A meat cleaver is an essential tool for any home cook or professional chef looking to expertly cut meat. This formidable knife makes quick work of chopping, slicing, and hacking through thick cuts of meat and bones. Meat cleavers feature a wide, heavy blade with a sharp edge that applies intense force to make clean cuts through meat and cartilage. They come in different shapes and sizes to suit tasks like portioning ribs, tenderizing meat, preparing stews, and butchery. In this guide, we’ll explore popular cleaver styles, key features, proper use and care. Whether you’re preparing succulent steaks or Chinese barbecue, a quality meat cleaver saves time and effort in the kitchen. Learn how this versatile knife can elevate your meat prep and empower you to take on more adventurous recipes.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Juvale Stainless Steel Meat Cleaver with Wooden Handle
The Juvale Stainless Steel Meat Cleaver is a heavy-duty butcher knife with an 8-inch stainless steel blade and ergonomic wooden handle. It is perfect for chopping through meat, bones, and tough vegetables.
The Juvale Stainless Steel Meat Cleaver with Wooden Handle is a high quality and durable meat chopping knife. This butcher knife features a thick and sturdy 8-inch stainless steel blade that makes slicing through meat and bones easy. The full tang blade extends through the handle to give it strength and balance. The ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable and slip-resistant grip even when wet.
Key Features:
- Durable stainless steel blade stays sharp and resists stains.
- Full tang design and triple riveted handle for strength.
- Ergonomic wooden handle gives a comfortable and secure grip.
- Hole in handle for hanging storage.
- Great for chopping meat, bones, and vegetables.
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
With its well-constructed design and razor sharp edge, the Juvale Meat Cleaver is an essential addition to any kitchen for heavy-duty meat cutting tasks. Its quality craftsmanship and performance make it a great value for home cooks and professionals alike.
ENOKING 7.1-inch Meat Cleaver
The ENOKING 7.1-inch meat cleaver is a premium quality cleaver made from German high carbon stainless steel. It features a razor-sharp blade and ergonomic wood handle for easy chopping, cutting, and cleaving.
The ENOKING 7.1-inch Meat Cleaver is perfect for home cooks and professionals alike. This high-quality cleaver is forged from German imported 7cr17mov high carbon stainless steel for strength, durability and edge retention. The full tang construction with triple-riveted handle ensures safety, balance and control when chopping.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Forged from premium German high carbon stainless steel for durability and edge retention
- Razor-sharp edge for effortless cutting and chopping
- Ergonomic wood handle provides a comfortable, non-slip grip
- Full tang construction with triple-riveted handle for strength and safety
- Perfect for chopping, cutting, cleaving meat, vegetables, fruits and more
- Suitable for both home kitchen and professional use
With its sharp blade and comfortable handle, the ENOKING Meat Cleaver makes food prep easy and enjoyable. Its high-quality construction ensures this will be a go-to tool in your kitchen for years to come.
Utopia Kitchen 7-Inch Cleaver Knife
The Utopia Kitchen 7-Inch Cleaver Knife is a heavy-duty stainless steel chopping and cutting tool perfect for home cooks. This versatile knife easily chops through meat, bones, and large vegetables.
The Utopia Kitchen 7-Inch Cleaver Knife is an essential addition to any home cook’s kitchen. This rugged and durable cleaver features a full tang stainless steel blade that retains its ultra-sharp edge through heavy duty use. The ergonomic stainless steel handle provides a secure, non-slip grip even when wet.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Heavy-duty stainless steel blade stays sharp and cuts through meat and vegetables with ease
- Perfect for chopping, mincing, and cleaving meat and produce
- Full tang construction offers durability and balance
- Ergonomic stainless steel handle for comfortable, non-slip grip
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
With its razor-sharp blade and sturdy construction, the Utopia Kitchen Cleaver Knife is built to handle the tough chopping tasks faced by home cooks on a daily basis. This high-quality knife will be your go-to for preparing meat, hacking through bones, and quickly prepping vegetables for years to come.
Topfeel Hand Forged Meat Cleaver
This heavy-duty meat cleaver by Topfeel is hand forged from high carbon German steel for strength and durability. The full tang design provides excellent balance and control for chopping meat and bones.
The Topfeel Hand Forged Meat Cleaver is designed for chopping through thick cuts of meat and bones with ease. This rugged cleaver features a 7.5 inch blade made from high carbon German steel for strength, durability and edge retention. The full tang construction extends through the handle for superior balance and control when chopping.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Hand forged from high carbon German steel for strength and durability
- Full tang design for excellent balance and control
- Contoured stainless steel handle provides a secure grip
- Blade length of 7.5 inches ideal for chopping meat and bones
- Plain edge is easy to sharpen and maintain
- Weighs 1.36 lbs for chopping power without being overly heavy
With its sturdy German steel blade and full tang design, the Topfeel Hand Forged Meat Cleaver provides the heft and durability needed to make quick work of meat and bones in the kitchen or outdoors. The contoured stainless steel handle ensures a comfortable, secure grip when putting this cleaver’s chopping power to use.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Classic 6-inch Meat Cleaver
The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Classic 6-inch meat cleaver is a high-quality German stainless steel cleaver with a razor-sharp blade perfect for chopping meat and breaking down poultry. It features a durable, fully forged construction and a comfortable, triple-riveted handle.
The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Classic 6-inch meat cleaver is an excellent option for any home cook looking for a sturdy, sharp cleaver to make quick work of meat prep. This German-engineered cleaver features:
- Ultra-Sharp Blade: The fine-edged stainless steel blade ensures precision cutting and is honed for long-lasting sharpness.
- Durable Construction: Fully forged from a single piece of steel for seamless transition from blade to handle, offering durability and balance.
- Comfortable Handle: The traditional triple-riveted handle provides a secure, ergonomic grip.
- Easy to Maintain: Stain and rust-resistant blades for quick clean-up. Dishwasher safe.
With its razor-sharp blade and comfortable handle, the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Classic cleaver makes chopping meat and breaking down poultry easy. It’s the perfect addition to any home cook’s kitchen tools.
Mueller Austria Premium Quality Stainless Steel Meat Cleaver
This rugged 7-inch meat cleaver from Mueller Austria features a high-carbon stainless steel blade that resists rust and discoloration. The ergonomic handle provides a secure, comfortable grip. Ideal for chopping, mincing, and crushing meats and vegetables.
The Mueller Austria Premium Quality Stainless Steel Meat Cleaver is a must-have addition for any home cook or professional chef. This heavy-duty cleaver is perfect for chopping through meat, bones, and tough vegetables with ease.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Made from high-carbon stainless steel that resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration
- Razor-sharp laser-tested blade stays sharp even after heavy use
- Sturdy ergonomic handle provides a secure, comfortable grip
- Perfectly balanced weight helps minimize hand fatigue
- Large flat surface makes carrying chopped ingredients easy
- Multipurpose design chops, slices, dices, minces, and crushes with precision
With its durable construction and flawless performance, the Mueller Austria meat cleaver will be your go-to chopping tool for preparing meats and vegetables in the kitchen. Its premium quality stainless steel blade makes quick work of any ingredient.
Kitory Professional Meat Cleaver
This 7-inch meat cleaver from Kitory is a heavy-duty butcher knife perfect for chopping meat, breaking bones, and preparing hearty meals. Made from high-carbon stainless steel with a full tang design.
Introducing the Kitory Professional Meat Cleaver, the ultimate heavy-duty chopping tool for your kitchen. This rugged cleaver features a 7-inch blade made from premium high-carbon stainless steel for strength, durability, and long-lasting sharpness. The full tang design provides excellent balance and control as you chop.
Key features and benefits:
- Multipurpose cleaver for chopping, slicing, and mincing meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables
- Durable 7-inch blade crafted from high-carbon stainless steel
- Razor-sharp edge perfect for cutting through bones, joints, and thick cuts
- Full tang design offers durability and perfect balance
- Ergonomic handle provides a comfortable, non-slip grip
- Ideal for heavy duty chopping tasks
With its sturdy construction and flawlessly sharp edge, this professional-grade cleaver from Kitory makes quick work of any cutting or chopping task. An essential addition for any serious home cook.
Dream Reach Professional Meat Cleaver
The Dream Reach Professional Meat Cleaver is a high quality, durable meat cleaver made from premium materials. It features a razor sharp carbon steel blade and an ergonomic handle for comfort. Perfect for chopping, cutting and cleaving meat and vegetables.
The Dream Reach Professional Meat Cleaver is an excellent option for home cooks and professionals looking for a sturdy and sharp meat cleaver. Made by the Dream Reach brand, this meat cleaver is crafted from high carbon steel for enhanced strength and edge retention. It has an ergonomic arc handle design for comfortable grip and control.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Blade Material: High carbon steel blade stays sharp and is durable.
- Sharp Blade: Hand polished by seasoned blacksmiths for a razor sharp edge.
- Ergonomic Handle: Arc handle design fits comfortably in hand for easy chopping.
- Coating: Food-grade black titanium coating prevents rust and corrosion.
- Safety: Finger hole provides a secure grip and prevents hand from slipping.
- Multipurpose: Sturdy cleaver chops, cuts, and cleaves meats, vegetables, fruits.
- Added Features: Built-in bottle opener for convenience.
- Gift-worthy: Comes beautifully packaged with a sheath and gift box.
With its sharp and robust construction paired with useful features like the bottle opener, this professional meat cleaver from Dream Reach is a versatile and high performing chopping tool suitable for kitchen and outdoor use.
Dexter-Russell Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver
The Dexter-Russell 8” Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver is a rugged and durable cleaver made in the USA that can chop through meat and bones with its thick high-carbon stainless steel blade. Its rosewood handle provides a secure grip.
The Dexter-Russell Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver is a must-have for any meat lover’s kitchen. This rugged American-made cleaver features a thick high-carbon stainless steel blade that makes chopping and cutting meat and bones quick and easy. With its sturdy rosewood handle and superior balance, this cleaver gives you the power and control to take on the toughest cutting tasks.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Thick, durable stainless steel blade for chopping meat and bones
- Individually ground and honed long-lasting edge
- Rosewood handle secured with brass rivets provides a sturdy grip
- Perfect weight and balance for power and control
- Hanging hole for convenient storage
- Made in the USA for unbeatable quality
With its thick blade that can stand up to heavy use and a handle designed for tough chopping jobs, this Dexter-Russell cleaver is the ultimate meat-cutting tool for any kitchen. Its sturdy construction and razor-sharp edge make quick work of meat cutting and chopping tasks.
OAKSWARE Cleaver Knife
The OAKSWARE 7-inch cleaver knife is a high-quality Chinese chef’s knife made with durable German steel. It features an ultra-sharp blade and ergonomic handle for easy chopping, slicing, and mincing.
The OAKSWARE Cleaver Knife is a must-have addition for any home cook. This professional-quality cleaver is perfect for tackling a variety of kitchen tasks with precision and ease.
- Forged from German 1.4116 stainless steel for strength, durability and corrosion resistance
- Hand-polished 14-16° edge for long-lasting sharpness
- Rockwell hardness of 57+ for excellent edge retention
- Full-tang design provides perfect balance and control
- Ergonomic triple-riveted ABS handle reduces hand fatigue
- Multipurpose cleaver chops, slices, dices, and minces meat, fish, fruits and vegetables
With its razor-sharp blade and comfortable grip, the OAKSWARE Cleaver Knife will be your go-to knife for all your meal prepping needs. This Chinese-style chef’s knife brings professional cutting performance right to your home kitchen.
