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10 Best Meat Cleavers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dalstrong Heavy Duty Butcher Breaking Knife-14 Gift Cleaver Knife-Gladiator Series- The 'Annihilator'-High Carbon Steel-Razor Sharp-G10 Handle-w/Stand & Sheath-NSF Certified

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,395
Blade Size
Blade Thickness
Weight

Most important from
219 reviews

Blade Size
The cleaver impresses with its sheer size and razor-sharp edge, making heavy-duty chopping tasks effortless.
Blade Thickness
Its robust weight and thick blade deliver powerful, clean chops with minimal effort.
Weight
Its robust weight and thick blade deliver powerful, clean chops with minimal effort.
Handle Material
The durable handle offers a comfortable grip, ensuring control even during intensive use.

The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 'Annihilator' is a heavy-duty meat cleaver designed for serious chopping tasks. Its 14-inch blade made from high-carbon 7CR17MOV steel is heat treated to be very hard and sharp, allowing it to easily break down large cuts of meat or tough vegetables. The blade’s 6mm thickness and 2.5-pound weight provide extra heft, helping deliver powerful, clean chops with less effort. This makes it well-suited for butchers or home cooks who need a reliable, strong cleaver for big jobs.

The handle is made from military-grade G-10, a durable and water-resistant material, shaped for a comfortable grip and good control even during heavy use. Because the knife is quite heavy and long, it may feel bulky or tiring for some users, especially those not used to handling large knives. The balance emphasizes power rather than nimbleness, which is ideal for chopping but less so for precision slicing.

Included with the cleaver are a stylish acacia wood stand and a protective sheath, making it easy to store safely and display if desired. It’s NSF certified, meeting sanitation standards important for professional kitchens. It is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is recommended to maintain the blade and handle in good condition. While heavy and powerful, this cleaver may be more than what casual cooks need for smaller or lighter kitchen tasks. The Dalstrong 'Annihilator' offers a robust, well-crafted tool for heavy chopping, suitable for professional butchers and serious home cooks alike.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,395
Blade Size
Blade Thickness
Weight

Most important from
219 reviews

Blade Size
The cleaver impresses with its sheer size and razor-sharp edge, making heavy-duty chopping tasks effortless.
Blade Thickness
Its robust weight and thick blade deliver powerful, clean chops with minimal effort.
Weight
Its robust weight and thick blade deliver powerful, clean chops with minimal effort.
Handle Material
The durable handle offers a comfortable grip, ensuring control even during intensive use.
#2

imarku Cleaver Knife 7 Inch Meat Cleaver - SUS440A Japan High Carbon Stainless Steel Butcher Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Ultra Sharp Knife, Kitchen Gadgets for Home/Restaurant, Father's Day Gifts

Rating
10.0
Handle Material
Weight
Balance

Most important from
4695 reviews

Handle Material
Extremely sharp blade and comfortable handle make it a great value.
Weight
Cuts great, especially on meats, and is light to handle.
Balance
Perfect weight and feel, making it versatile for dicing veggies, slicing meat, and chopping brisket.

The imarku Cleaver Knife is a versatile 7-inch meat cleaver designed for a variety of kitchen tasks, from chopping to mincing and slicing. The blade is made from SUS440A Japanese high carbon stainless steel, known for its durability, rust resistance, and ability to maintain sharpness over time. This makes it a reliable choice for both home cooks and professionals.

The blade's thickness of 2.3mm and an 18° angle on both sides ensure it is ultra-sharp and can handle large pieces of food with ease. The ergonomic handle made from Pakka wood offers a comfortable and secure grip, reducing the likelihood of slippage and making the knife easy to maneuver. Weighing in at 13.1 ounces, it strikes a balance between being sturdy enough for tougher cuts and light enough for controlled, precise work.

Though not dishwasher safe, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer low-maintenance kitchen tools, the knife’s balance and construction type make it a solid choice for those looking for a quality cleaver. It also comes with a luxury gift box, making it a thoughtful gift option. Users should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the knife in optimal condition.

Rating
10.0
Handle Material
Weight
Balance

Most important from
4695 reviews

Handle Material
Extremely sharp blade and comfortable handle make it a great value.
Weight
Cuts great, especially on meats, and is light to handle.
Balance
Perfect weight and feel, making it versatile for dicing veggies, slicing meat, and chopping brisket.
#3

Dalstrong Obliterator Meat Cleaver Knife - 9 inch - Barbarian Series - Premium 7CR17MOV High Carbon Steel - Black Brown Stabilized Wood Handle - Massive Heavy Duty Knife with Sheath

The Dalstrong Obliterator Meat Cleaver Knife is a robust choice for anyone serious about meat preparation. With a substantial weight of over 2.5 pounds and a 9-inch blade made from high-quality 7CR17MOV steel, this cleaver boasts excellent toughness and durability. The blade’s design, featuring a broad square shape that tapers to a fine edge, enables easy cutting through meat, bone, and vegetables, making it versatile for various kitchen tasks.

One of the standout features is the innovative blade pattern that not only looks good but also helps reduce friction, allowing for smoother cuts. Plus, the arrowhead cutout reduces weight and enhances maneuverability, making it easier to handle despite its heft. The handle is made from black-brown stabilized wood, providing a comfortable grip, although the weight might be challenging for some users if they are not accustomed to heavier knives. Additionally, this cleaver comes with a premium leather sheath for safe storage and transport, making it ideal for outdoor cooking or camping trips.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The cleaver is not dishwasher safe, necessitating careful hand washing to maintain the blade’s integrity. While the lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee from Dalstrong offer peace of mind, the price point may be higher than more basic models, which could be a concern for budget-conscious buyers. The Dalstrong Obliterator is great for those looking to invest in a high-quality meat cleaver that combines strength and style. It’s perfect for home cooks and professionals who often work with dense meats and appreciate the craftsmanship of their kitchen tools.

Buying Guide for the Best Meat Cleavers

Choosing the right meat cleaver can make a significant difference in your kitchen experience, especially if you frequently prepare meat. A meat cleaver is a large, heavy knife designed to cut through bones and thick meat with ease. When selecting a meat cleaver, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you pick the best one for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider:
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial because it affects the cleaver's durability, sharpness, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good all-around choice. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are very sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose stainless steel for general use, high-carbon steel if you prioritize sharpness and are willing to maintain it, and ceramic if you need a lightweight option and handle it carefully.
Blade SizeBlade size determines how much cutting surface you have and how easily you can handle larger pieces of meat. Meat cleavers typically range from 6 to 12 inches in blade length. Smaller blades (6-8 inches) are easier to control and maneuver, making them suitable for smaller cuts of meat and home kitchens. Larger blades (10-12 inches) provide more cutting power and are better for heavy-duty tasks and professional use. Consider the size of the meat you usually work with and your comfort level with handling larger knives.
Blade ThicknessBlade thickness affects the cleaver's ability to cut through bones and tough meat. Thicker blades (around 4-6 mm) are more robust and can handle heavy-duty tasks like chopping through bones and frozen meat. Thinner blades (around 2-3 mm) are lighter and more agile, making them better for slicing and dicing softer meats and vegetables. If you need a cleaver primarily for cutting through bones, opt for a thicker blade. For more versatile use, a thinner blade might be more suitable.
Handle MaterialThe handle material impacts the cleaver's comfort, grip, and durability. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and stainless steel. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and a comfortable grip but require more maintenance to prevent cracking and bacteria buildup. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often have a textured grip for better control. Stainless steel handles are sleek, durable, and easy to sanitize but can be slippery when wet. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
WeightThe weight of the cleaver affects how much force you need to apply when cutting. Heavier cleavers (over 1.5 pounds) can cut through bones and tough meat more easily due to their weight, reducing the effort required. Lighter cleavers (under 1.5 pounds) are easier to handle and maneuver, making them better for precision tasks and extended use without causing fatigue. Consider the type of cutting you do most often and your physical strength when choosing the weight of your cleaver.
BalanceBalance refers to how the weight is distributed between the blade and the handle. A well-balanced cleaver feels comfortable and stable in your hand, making it easier to control. To test the balance, hold the cleaver at the point where the blade meets the handle. It should feel neither too blade-heavy nor too handle-heavy. A balanced cleaver reduces strain on your wrist and improves cutting efficiency. Choose a cleaver that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand for the best cutting experience.

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