheless, it’s perfect for most tough chopping tasks from meat and fish to fruits and vegetables.
What’s more? This model rocks a unique herringbone pattern for easy chopping and cutting experience for a stick-free surface. Besides, the manufacturer stands by the cleaver with a lifetime warranty to offer buyers peace of mind with their purchase.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle for easy handling
- Thin, sharp, and rigid blade
- Hollow-edge design for a non-stick blade
- Suitable for tough-and-rough use
Cons:
- Not perfect balance with its heavier handle
Top 5 – Dexter-Russell S5288 8″ Stainless Heavy Duty Cleaver
Made in the USA, the Dexter-Russell S5288 8″ Stainless Heavy Duty Cleaver is premium cutlery built with chefs in mind. This knife is perfect for cutting lamb, poultry, fish, pork, and beef. Also, it’s strong enough to perform swift cuts through strong bones.
Thanks to its heavy-duty construction, this model can withstand the rigors of daily use in a busy kitchen. This unit features an 8-inch high carbon stainless steel blade with razor-sharp edges for better cutting performance.
On top of that, the blade’s edges are individually grounded, and hand honed to ensure it chops through dense and thick cartilage and meat effortlessly. Also, the Dexter-Russell S5288 8″ Stainless Heavy Duty Cleaver’s spine is super strong for versatile use, such as smashing garlic and ginger.
More so, it comes with an attractive design and a full-tang handle featuring polished rosewood for comfortable handling. Also, the handle balances the knife for a precise cutting experience. In addition, the handle is attached to the full-tang with three large brass rivets.
On the downside, the blade is fabricated with high carbon stainless steel that tends to rust and stain. So, the best way to deal with this is to hand wash and dry immediately after use. All in all, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty for a risk-free purchase.
Pros:
- Easy-to-grip handle for better maneuvering
- Versatile vegetable cleaver
- It features an elegant design
- Rugged, sturdy, and powerful
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Not suited for people with small hands
Types of Cleaver Knife:
Butcher Cleaver Knife: A butcher cleaver knife is a type of cleaver knife that is specifically designed for splitting meat and bones. It has a large, heavy blade that is perfect for slicing through thick cuts of meat.
Chef’s Cleaver Knife: A chef’s cleaver knife is a type of cleaver knife that is designed for chopping vegetables and other kitchen tasks. It has a smaller blade than a butcher cleaver knife, making it perfect for more delicate tasks.
Which Cleaver Knife is right for me?
If you are looking for a kitchen knife that can handle big cuts of meat, then a butcher cleaver knife is the perfect choice. Butcher cleaver knives are heavy and durable, and they can easily slice through even the toughest meat. If you are looking for a kitchen knife that can handle delicate tasks, then a chef’s cleaver knife is the perfect choice. Chef’s cleaver knives have smaller blades than butcher cleaver knives, making them perfect for chopping vegetables and other kitchen tasks.
Pros and Cons Cleaver Knife:
Pros:
- Great for slicing through thick cuts of meat
- Perfect for chopping through bones
- Durable and long lasting
Cons:
- Not as versatile as other kitchen knives
- Heavy and difficult to use
Factors when buying the Best Cleaver Knife America’s Test Kitchen
Size:
When choosing a cleaver knife, size is an important factor to consider. Make sure to choose a model that has a blade that is big enough to handle your needs.
Weight:
Another important factor to consider when choosing a cleaver knife is weight. Make sure to choose a model that is heavy enough to do the job. A heavier knife will be more difficult to use, but it will also be more durable and effective.
Blade Material:
The material that the blade is made of is also important to consider. Most cleaver knives are made of stainless steel, but some models are made of carbon steel. Carbon steel knives are sharper than stainless steel knives, but they also require more maintenance.
Price:
Finally, price is always an important factor to consider when buying any type of kitchen knife. Make sure to choose a model that fits your budget without compromising on quality.
When choosing a cleaver knife, size, weight, and blade material are all important factors to consider. Make sure to choose a model that is the right size for your needs and is made of durable materials. Also, make sure to choose a model that fits your budget without compromising on quality.
How to Use a Cleaver
A cleaver knife is a great choice for anyone who wants a durable and reliable kitchen knife. Cleaver knives are perfect for slicing through thick cuts of meat and chopping through bones. They are also durable and long lasting, making them the perfect choice for anyone who wants a reliable kitchen knife. However, cleaver knives are not as versatile as other kitchen knives, and they can be heavy and difficult to use. Be sure to consider these factors when choosing a cleaver knife to ensure that you are getting the best model for your needs.
When using a cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen, make sure to grip it with your dominant hand. Place your thumb on the spine of the blade and position your fingers around the handle. Curl your fingers slightly to create a firm grip. Use your other hand to hold the food that you are slicing or chopping.
To chop vegetables, place the vegetable on the cutting board and position the cleaver knife over it. Use your dominant hand to chop the vegetable by slicing downwards with a quick and smooth motion. Be sure to keep your fingers curled around the handle to maintain a firm grip.
To slice meat, place the meat on the cutting board and position the cleaver knife over it. Use your dominant hand to slice the meat by slicing horizontally with a quick and smooth motion. Again, be sure to keep your fingers curled around the handle to maintain a firm grip.
Remember, cleaver knives are not as versatile as other kitchen knives, so they should not be used for tasks other than slicing meat and chopping vegetables. If you are looking for a versatile kitchen knife, consider choosing a chef’s cleaver knife instead.
How to Sharpen a Cleaver Knife
If you are using a carbon steel cleaver knife, it is important to sharpen it regularly to prevent it from rusting. To sharpen a cleaver knife, you will need a sharpening stone and a honing rod.
First, place the sharpening stone on a flat surface and put the cleaver knife on top of it. Use your dominant hand to hold the sharpening stone and use the other hand to grip the honing rod. Use the honing rod to move the blade of the knife back and forth across the sharpening stone. Be sure to apply gentle pressure and keep the blade at a consistent angle.
Second, use the honing rod to straighten out any bent edges on the blade of the knife. Place the honing rod on a flat surface and position the blade of the knife against it. Use your dominant hand to apply pressure and move the blade back and forth along the length of the honing rod.
Finally, use the honing rod to polish the blade of the knife. Place the honing rod on a flat surface and position the blade of the knife against it. Use your dominant hand to apply pressure and move the blade up and down along the length of the honing rod. This will help to keep the blade sharp and in good condition.
If you are not comfortable sharpening a cleaver knife America’s Test Kitchen yourself, you can take it to a professional sharpener for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions of Cleaver Knife America’s Test Kitchen
Q: What is the difference between a butcher cleaver knife and a chef’s cleaver knife?
A: The main difference between a butcher cleaver knife and a chef’s cleaver knife is size. Butcher cleaver knives are larger than chef’s cleaver knives, making them better for slicing through meat and bones. Chef’s cleaver knives are smaller and more versatile, making them perfect for chopping vegetables and other kitchen tasks.
Q: Why is carbon steel better than stainless steel?
A: Carbon steel knives are sharper than stainless steel knives, but they also require more maintenance. Carbon steel knives need to be oiled regularly to prevent rusting, while stainless steel knives do not require any maintenance.
Q: How much should I spend on a cleaver knife?
A: Cleaver knives vary in price, but you should expect to spend around $50-$100 on a quality model. If you are looking for a cheaper option, there are many models available online for under $30. However, be sure to read the reviews before purchasing to make sure you are getting a quality product.
Cleaver knives are great for slicing through thick cuts of meat and chopping through bones. They are durable and long lasting, making them the perfect choice for anyone who wants a reliable kitchen knife. However, cleaver knives are not as versatile as other kitchen knives, and they can be heavy and difficult to use. Be sure to consider these factors when choosing a cleaver knife to ensure that you are getting the best model for your needs.
Conclusion
The cleaver knife is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, like chopping meat or vegetables. In this article, we’ve highlighted the best cleaver knives according to America’s Test Kitchen. We’ve also provided a buyer’s guide to help you select the right cleaver knife for your needs. If you’re in the market for a new cleaver knife, be sure to check out our recommendations. And don’t forget to buy yours now!
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