Best Chinese Cleaver 2020
The Chinese cleaver just might be one of the most overlooked tools in the kitchen world. While many cooks think of a cleaver as a big, heavy instrument that is used to chop through bone or thick pieces of meat, a Chinese cleaver is actually a refined instrument. It retains the size and shape that you probably associate with the name cleaver, but most of these knives are lightweight and easy to maneuver. In fact, this is a blade that is suitable for almost every cutting job in the kitchen – and then some.
After reviewing all the top Chinese cleaver available, we’ve selected our top 7 picks in the comparison table below. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect model for your needs.
Comparison Table
Mobile Users: For optimal viewing, tilt your phone to landscape (wide-view) to see the entire table.
Product | Wallet | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
Zwilling J.A. Henckels (our top pick) | $$$ | 97 |
$$ | 95 | |
$$$$ | 91 | |
$$$ | 90 | |
$$$$$ | 88 | |
$$ | 86 | |
$ | 84 |
If you like to use tools that are capable of completing a variety of jobs, meaning you have to own fewer tools overall, the Chinese cleaver is an item you may fall in love with quite quickly. A razor-sharp blade means that you can cut even delicate vegetables with this large tool. The blade has a broad shape, perfect for being turned on its side to complete smashing chores, and the tip of the knife can score and do other fine-tough tasks. In all, there isn’t much you can think of in the kitchen that can’t be accomplished by a quality Chinese cleaver.
As an added bonus to the versatility of this knife is the fact that these are usually affordable knives compared to some of the other cutlery on the market. To get a knife that can do a long list of tasks without having to break the bank at the same time, you may want to turn your attention closely to the best Chinese cleavers on the market. Once you add one to your kitchen collection, you might find that the rest of your knives quickly begin to gather dust.
What you will find below is a list of five of the best Chinese cleavers that are available today. Each presents most or all of the desired features that a buyer looks for in a Chinese cleaver. It is our hope that will have been able to save you some time by locating the options below for your consideration. After spending just a few minutes reviewing the options presented below, you may have a clear idea of which one is going to be your next purchase.
Top Five Rated Chinese Cleavers
1. WINCO Chinese Cleaver with Stainless Steel Handle
Affordability is one of the main selling points of the Chinese cleaver, so it only makes sense that we kick off our list with one of the best values on the market. With a low retail price, you will be impressed with what you can receive for such a small investment. This Chinese cleaver has a 4 handle and a blade that measures 8.3 in length. The blade and handle are both stainless steel, and the product is dishwasher safe as well.
The reviews that have been left by previous users of this knife are rather impressive, especially considering the low price point. For a low investment, users report that you will get a product that comes sharp right from the box, is versatile enough to complete a list of tasks in the kitchen, and is lightweight for ease of use even when preparing big meals. You can certainly spend a lot more money on a higher-end model, but the reviews that have been left for the WINCO Chinese cleaver indicate that it is worth strong consideration at a budget price.
Check Amazon To View Current Pricing & Availability
2. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Inch Vegetable Cleaver
Speaking of spending more money, the next option on our list takes a higher price tag. However, for that money, you will receive a 7 Chinese cleaver that includes a high-carbon stainless steel blade. This knife is made with a full tang design, and there are three rivets through the handle to maintain a stable feel when in use. While you can put this cleaver in the dishwasher if you wish, it would be better for the life of the product to simply hand wash.
It isn’t easy to find products that receive excellent reviews from the board, but this knife comes about as close as possible to that standard. The users of this knife are overwhelmingly positive in their reviews, stating that it is comfortable to hold, features quality craftsmanship, and is extremely sharp. As you will hear in reviews for many various Chinese cleavers, this is a knife that can be used for an incredible number of jobs in the kitchen, and it may just take over as your knife of choice when doing any food prep. If your budget for this purchase runs up, take a close look at the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Inch Vegetable Cleaver.
Check Amazon To View Current Pricing & Availability
3. ZHEN Japanese 67-Layer Damascus VG-10 8-Inch Slicer Chopping Chef Butcher Knife/Cleaver
The quality of the steel that is used in this ZHEN product is certainly one of the main selling points and one of the reasons you would consider spending more on this knife. The VG-10 Japanese stainless steel cutting core offers a great edge to the knife, and the Damascus pattern will help prevent food from sticking while cutting. This knife has a full tang for stability, and it features a pakkawood handle. Although this cleaver looks like it means business, it is specifically suited for cutting vegetables and fruit rather than bones.
While there are not as many reviews for this product as some of the others on our list, the reviews are largely positive just the same. Reviewers have commented on how the knife is as sharp as they were expecting; it has a nice size and weight, and it seems to hold its edge for a long period of time. For a knife that is up to the task of what you would expect a Chinese cleaver to accomplish, the ZHEN is one to watch.
Check Amazon To View Current Pricing & Availability
4. Sekiryu Chinese Kitchen Chopping Knife
Taking our list back down into the budget section, this is another knife with an affordable price tag and plenty of positive reviews to its credit. It has a handle that is made from Japanese Oakwood, the blade is 7 long, and the overall length of the knife is 11. It is made in Japan using high carbon stainless steel for the blade. One of the points that are highlighted in the reviews of this product is the lightness of the blade.
If you are planning on doing a high volume of chopping with your new cleaver, you may appreciate having a lightweight tool to do the work. A heavier cleaver would be good for going through bone, but that isnt really the point of this product. With a lightweight design and plenty of sharpness on the blade, you should be able to do nice work to a stack of vegetables. To get a cleaver that will aid in your everyday food prep without having to dent your budget, take a moment to review the Sekiryu for yourself.
Check Amazon To View Current Pricing & Availability
5. Shun DM0712 Classic 7-Inch Chinese Vegetable Cleaver
To close up our list, we have a knife from Shun, which knife collectors will recognize right away as one of the top brands in the business. You will need to pay a significant price if you wish to own a Shun knife, but many buyers feel that price is easily warranted thanks to the quality of the product that is offered. In this case, the product is a 7 Chinese cleaver which is Damascus clad with 34 layers of SUS410/SUS431 stainless steel. There is a limited lifetime warranty with this product, and it includes a D-shaped ebony pakkawood handle.
The reviews that have been left thus far for the Shun DM0712 praise the product all the way around, with some stating it is the best knife they have used. While the price is acknowledged as being a significant investment, it hasn’t stopped those who own it from being completely satisfied with their purchase. If you are going to commit to spending a large amount of money on your upcoming Chinese cleaver purchase, you likely only want the best in return – and the Shun may just be the best option available.
Check Amazon To View Current Pricing & Availability
Conclusion
When buying a Chinese cleaver, it is important to separate these items from the rest of the cleavers on the market, which are meant for brute work rather than delicate chopping. A Chinese cleaver is meant to cut vegetables, fruits, and other soft items with precision and ease. Hopefully, one of the five options on our list above will be able to do that soon in your kitchen. Take your time reviewing the choices and pick out the one that is the best fit for your personal needs and your budget.