Almost every culture has a need for chopping large portions of meats or vegetables. Whether you are making a dish with duck for Asian cuisine or a deep, rich stew from Europe, having the tools ready at hand to manage these ingredients is essential to your culinary skills.
That is why we at Knives Academy have put together a short list of the best meat cleavers we have found for purchase in 2023. Our favorite has to be the Dalstrong Cleaver – Phantom Series. It is an excellent all-around option, but that does not mean it’s perfect for your personal preferences or needs. Check out the rest of our top picks, and we are confident you will find a great option for your own kitchen. Just in case, we also have written a Meat Cleavers Buying Guide that will help you sift through the many options online.
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Top 5 Meat Cleavers
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1. DALSTRONG Cleaver Knife – Phantom Series – Editor’s Choice
Our pick for the best overall meat cleaver is based on the numerous positive reviews, rank on most retail platforms, and price point.
DALSTRONG Cleaver Knife Phantom Series Specifications
About the knife
Dalstrong outdid itself with this eloquent blade. As far as meat cleavers go, you get the perfect balance of features for a highly versatile kitchen tool. The weight and balance are more than enough to get a clean cut every time you use the meat cleaver while still providing the razor-sharp edge for slicing away any grizzle or throw-off.
You get minimal drag and excellent corrosion resistance because the forged blade has been nitrogen cooled. It is a good thing Dalstrong includes a sheath because the sharpness on this blade is nothing to be played with in the kitchen.
Maintenance and Cleaning
This is a professional-grade meat cleaver that absolutely should not be put into a dishwasher. Stick to handwashing with warm to hot water and a little bit of soap. Make sure you completely dry the cleaver before replacing it inside the included Dalstrong sheath for your protection.
Pros:
- Incredibly sharp edge at 13-15 degrees
- Made with imported Japanese AUS-8 steel
- Uses cryogenic freezing to temper the blade
Cons:
- The sharpness should require a cut glove
- Rusts easily if left wet
- The packaging is pretty poor quality
2. Cleaver Knife – imarku 7 Inch Meat Cleaver
A high-quality German stainless steel cleaver with a wide array of applications and long-lasting sharpness to the edge.
Cleaver Knife – imarku 7 Inch Meat Cleaver Specification
About the knife
The first thing you will notice about this Imarku meat cleaver is the blade’s hardness. There is not a lot of flexibility in the construction, and that is because this is truly a cleaver for chopping.
This is your best option if you are looking for a sturdy blade with the sharpness to decimate hefty vegetables and separate smaller meats for stews and other dishes. The serration on the edge allows you to work with tougher slices of meat that need that well-known extra jerk after a chop to safely remove.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Do not place this meat cleaver in the dishwasher. This blade will show signs of wear and tear if washed in a machine. Instead, stick to hand washing in warm water with a little soap. Really make sure the wooden handle gets a thorough drying before storing away.
Pros:
- Serrated edge adds to the versatility
- Includes blade hole for extra grip
- Excellent grip action to prevent accidents
Cons:
- Full tang is not full size
- Wooden handle prone to water damage
- Incredibly sharp if mishandled
3. TUO Meat Cleaver
The heavier weight of this meat cleaver allows you to separate more significant pieces of meat or easier than other options.
TUO Meat Cleaver – Heavy-Duty Meat Chopper Specifications
About the knife
The Tuo meat cleaver is a bit shorter than others on our list because it is designed for pit cleaners. This is the blade you want sticking out of the chopping block at a local Asian market. It is not intended for extreme detail work.
The heavy-duty weight of the material and reinforced mixture of high carbon stainless steel means you get quality sharpness while still having the weight for meat separation. There is no subtly to this blade. It is all about brute force, which is often necessary for specific cuisines and styles.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Do not clean this blade in the dishwasher. Even though it says full tang, a bolt-to-tang connection can rust if left in hot water for too long. Stick to hand washing and drying to ensure the blade is cleaned correctly.
Pros:
- Incredibly heavy-duty cleaver construction
- Heavyweight for separating tough ingredients
- Durable material for long-lasting sharpness
Cons:
- Absolutely must hand dry to avoid rust
- The eye hole could be larger
- Heavy blade requires strength to use
4. DALSTRONG – Shadow Black Series
An incredibly attractive meat cleaver design made with modern materials and flexible enough for almost all kitchen tasks.
DALSTRONG – Shadow Black Series Specifications
About the knife
This is your best option if you are looking for a highly versatile meat cleaver straight from the Anime shows and Top Chef Product pages. Dalstrong must have had a field day drawing up this aggressive design that gets the job done really well.
You can appreciate how the construction is made from almost all modern materials instead of trying to capture traditional designs. The eyehole placement is especially noticeable as it allows more gripping options, and you get a curved outer edge to the point of rocking and mincing. This is a great blade to switch between Asian and Western cuisine easily.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Even though Dalstrong uses resin for the handle material, the rest of the blade is not dishwasher safe. This is still steel and requires hand washing with warm to hot water and a little soap. Be extremely careful when drying as this particular meat cleaver has a lot of added curves and points compared to traditional designs.
Pros:
- The modern design aesthetic for consumers
- Sharpness based on the 3-step Honbazuke method
- Incredible durability with versatile gripping
Cons:
- Non-traditional design requires adaptation of the use
- A lot of sharp points to get cut
- The angled bolster is a little trick to grip
5. Aroma House Meat Cleaver 7 inch
A straightforward meat cleaver for home use at a reasonable price designed for the beginner chef.
Meat Cleaver 7-inch Vegetable and Butcher Knife Specifications
About the knife
This is the best option for a beginner’s meat cleaver. There are no extreme design elements or rare material construction, just a reliable blade made with high-quality attention to detail. We strongly suggest this meat cleaver for those just starting their culinary journey, like getting their first apartment or trying to recreate Mom’s favorite pan-seared steak.
The beauty of Aroma House is they are not trying to be the best. They lean into their price point and stick to durable materials that will work for any home use. That is almost reassuring because it means you get a meat cleaver that will treat you well as long as you keep it properly maintained.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Do not place in the dishwasher. Even though this meat cleaver has a lower price tag, it still needs to be hand-washed with warm water a touch of soap. Be sure to completely dry before storing.
Pros:
- Traditional design with average dimensions
- Great grip action for all cut styles
- Wonderful packaging to keep the blade safe
Cons:
- Does require the occasional honing
- No eyehole or extra features
- Not meant for commercial use
Conclusion
Each of these blades has its own advantages and disadvantages, but there should be an option that best fits your daily use need and budget. All the meat cleavers we have listed can last a very long time if you are willing to apply the proper maintenance.
Your final decision is going to come down to intended use and comfort. For example, some may prefer a more traditional rectangle blade with a wide bolster, while others may want a more modern curve and reinforced handle.
If you are still completely on the fence, we highly suggest the Dalstrong Cleaver Knife – Phantom Series. Of all our meat cleaver options, the Phantom offers the most versatility and balance of features.
We hope this list of the 5 Best Meat Cleavers has helped you make a purchasing decision that leads to many tasty meals and rewarding cooking experiences!
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