Top 15 Best Chinese Cleaver Reviews
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Are you looking for a knife to spice up your cutting experience? Then the Chinese cleaver is exactly what you are missing.
Don’t worry if you have no idea what a Chinese cleaver is, or which one you should get. By reading this review and guide to picking the best Chinese cleaver, you will find every piece of useful information regarding this multi-purpose kitchen tool.
Are all the Chinese cleavers the same to you and, you have a tough time picking the best one? Even the slightest difference in the cleaver’s design can affect the comfort of cutting. So, let’s find out which cleaver suits your cutting preference the best.
What is a Chinese Cleaver?
When it comes to the word ‘cleaver’, you might think of those muscular western knives that mainly use force to chop through thick bones, poultry, and pork ribs. But this is not the case for Chinese cleaver.
At first glance, a Chinese cleaver might look the same as a meat cleaver. But unlike its relative, Chinese cleaver has a thinner edge, lighter weight; and its versatility definitely surprises you.
Manufacturers also make Chinese cleaver for different purposes, with the variation in edge’s thickness. The edge of Chinese cleaver’s blade usually ranges from 2mm to 7 mm, while the bone smasher cleaver has at least an 8-mm edge.
The cleaver with very thinnest cutting edge, or ping knife, is very sharp, suitable for slicing very fine strips of meat or vegetables. However, its edge can be very brittle.
The other cleaver whose edge ranging from 3 – 7mm can handle almost every cutting tasks in the kitchen.
What Can I Use the Chinese Cleaver For?
All parts of the Chinese cleaver are useful, which explains why all Chinese-style kitchens have it. It may even be the only knife you ever need.
The sharp thin edge can easily slice, mince, and dice, resulting in paper-thin pieces of vegetables or nice salmon slices for sushi. While the other blunt edge comes in use whenever you need to tender or pound meat.
The wide flat sides of the cleaver are great for smashing garlic, ginger. You can even use the side as a bench scraper to safely transfer chopped food from the cutting board to other places. This surely saves your time and effort.
What is The Best Chinese Cleaver To Buy?
These are best Chinese cleavers that I highly recommend you to buy.
- Best Overall: Zhen Japanese VG-10 Chinese Cleaver
“Full tang design, with extra-sharp 8 in. sharp steel blade and non-slip pakkawood handle.” - Best Budget: Winco Kc-401 Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver
“Dishwasher safe, seamless stainless steel cleaver with a notched handle.” - Best Nonstick: Dalstrong Chinese Cleaver
“Unique design with titanium nitride coated blade and textured non-slip handle.” - Best Carbon Stainless Steel: Wusthof Gourmet Heavy Chinese Cleaver
“Reliable and durable high-carbon stainless steel blade, heat resistant handle.” - Best Real Wood Handle: Dexter s5198 Chinese Cleaver
“High carbon steel blade and real wood handle for an authentic, traditional feel.”
Chinese Cleaver Comparison Chart
This comparison chart covers the basic elements of all 15 Chinese cleaver. You will see more information about each cleaver in my detailed reviews later.
Best Chinese Cleaver Reviews
These detailed reviews of the top 15 best Chinese cleaver give you more information about each cleaver. Consider them to make the best choice.
Wusthof Gourmet Heavy Chinese Cleaver
(Best Carbon Stainless Steel)
Its stainless-steel blade secured by a heat resistant handle makes this high-quality Wusthof cleaver an essential that serves for years in your kitchen.
The 8 in. hardened high-carbon stainless steel blade ensures every single precise cut, from onion to boneless meat.
The cleaver measures 5 x 13 in., which surely fit in cleaver slot of your knife block.
Highlight Features
- 8 in. high-carbon stainless steel blade for durability and strength
- Heat resistant, triple-riveted, high-impact ABS polymer handle
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Wusthof |
| Blade material | high-carbon stainless steel |
| Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- The blade cut sharply, and it is easy to clean.
- The cleaver is well balanced.
- The handle is securely riveted, and it is firm and easy to hold
Cons
- It needs sharpening regularly.
ZHEN Japanese VG-10 Steel Chinese Cleaver
(Best Overall)
This cleaver made of Japanese steel comes in a well-handcrafted box, which makes it a perfect gift for a cooking enthusiast.
Being manufactured in a specified process, this Zhen cleaver has a hard, sharp blade that is resistant to stain. This enables you to slice easily, and clean-up is a breeze.
You can comfortably grab the cleaver with the brown sealed handle made of Pakkawood, which is waterproof and non-slip.
Equip your kitchen with this reliable and versatile Zhen cleaver to make your cooking adventure more enjoyable.
Highlight Features
- Stain resistant, extra sharp 8 in. sharp steel blade
- Non-slip pakkawood handle
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Zhen Premium Knife |
| Blade material | steel |
| Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- The beautiful box makes it a perfect gift for friends or family members.
- It is easy to use, sharpen, and clean.
- It cuts sharply.
- The handle is convenient to grip.
Cons
- The cleaver may be too light-weighted.
Top Chef by Master Cutlery Chinese Cleaver
This 7 in. cleaver from Top Chef has decent weight, making it easier for you to control the knife. The ice-tempered steel blade ensures sharp and precise cuts without minimum food sticking all over the blade.
The cleaver is a whole seamless piece, no more broken handle, which then leads to the blade falling out.
Beyond slicing vegetables and boneless meat, this Top Chef’s blade can easily cut through the bones and joints a whole chicken.
Highlight Features
- Firm stainless steel blade.
- Seamlessly bonded handle
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Trademark GLB |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- It can smoothly chop a whole chicken.
- It is sturdy.
- Its blade’s surface minimizes sticking.
Cons
- The handle is a bit small.
- The handle might be slippery if there is grease over it, making it harder to hold and control the cleaver.
Shun dm0712 7 Vegetable Chinese Cleaver
This solid vegetable cleaver’s blade can handle everything, from small to large ingredients.
Featuring the VG-max cutting core, the cutting-edge technology of the 7 in. blade makes slicing vegetables perfectly easier than ever. If you love paper-thin vegetable slices, this cleaver won’t disappoint you.
Hardwood infused with resin handle is firm and durable. You can hold the handle comfortably without any difficulties.
Highlight Features
- VG-max cutting core for the most flawless cutting experience
- Hardwood handle
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Shun |
| Blade material | stainless steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- The blade is super sharp.
- You can hold and control the cleaver with ease.
Cons
- The weight may be too light for some users’ preferences.
- The blade can be brittle, so you should use it carefully and care for it properly
Dexter s5198 Chinese Cleaver
(Best Real Wood Handle)
This Dexter Russell’s high carbon steel, the stain-resistant blade is super easy to sharpen, and you can cut either vegetables or boneless meat effortlessly. The blade is slightly curved, sharp enough to cut paper-thin slices.
If you want to feel the grip of a wood handle, then this is a perfect match for you. The handle is firmly riveted to the blade, making the cleaver well balanced and easy to control.
Try it yourself to experience this high-quality cleaver.
Highlight Features
- Stain-resistant, high carbon steel.
- Riveted, real wood handle.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Dexter Russell |
| Blade material | High carbon steel |
| Blade lenth | 8 inches |
Pros
- You can easily sharpen the carbon steel blade.
- The handle is not slippery.
Cons
- It is a bit heavy.
- The handle is relatively short.
SHI BA ZI ZUO Chinese Cleaver
This Chinese cleaver has a 3-layer stainless steel blade, with well grind edge, excels at several purposes. Mincing, slicing, dicing, you name it. Its sharpness and durability can replace all your dull old knives.
You ever use a knife, and the slices keep sticking to the knife? With the nonstick cutting edge, no more trouble.
Afraid of hurting your fingers? You can let your mind at ease thanks to the rosewood handle equipped with the finger guard and a large, firm bolster.
You can easily clean the blade and the handle, hand wash it for best results.
Highlight Features
- Well ground, exceptionally sharp, nonstick cutting edge.
- Handle with finger guard and strong bolster.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | YANGJIANG SHIBAZI |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- You can use this cleaver for both boneless meat and vegetables.
- The handle is safe and easy to hold.
Cons
- It may take a while for you to get used to this cleaver.
RK- CP-285, Damascus Steel Chinese Cleaver
The knife comes with a 7 in. blade with sharp cutting edge, and a secure, beautiful walnut wood handle that is nice and easy to grip.
This cleaver from Poshland is overall well balanced, and it has good weight. You can comfortably use this excellently finished cleaver to slice and chop vegetables.
The cleaver arrives with a charming leather case for better blade protection.
A quick tip for this steel cleaver: Wash them then dry properly before storing, otherwise, food stains and moisture may make the blade rust.
Highlight Features
- Ultimate sharp blade edge.
- Secured walnut wood handle.
- Well finished.
- Leather case included.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Poshland Knives |
| Blade material | steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- Overall, the cleaver is firm to hold, easy to control, and master.
Cons
- You should thoroughly clean and dry the blade.
Enso HD 7″ Vegetable Chinese Cleaver
Crafted in Japan, the sharp steel blade features the VG-10 cutting core for better edge retention, ensuring easy cutting through all vegetables.
Double-edge blade measures 7×2.75 in., so either you are left or right-handed, controlling the cleaver is intuitive and easy.
If you are afraid that you might break wood handles, then the black micarta handle is a perfect alternative. It gives the feel and look of a real wood handle.
Lifetime warranty ensures you have the best experience.
Highlight Features
- VG-10 cutting core.
- Micarta handle.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | enso |
| Blade material | steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- The blade is great for both veggies and meat.
- Handle is firm and easy to grip.
Cons
- The handle is a bit long.
Winco KC-401, 12.541.25, Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver
(Best Budget)
The cleaver comes in one seamless piece, made of stainless steel, so you no longer have to worry about rust. One plus point is this Winco cleaver is dishwasher safe. Washing it becomes easy as all you need to do is to put in the dish washer.
You can use the hard and sharp blade edge to cut through any chunk of food. Besides, the notched handle ensures a convenient and secure grip, and prevents slipping.
I’m sure you can get the most out of this affordable Chinese cleaver.
Highlight Features
- Sharp, no rust stainless steel blade.
- Notched handle.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Winco |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Blade length | 8.3 inches |
Pros
- The well-designed handle ensures that it is easy to grip for a better cutting experience.
- The edge holds up pretty well.
- You can wash it with ease.
Cons
- It has some extra weight, making it uncomfortable to use for long.
Twilling J.A. Henckels 30795-183 Chinese Cleaver
This cleaver from Twilling J.A. Henckels is manufactured in Germany. The special steel formula makes the blade harder and lasts for long years of use.
The cleaver features a high carbon steel blade that is stain resistant. It comes with full-tang design with a polymer handle securely riveted to the blade, making sure you are safe when cutting and slicing.
Highlight Features
- Full tang design.
- Hard and sharp blade.
- Securely triple-riveted handle.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Henckels |
| Blade material | steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- The cleaver is strong, sharp, easy to use.
- It stays sharp for a long time
Cons
- The top edge is too sharp
ZHEN Japanese VG-10 Chinese Cleaver
This well-balanced cleaver can handle them all, hacking through chicken’s bones to slicing hard veggies.
Full tang design and non-slip handle ensure you can precisely control the cleaver with ease. The three-layer steel knife is customized for any tough cutting tasks.
You can be certain about the durability and sharpness of this Cleaver from ZHEN, as they have been crafting knives with knife making techniques from Japanese for 30 years straight.
The brand also offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
Precautions: It can cut through chicken bones, but not hard thick bones of beef, pork, or lamb.
Highlight Features
- Well balanced.
- Sharp edge with VG-10 cutting core.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Zhen Premium Knife |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Blade length | 8 inches |
Pros
- The blade is strong enough to run through chicken bones.
Cons
- It is too big and heavy for some tasks
Imarku Chinese Cleaver
Get this cleaver made of stainless steel from Germany to maximize your cutting, slicing, and mincing experience. Just one knife for almost all cutting tasks in the kitchen.
The blade is rust-resistant, durable, and easy to sharpen and maintain. While the Pakka wood HANDLE ensures comfort grip, you can fully control and master the knife for several purposes in no time.
This Imarku cleaver comes with a box for better protection and easy storage.
You can let your mind at ease with 100% satisfaction or money back warranty from the manufacturer.
Highlight Features
- Germany stainless steel blade, easy to maintain and re-sharpen.
- Pakka wood handle.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Imarku |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- The blade doesn’t rust.
- The cleaver is easy to control.
- It comes with a protection case.
Cons
- It may be a bit light-weighted.
DALSTRONG Chinese Cleaver
(Best Nonstick)
With exceptional performance and stunning design, this high-carbon steel cleaver really stands out. It is not only efficient kitchenware but also a unique symbol that reflects your cooking style. Each cleaver comes with a sheath.
This full tang cleaver is carefully crafted from one piece of steel, ensuring maximum serving in your kitchen.
Going through a specific manufacturing process, the blade is extra hard, sharp, and flexible. The nonstick coating ensures a flawless cutting, mincing, dicing experience.
The military-grade handle is made of fiber-resin; it is resistant to heat, and moisture. You can grip the firm handle easily without any risk of it falling out, as there are slight textures on its surface.
The brand offers a lifetime warranty and 100% money-back guarantee, try it risk-free.
Highlight Features
- Edge retention, titanium nitride coated blade.
- Full-tang, non-slip handle.
- Unique design.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Dalstrong |
| Blade material | High carbon steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- The cleaver is well balanced.
- Good non-slip handle, even when it is wet, greasy.
- Its corrosion-resistant blade is exceptionally sharp.
Cons
- You have to sharpen the blade carefully or the coating may be scratched.
Aroma House Meat Chinese Cleaver
You can use this beautifully made cleaver for several purposes, from cutting meat to slicing potatoes. Chopping a coconut shell, this Aroma cleaver can totally nail it.
The carbon steel sharp blade enables you to slice and dice effortlessly. While it is easy to clean and sharpen.
You can grab the handle comfortably, ensuring precise cutting. The handle design is full tang, which prevents the blade from falling.
This Aroma chef’s knife comes in a box for extra protection from stains. The brand offers a lifetime warranty, so you can use this versatile cleaver with no risks at all.
Keep in mind that you should hand wash this cleaver.
Highlight Features
- 17˚ preside blade cutting edge.
- Hand-polished, high-quality carbon steel blade.
- Full tang design.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Aroma House |
| Blade material | Carbon steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- You can grip the handle easily.
- The blade is resistant to rust and easy to re-sharpen.
- The cleaver has a good weight to it.
Cons
- The handle may be slippery if it is wet or greasy.
Victorinox Chinese Cleaver
To finish the list, I suggest another great Chinese cleaver. This cleaver is up for any cutting tasks in the kitchen. Slicing hard veggies, meat to smashing some garlic and ginger.
Stainless steel blade makes the cleaver efficient, durable, and easy to maintain. The handle provides a firm, comfortable grip. You have no issues controlling the cleaver even when the handle is wet or greasy.
Highlight Feature
- Stainless steel blade.
- Firm handle.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Brilliant Deal’s |
| Blade material | stainless steel |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
Pros
- The blade is easy to sharpen and maintain.
Cons
- It needs sharpening regularly.
Benefits of Using a Chinese Cleaver
There are many benefits of having a Chinese cleaver in your kitchen. This is also why many professional chefs use and recommend this useful kitchen tool.
It Is Versatile
The Chinese cleaver can perform well almost all cutting tasks in the kitchen. So, you do not have to own a bunch of knife anymore.
Its large blade side can also help you to transfer any chopped ingredients to their destination easily.
Effortless and Finer Cuts
The blades of Chinese cleaver are usually as thin as those of chef knife. However, cleavers have more weight to them. Why can this be a benefit?
The extra weight enables you to put less pressure, hence it already handles most of the cutting for you.
They Last Long, Even on Regular Use
Materials used to make the cleaver’s blade are strong and durable. The cutting edge hold up really well. Any time when the edge goes blunt, use can re-sharpen it using honing steel or stone.
Best Chinese Cleaver Buying Guide
There are some major factors you should take into account when you shop for a Chinese cleaver, which ensures that you end up with a decent and suitable one.
Blade Material
The blade material greatly affects how the knife works or how you should sharpen and maintain it.
The Chinese traditionally make carbon steel cleavers; however, carbon steel is highly prone to rust. This material may slightly make your food smell and taste like metal. To avoid these carbon steel problems, nowadays, manufacturers also produce cleavers made of stainless steel.
Although stainless steel is more durable and rust-resistant, blade made of it tends to hold a less sharp edge than that of carbon steel. It is also harder to sharpen stainless steel Chinese cleaver.
Culinary experts highly recommend those either made of stainless steel, or a combination of these two materials, carbon and stainless steel.
Handle Material and Design
When you shop for a Chinese cleaver, also pay attention to the handle. Cleavers may vary in material, length, and design, and your preference may differ from that of your friends. The good news is there are many models for you to choose from.
If you prefer the traditional feel of the grip, go for real wood. On the other hand, alternative handle materials are more durable and easier to clean.
Another design style regarding the handle is full tang or partial tang. Full tang means the blade and the handle is continuous, and it is less likely that the blade will fall out when the handle breaks.
Size and Weight
It is important that you can comfortably hold and control the cleaver. Choose wisely so that you can move and use the cleaver without tiring your arms and shoulders.
How to Use a Chinese Cleaver?
Remember to pick a cleaver with a suitable size and shape so that you can easily use it.
To use it, firmly grip the handle with one hand, while the other hand holds the ingredients need cutting. Slightly move the knife as you slice.
It is going to take some time to get used to the cleaver, but once you are, cutting with it becomes effortless.
How to Sharpen a Chinese Cleaver?
The duller the blade, the more pressure you need to apply in order to cut through foods. Honing the blade regularly ensures you can slice effortlessly.
To sharpen the Chinese cleaver, you can use a honing tool.
First, place the honing tool on a flat surface; you can slightly moist it and the blade.
Next, put the cleaver’s edge into the stone and tilt the edge about 15-20 degrees.
Then, move the cleaver back and forth vertically about 10 times.
Finally, flip to the other side of the blade and repeat.
After some easy and simple steps, your cleaver becomes as sharp as newly bought.
How to Maintain the Quality of the Chinese Cleaver?
Apart from honing the cleaver from time to time to maintain its sharpness, you should also clean it thoroughly and store it in a suitable condition.
The best way to clean the cleaver is to wash it with soap and warm water. After you cut some acidic food with the blade, immediately wash them carefully to avoid stain and rust.
After cleaning, let it dry properly before storing it in a dry place to maintain it efficiency and durability.
FAQ
My Top Pick
Slice, mince, smash flawlessly with the full-tang design ZHEN cleaver. This Chinese cleaver offers sharp blade with VG-10 cutting core, and a firm wood handle. You can keep it as your personal’s useful kitchen tool or give it away as a gift in its beautiful handcrafted case.
