5 Best Meat Cleavers for Bone Cutting

Choosing the right meat cleaver can significantly enhance your kitchen experience. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook, having a reliable cleaver allows you to tackle tough cuts of meat and bones with ease. This guide will help you find the best options available, ensuring you can prepare your favorite dishes efficiently and safely.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: KOFERY 8.7-inch Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver Knife
• Best Value: Plys Butcher Knife Cleaver
• Best for Beginners: Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel Cleaver
• Best Lightweight Option: XCHIEF PRO 7.5” Meat Cleaver Butcher Knife
• Best Compact Cleaver: KOFERY 7.3-inch Hand Forged Bone Meat Cleaver

How We Selected the Best Meat Cleavers

When selecting the best meat cleaver for bone cutting, consider factors such as blade material, weight, handle comfort, and overall design. A good cleaver should be heavy enough to cut through bones without requiring excessive force, while also being comfortable to hold during extended use. Additionally, look for cleavers that are easy to maintain and clean.

KOFERY 8.7-inch Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver Knife

The KOFERY 8.7-inch Heavy Duty Meat Cleaver Knife is your go-to kitchen companion for tackling everything from small bones to large cuts of meat. Crafted from high-quality 4Cr13MOV stainless steel, this cleaver is designed for serious chefs and home cooks alike. Its full tang construction ensures durability, while the ergonomic rosewood handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle even during extended use. Whether you’re preparing a family feast or just need to chop some veggies, this cleaver is up for the task. It’s not just a tool; it’s a reliable partner in your culinary adventures.

What People Say

Users rave about the KOFERY cleaver’s balance and weight, noting that it makes cutting through tough materials feel effortless. Many appreciate how easy it is to clean and maintain, which is a huge plus in any busy kitchen.

• I absolutely love this cleaver! It’s sharp, has a great weight to it, and is very well balanced. I’ve used this quite a few times and the sharpness holds and is very easy to clean.

  – Jay Suarez

• This is such a beautiful cleaver! The weight on it is just fantastic, you can tell that it’s really designed for the job. The edge is perfect for tackling tough jobs, sharp enough to chop through whatever you need, but thick enough to avoid damage.

  – Amber B.

Why You’ll Love This Cleaver

• Professional-grade performance for serious cooking
• Durable full tang construction for long-lasting use
• Ergonomic handle for comfort during extended use

Ideal For Any Cooking Scenario

Perfect for both everyday cooking and special occasions, this cleaver shines when you’re preparing hearty meals or tackling large cuts of meat. It’s a versatile tool that can handle everything from chopping vegetables to breaking down poultry.

Rating: 4.9 (Total: 28+)

Buy Now

Plys Butcher Knife Cleaver

The Plys Butcher Knife Cleaver is an 8-inch heavy-duty bone chopper that’s perfect for anyone who loves to cook. Whether you’re slicing through tough cuts of meat or chopping vegetables, this cleaver is designed to handle it all with ease. Its traditional hand-forging techniques ensure durability, while the razor-sharp blade makes every cut smooth and precise. Plus, the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, so you can chop away without straining your wrist. This cleaver isn’t just a tool; it’s a reliable partner in your kitchen adventures, whether you’re preparing a family dinner or experimenting with new recipes.

What People Say

Users rave about the Plys cleaver’s balance and weight, noting that it makes cutting through tough materials feel effortless. Many appreciate how easy it is to clean and maintain, which is a huge plus in any busy kitchen.

• This uniquely shaped knife makes chopping food a lot easier and a lot safer since it keeps your hands away from the blade. The curved handle allows for an easy rocking motion which is perfect when chopping a lot of vegetables or cutting up meat. The blade is very sharp and the overall construction is sturdy – this is a well made knife. Highly recommended.

  – Pete

• I love this cleaver. It’s solid, heavy and well made. It’s fast becoming my favorite blade in the kitchen for chopping up veggies when less precision is required. I use it for everything from slicing lemons to juice, as pictured, to chopping lettuce. I’m having to relearn a little about applied force because I instinctively want to chop with the emphasis on the front end of the blade, but for speed and control, you have to use the back end instead.

  – Clark Hays

Why You’ll Appreciate This Cleaver

• Hand-forged for exceptional durability
• Razor-sharp blade for effortless cutting
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use

Perfect For Any Cooking Occasion

This cleaver is ideal for both everyday cooking and special occasions. Whether you’re preparing a hearty meal or tackling large cuts of meat, it shines in any cooking scenario. It’s versatile enough to handle everything from chopping vegetables to breaking down poultry.

Rating: 4.9 (Total: 15+)

Buy Now

Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel 6.5 Inch Full Tang Cleaver Kitchen Knife

The Babish 6.5-inch German Steel Cleaver is a robust kitchen companion that makes food prep feel effortless. Crafted from high-carbon, 1.4116 German steel, this cleaver is designed to tackle everything from meat and poultry to fish with precision. Its full-tang blade ensures strength and balance, while the double-bolstered handle provides a comfortable grip for those long chopping sessions. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or preparing a feast for friends, this knife is a reliable choice that combines quality and ease of use. You might find yourself reaching for it more often than you expected.

What People Say

Users appreciate the Babish cleaver’s balance and weight, noting that it makes cutting through tough materials feel effortless. Many also highlight its sharpness and ease of maintenance, which is a significant advantage in any busy kitchen.

• This knife is an amazing value and a quality knife by any standard. It exceeded all expectations in terms of its design and quality. It’s simple, elegant, and sharp. Fits the hand well and is a joy to use. It’s great to see a product exceed expectations and deliver far more value than its price.

  – Harold

• I’m a bit of a knife nerd. This knife is well balanced and it feels great in the hand. There’s no heal so you can easily sharpen the whole thing with a single whetstone. It lives on the magnet board next to all my others. When guests come over, I can hand them this without worry. It’s a serious knife that performs beautifully.

  – Tom

Why You’ll Love This Cleaver

• High-carbon German steel for durability and sharpness
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip
• Versatile design for various kitchen tasks

Ideal For Any Cooking Occasion

This cleaver is perfect for both everyday cooking and special occasions. Whether you’re preparing a hearty meal or breaking down larger cuts of meat, it excels in any cooking scenario. Its versatility makes it suitable for everything from chopping vegetables to slicing through bones.

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 9461+)

Buy Now

7.5” Meat Cleaver Butcher Knife

The XCHIEF PRO 7.5-inch Meat Cleaver is your go-to kitchen tool for tackling everything from chopping vegetables to cutting through bones. Hand-forged from high carbon steel, this cleaver is not just about looks; it’s built for performance. The ultra-sharp blade ensures clean cuts, preserving the flavor of your ingredients. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner or hosting a barbecue, this knife is versatile enough to handle it all. Plus, its ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use, even during those longer cooking sessions. You might just find yourself reaching for it more often than you thought.

What People Say

Users rave about the XCHIEF PRO cleaver’s sharpness and balance, making it easy to cut through tough materials. Many appreciate its comfortable grip, which helps reduce fatigue during extended use, making meal prep a breeze.

• I recently purchased the XCHIEF PRO 7-inch Knife and it has exceeded all expectations. The high-carbon steel blade is incredibly sharp, gliding effortlessly through meats and vegetables without any resistance. The ergonomic handle feels solid and comfortable in my hand, offering excellent control and reducing hand fatigue.

  – Yolanda Martinez

• My new favorite knife! I love how sharp it is, the weight, and the sleek look of it! The quality is so amazing that it’s worth every penny.

  – Norma S.

Why You’ll Love This Cleaver

• Ultra sharp blade for precise cutting
• Hand-forged high carbon steel for durability
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip

Perfect For Every Cooking Scenario

This cleaver shines in both everyday cooking and special occasions. Whether you’re slicing through a roast or chopping vegetables for a stir-fry, it handles a variety of tasks with ease. Its versatility makes it a must-have for any kitchen.

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 126+)

Buy Now

KOFERY 7.3-Inch Hand Forged Bone Meat Cleaver

The KOFERY 7.3-inch Hand Forged Bone Meat Cleaver is a kitchen essential that combines style and functionality. Crafted from high-carbon steel, this cleaver is designed to tackle everything from chopping through tough bones to slicing meat with ease. Its ultra-sharp blade ensures clean cuts, making meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, this cleaver is versatile enough to handle all your culinary needs. Plus, the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, so you can chop away without worrying about hand fatigue. It’s a solid choice for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.

What People Say

Users love the KOFERY cleaver for its impressive sharpness and weight, which makes cutting through tough materials a breeze. Many appreciate the comfortable grip, allowing for extended use without discomfort, making it a favorite for both everyday cooking and special occasions.

• I grabbed this KOFERY 7.3-Inch Hand Forged Bone Meat Cleaver because I needed something tough for breaking down meat in the kitchen, and this one looked nicely balanced. It’s got a hefty feel without being too much, which is exactly what I was after. What I like most is how it cuts—ultra-sharp high carbon steel goes through bones and joints like butter, and the weight helps without wearing me out.

  – Smart Shopper

• I recently bought the KOFERY 7.3-Inch Hand Forged Bone Meat Cleaver, and it has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools. This cleaver is ultra-sharp right out of the box, making it incredibly effective for chopping through meat and bones. The high carbon steel construction ensures durability and longevity, and the ergonomic handle feels comfortable in my hand, allowing for a firm grip during use.

  – Patti

Why You’ll Love This Cleaver

• Handcrafted high-carbon steel for superior strength
• Comfortable ergonomic handle to reduce hand fatigue
• Durable full-tang construction for balance and stability

Ideal For Every Cooking Scenario

This cleaver is perfect for both daily cooking tasks and special occasions. Whether you’re chopping vegetables for a stir-fry or breaking down a whole chicken, it handles a variety of tasks with ease. Its versatility makes it a must-have for any kitchen.

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 27+)

Buy Now

FAQ

What Should I Look For When Buying a Meat Cleaver for Bone Cutting?

When you’re in the market for a meat cleaver specifically for bone cutting, you want to consider a few key factors. First, the blade material is crucial; high-carbon stainless steel is often recommended for its durability and ability to hold a sharp edge. You should also look for a full tang design, as this provides better balance and control while cutting. The weight of the cleaver matters too; a heavier cleaver can make cutting through bone easier, as gravity does some of the work for you. Lastly, ensure that the handle is comfortable and ergonomic, allowing you to maintain a firm grip even during extended use.

How Do I Properly Maintain My Meat Cleaver?

To keep your meat cleaver in top condition, regular maintenance is key. Always hand wash your cleaver with warm, soapy water and dry it immediately to prevent rust, especially if it’s made from high-carbon steel. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as the harsh environment can damage the blade and handle. Regularly honing the blade will help maintain its sharpness, and you should sharpen it as needed, depending on how often you use it. Store your cleaver in a safe place, ideally with a blade guard or in a knife block, to protect the edge and prevent accidents.

Can I Use a Meat Cleaver for Other Kitchen Tasks?

Absolutely! While meat cleavers are designed for cutting through bone and tough meats, they can also be quite versatile in the kitchen. You can use them for chopping vegetables, crushing garlic, or even slicing through larger fruits. Just keep in mind that the cleaver’s weight and design may require a different cutting technique compared to a standard chef’s knife. For best results, use the back of the blade for chopping softer items and the front for more precise cuts. Just be cautious with delicate ingredients, as the cleaver’s weight can make it easy to apply too much pressure.

Wrapping Up

Investing in a quality meat cleaver can transform your cooking experience. With the right cleaver, you can efficiently handle tough cuts of meat and bones, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. The options listed above have been selected based on their performance, user reviews, and overall value, ensuring you find the perfect tool for your kitchen.