The best Chinese cleaver is an all-rounder that excels in a variety of cutting situations. With this especially nifty knife in hand, you have the flexibility to slice, chop, dice, and mince almost every type of ingredient, including large cuts of meats, vegetables, and more.
Since Chinese cleavers appears with a simple design, it can be tricky to tell the differences among thousands of options. But don’t worry! I’ve taken the time to make a list of the best models out there, so finding the ultimate knife will be a cinch for you.
Without further ado, brace yourself up because we’re about to get the scoop on every essential detail of the best Chinese cleavers for your needs and interests!
What’s A Chinese Cleaver?
A Chinese cleaver, a.k.a Chinese chef’s knife, is a convenient all-in-one cutting tool. The term “cleaver” may initially remind you of a broad-bladed and hefty utensil used to handle heavy-duty butchering tasks or hack through large bone. But that’s an incorrect reference.
These knives are designed with light weights, thin and razor-sharp edges. Its superior speed and accuracy excel in various cutting tasks. You can use it to slice deboned meats, mince garlic, shred ginger. Even the wide surface of its blade is also utilized as a scoop for transferring foods.
Simply put, this culinary tool has amazing versatility, with all parts of this knife having their own usage, making it a go-to in both commercial kitchens and meal prepping works at home. It’s also fairly intuitive to wield, as long as you get used to the technique.
The Best Brands Of Chinese Cleavers
It’s undoubtedly worth getting to know the best and most prestigious Chinese cleaver brands, as buying from brands that consistently deliver good-quality products will give you peace of mind.
Shun
Shun’s knives are crafted in Japan, where the blade isn’t just a cutting utensil but an age-old tradition. This Japanese brand is a top-tier kitchen knives supplier among professional chefs and home cooks around the world.
Their Chinese cleavers are produced using premium-quality steel known as VG-10 and treated to modern technology, which gives them stunning finishes and light and razor-sharp blade. These knives let you slice or cut with ease and hold its edge well for a long period.
Zhen
With over 30 years of knife production history, Zhen’s Chinese cleavers are durable and have amazing edge retention, which means they don’t require regular sharpening and honing even under repeated use.
Furthermore, their nifty knives are available for affordable prices, so you don’t have to blow your budget when shopping for an ideal general-purpose cutlery tool.
Winco
Providing the most economically priced knives in the market, Winco’s Chinese cleavers are dream-come-true for kitchen enthusiasts who’re on a tight budget.
But their affordability is no trade-off for quality, as these knives utilize a good grade of steel and comfortable handles to maximum ease of use. Also, they offer a wide selection of Chinese cleavers with distinctive designs to suit people of all styles and needs.
TUO Cutlery
TUO Cutlery’s Chinese cleaver is a combination of attractive design and functionality. Their knives can be wielded for pretty much all types of cutting tasks in the kitchen. As long as you don’t attempt to use it for heavy-duty bones, this cleaver will last for years with no rust or corrosion.
Chinese Cleaver Comparison Table 2023
To make things less of a puzzle for you, I’ve put together a table of the best Chinese cleavers with their significant features. Take some time to flick through this before we get into further details.
Which Are The Best Chinese Cleavers To Buy?
In the main, the best Chinese cleavers are offered by Shun and ZHEN thanks to their superior structures and razor-sharp blades that can handle most ingredients like a cinch, making them a must-have in both commercial and domestic cutlery kits. Then again, if you’re seeking a more economical option, Winco’s cleavers are definitely worth a try.
Let’s go through the following list of the best Chinese cleavers on the market. These knives are dedicated to particular aspects that you’ll consider when it comes to picking up the essential one for your needs.
- Best Overall – Shun Classic DM0712 7-Inch Steel Chinese Cleaver
“Features layers of Damascus cladding, superior edge retention, easily chops and slices through veggies and meats.” - Best Budget – Winco 8″ Heavy Duty Chinese Cleaver
“Comes at an extremely affordable price, boasts an 8-inch stainless steel blade, dishwasher-safe for effortless clean-up.” - Best for Chef – ZHEN Japanese VG-10 8-Inch Large Chinese Cleaver
“Doesn’t require regular sharpening or honing, employs distinctive multi-layered pattern, packed in a handcrafted box.” - Best Design – TUO Cutlery Fiery Phoenix AUS-10 Chinese Cleaver
“Available in various attractive designs, effectively prevents rust and corrosion, reliable 100% satisfaction guarantee.” - Best Large – XiaoYao 8.5″ Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver
“A long and large cutlery for versatility, elegant all-silver profile, ergonomic handle with perfect weight distribution.” - Best for Vegetables – SHI BA ZI ZUO F208-2 Professional Chinese Cleaver
“Thick and robust stainless steel blade, easy slicing and food releasing, creates super-thin cuts through veggies and fruits.” - Best Lightweight – Victorinox 7″ Classic Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver
“Lightweight and compact, intuitive to use and re-sharpen, broad blade surface with sharp, delicate edge for smooth cuts.” - Best Blade Thickness – KOFERY 7-Inch Traditional Forged Chinese Cleaver
“Highly resistant to moisture and corrosion, great spine thickness and balance, retains its edge for a good period of time.” - Best for Slicing – Zwilling J.A. Henckels 7″ TWIN Signature Chinese Cleaver
“The blade is treated to an ice hardening process for a thin edge, efficiently slices through different types of food items.” - Best for Home Use – Aroma House 7-Inch German Steel Chinese Cleaver
“Boasts eye-catching hand-made grooves, resistant to rust and daily wear and tear, wooden handle provides a good grip.”
Top 10 Best Chinese Cleaver Reviews in 2023
Without further ado, let’s break down the best Chinese cleavers currently available so you can figure out which one of these best suits your interests and needs.
1. Shun Classic DM0712 7-Inch Steel Chinese Cleaver
(Best Overall)
If you’re looking for top-notch cutlery to add to your kitchen arsenal, you won’t want to settle for less than this Shun Classic DM0712 Chinese cleaver. Featuring various layers of Damascus cladding, this knife is a sight for sore eyes with superior edge retention that’ll stand the test of time.
Its D-shape handle gives you a comfortable grip to reduce efforts and allows you to control the blade’s movement within every cut. Also, since the handle’s made of Pakkawood, which is water-resistant, super-resilient, and holds up well to daily wear and tear when cutting through foods.
Additionally, its razor-sharp blade lets you chop, mince, and slice through all types of vegetables and deboned meats like a breeze. Once you’re done with the cutting tasks, simply scoop all the ingredients onto its wide surface for easy transfer to another bowl or wok.
Key Features:
- An all-purpose cutlery
- VG-MAX steel cutting core with superb strength and durability
- The ergonomic handle is comfortable to the touch
- Wide surface yet thin blade for precise control
- Eye-catching Damascus cladding
Pros
- Extremely sharp to cut through veggies and meats
- Retains its sharpness in the long term
- Highly resistant to corrosion and wear
- Easy to handle and control
- Perfect for both left-handers and right-handers
Cons
- It requires hand-washing and drying properly after each use
- This cleaver’s priced at a premium
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Shun |
| Dimensions | 12.1 x 3.8 x1 inches |
| Weight | 13.6 ounces |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Blade material | Alloy steel |
| Handle material | PakkaWood |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
Do you want a closer look at this Shun Classic DM0712 7-Inch Steel Chinese Cleaver’s design and function? Check out this video right here.
2. Winco 8″ Heavy Duty Chinese Cleaver
(Best Budget)
Though the Winco 8-inch heavy-duty Chinese cleaver’s the most low-cost option among its counterparts, its quality and convenience are second to none. It’s also one of the few cutleries that are dishwasher-safe, so you can accomplish all the prep works faster and more effortlessly.
The shiny blade is made from stainless steel with a good 8-inch length, allowing you to slice through large ingredients like lettuce heads, watermelons, and large cuts of meats. Plus, this knife is hard and corrosion-resistant, so you can use it worry-free on a daily basis.
Moreover, thanks to the full tang structure, this cleaver has less chance of bending when handling light-duty poultries. And if an organic touch is your style, you’ll surely appreciate its wooden handle not only for its authentic beauty but also for the convenience when you’re cutting away your vegetables.
Key Features:
- The wooden handle gives a pleasant handgrip
- Full tang design to prevent the blade from coming off
- Three rivets are tight and long-lasting
- The stainless steel blade is sharp and corrosion-resistant
- Safe to go in the dishwasher
Pros
- The price is hard to beat
- Effortless clean-up
- Great for poultry, meat, and vegetables
- Gives smooth and precise cuts
- Durable for many years to come
Cons
- It’s quite prone to rust if not maintained appropriately
- It needs sharpening and honing every couple of months
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Winco |
| Dimensions | 12.75 x 3.5 x0.75 inches |
| Weight | 1.08 pounds |
| Blade length | 8 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Wooden |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Let’s take a precise look at the Winco 8″ Heavy Duty Chinese Cleaver’s breathtaking beauty to see why it’s made it to the top of the list.
3. ZHEN Japanese VG-10 8-Inch Large Chinese Cleaver
(Best for Chef)
Whether you’re a gourmet chef or a cooking enthusiast, chances are this ZHEN Japanese VG-10 Chinese cleaver is what you’re looking for. With a 60-62 HRC, it has a long-lasting sharpness that doesn’t require regular sharpening or honing.
This knife is made with VG-10 cutting core and 67 layers of Damascus pattern. Consequently, it’s corrosion-resistant and able to maintain a keen edge for long-term use. Plus, its distinctive multi-layered pattern is sure to catch everyone’s eyes from the first encounter.
With this useful cutlery in hand, you can breeze through a multitude of cutting tasks on meats, vegetables, and fruits without any hassle. The knife arrives in a beautiful handcrafted box, which easily turns it into a perfect gift if you happen to have a chef as a family member or friend.
Besides, this particular model is 8 inches long, but you have the flexibility to choose from smaller versions like the ZHEN 7-Inch Japanese Damascus Steel Chinese Cleaver or a ZHEN 6.5-Inch Silver Light Chinese Cleaver if compactness and ease of control are your top priorities.
Key Features:
- Exceptional sharpness scores at 60-62 HRC
- Pakkawood handle with oval shape fits perfectly in your hand
- Cutlery-grade VG-10 cutting core
- Comes in an attractive handcrafted box
- Reliable limited lifetime warranty
- Available in two smaller variations for flexibility to choose
Pros
- Efficient for a multitude of cutting tasks
- The storage box makes it a great gift
- Stain, moisture, and bacteria-resistant
- Easy to grip, use, and clean
- Aesthetically pleasing for any kitchen décors
Cons
- The blade may chip when chopping on hard ingredients like bones and joints
Product Specifications:
| Brand | ZHEN |
| Dimensions | 8 x 4 x 0.07 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Blade length | 8 inches |
| Blade material | Damascus steel |
| Handle material | Pakkawood |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
4. TUO Cutlery Fiery Phoenix AUS-10 Chinese Cleaver
(Best Design)
Simply put, this TUO Cutlery AUS-10 Chinese cleaver is a one-of-a-kind with its sophisticated design. Aside from this unique dragon-keel pattern, which extends across the blade surface, the knife is also available in a hoard of designs to suit your personal style at most.
To pair with that blade, this knife employs a Pakkawood handle, a water-resistant composite of wood and resin that has a longer life span compared to its real wood counterparts. With a gentle curve, this handle was designed to keep the users in mind, as it provides you a better finger rest to perform your cutting skills.
Finally, the knife’s crafted from multiple layers of high-carbon steel, which effectively prevents rust and corrosion after cutting through your ingredients. And so you can be assured of its quality, the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee against all manufacturing defects.
Key Features:
- Comes in a variety of designs with attractive finishes
- Pakkawood handle holds up well to daily wear and tear
- Offers 100% satisfaction guarantee for worry-free use
- Hardened up to roughly 62 HRC
- High-carbon steel blade clad with 66 layers of rust-resistant steel
Pros
- Allows you to perform various cutting skills
- A vibrant addition to your kitchen collection
- Razor-sharp straight out of the box
- Provides a good and firm grip in your hand
- A well-balanced structure requires little effort
Cons
- This cleaver’s a little on the heavier side
Product Specifications:
| Brand | TUO |
| Dimensions | 12 x 2.95 x 0.09 inches |
| Weight | 1.16 pounds |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Blade material | High-carbon and stainless steel |
| Handle material | Pakkawood |
| Dishwasher-safe | N/A |
Check out how a TUO Cutlery Fiery Phoenix AUS-10 Chinese Cleaver can effortlessly slice through chicken thighs in this short video.
5. XiaoYao 8.5″ Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver
(Best Large)
Are you seeking a long and large Chinese cleaver to add to your cutlery kit? If yes, look no further than this XiaoYao stainless steel cleaver. With an impressive 8.5-inch length and a wide blade surface, this knife is especially useful to cut big ingredients into uniform pieces and slices.
Unlike other models, this cleaver is constructed from one solid piece of stainless steel, giving it exemplary durability when handling poultry bones and ribs. Also, its broad blade will help you zip through ingredients in a super acute edge angle as it follows your arm’s motions.
Though this tool is undoubtedly on the heftier side, you can still wield it with ease thanks to the ergonomic handle. The special pattern on its handle doesn’t only add beauty to the overall silver profile but also lets you have a comfortable grip even when your hand’s wet and greasy.
Key Features:
- The blade is a whopping 8.5 inches long
- Elegant all-silver profile to blend in any kitchen style
- Ergonomic handle to prevent slips
- Resistant to repeated use
Pros
- Suitable for hard ingredients like bones and ribs
- Cut through all kinds of greens effortlessly
- It’s a low-cost option for such premium quality
- Reliable sharpness and balance
- Wide area for transferring foods from the cutting board
Cons
- It’s not entirely rust-resistant if not dried thoroughly after cleaning
- The wide blade requires correspondently large storage space in your kitchen
Product Specifications:
| Brand | XiaoYao |
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 4.7 x 1.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.45 pounds |
| Blade length | 8.5 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Metal |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
6. SHI BA ZI ZUO F208-2 Professional Chinese Cleaver
(Best for Vegetables)
When it comes to hands-on vegetable preparation, a straight-edged and ultra-sharp knife like this SHI BA ZI ZUO Professional Chinese cleaver is the best choice to opt for. This cutlery is made of three layers of compound steel, ensuring its hardness and resilience for day-to-day use.
Along with the sharpness, this knife has double bevels, which allows it to create super-thin cuts through many types of vegetables and fruits. Since its edge is coated with a non-stick exterior, foods aren’t likely to adhere to your blade, making it easier for slicing and releasing.
Besides, the cleaver incorporates a user-friendly Rosewood handle, so you can have a comfortable grip and smooth movements every time. Though it’s not dishwasher-safe, hand-washing and drying properly is only a breeze and tends to keep the knife at its best state for longer.
Key Features:
- Well-design rosewood handle for minimal wrist tension
- Impressive hardness rated at 55-57 HRC
- Thick and robust blade crafted from high-quality steel
- Non-stick layer for easy food release
- Double bevel for precise and skillful cuts
Pros
- Works well for all types of vegetables
- Multi-functional for slicing, scraping, and chopping
- Durable edge over the long haul
- Gives an organic and authentic touch to the kitchen
- Makes a nice gift for culinarians
Cons
- It has a decent amount of weight, so you’ll need some practices to master it
- It’s somewhat wide for maneuvering simple tasks
Product Specifications:
| Brand | SHI BA ZI ZUO |
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 4 x 1.6 inches |
| Weight | 11.5 ounces |
| Blade length | 8 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Rosewood |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
Within a few seconds of this video, you’ll find out why this SHI BA ZI ZUO 8-inch Kitchen Knife Professional Chef is an amazing addition to your cutlery kit.
7. Victorinox 7″ Classic Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver
(Best Lightweight)
If a hefty knife isn’t quite your style, you might as well take a look at this Classic Stainless Steel Chinese cleaver all the way from the prestigious Victorinox brand in Swiss. Weighing only 3.52 ounces, this compact knife is a game-changer for home cooks who lack a bit of hand strength.
Regardless of its lightweight, this utensil has what it takes to jazz up your meal prep. The broad surface and sharp, delicate edge come together to master all cutting situations. You have the freedom to wield it for chopping and slicing or easily crushing a clove of garlic with its wide flat.
Want to know the best part? This Victorinox cleaver’s handle is crafted from Fibrox with soft edges and non-slip texture to offer you the most comfortable and grip-friendly feel of all. It’s incredibly intuitive to use, keep clean, and re-sharpen every once in a while.
Key Features:
- 7-inch stainless steel blade with a large surface area
- No-slip and flexible handle made of Fibrox
- Straight and sharp edge gives smooth cuts
- Minimum weight of only 3.52 ounces
Pros
- An all-rounder to approach day-to-day cutting tasks
- Perfect for individuals who lack hand strength
- Works well for both meats and vegetables
- Provides light and comfortable grip
- Simple to use and sharpen
Cons
- It’s quite susceptible to damages like corrosion and rusting
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Victorinox |
| Dimensions | 11.81 x 1.97 x1.97 inches |
| Weight | 3.52 ounces |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Fibrox |
| Dishwasher-safe | N/A |
Want to see how the Victorinox 7″ Classic Stainless Steel Chinese Cleaver works on different types of ingredients? Check out this video.
8. KOFERY 7-Inch Traditional Forged Chinese Cleaver
(Best Blade Thickness)
From the attractive profile to the toughness and durability, this KOFERY Traditional Forged Chinese cleaver is sure to satisfy many home cooks and gourmet chefs. With a great spine thickness of 0.12 inches, this cutlery can slide through various foods without straining your arm.
Thanks to the suitable weight as well as the perfect balance, it’ll put you into complete control of your cuts. Its handle design is also a great bonus to the ease of use since it’s highly resistant to moisture and corrosion while giving you a convenient gripping on the fish belly structure.
Additionally, its stainless steel blade can retain its edge and sharpness for a good period of time. Despite its thickness, you should only wield it with light-duty ingredients, such as deboned meats, vegetables, and herbs. Any attempt to cut through bones and ribs may damage or chip its surface.
Key Features:
- A high-quality wooden handle ensures a perfect balance
- Resistant to moisture and corrosion
- The durable and tough stainless steel blade is heat-treated
- Suitably weighed for effortless cutting
- The blade’s 0.12 inches thick
Pros
- Eye-catching design to match any kitchen styles
- Convenient hanging hole
- Razor-sharp for cutting, slicing, or mincing
- The thick blade easily crushes garlic
- Provides a nice grip to enhance flexibility
Cons
- The thickness also makes it somewhat hefty with housewives
- Despite the thickness, it’s not suitable for cutting through bones
Product Specifications:
| Brand | KOFERY |
| Dimensions | 35.4 x 13.6 x 3.8 cm |
| Weight | 0.86 lbs |
| Blade length | 7.48 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Pearwood |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
9. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 7″ TWIN Signature Chinese Cleaver
(Best for Slicing)
Featuring an ergonomic full-tang structure, this Zwilling J.A.Henckels Twin Signature Chinese cleaver offers superior durability. And to enhance its solid construction, it has three big rivets embedded on the handle, whereby creates well-balanced weight distribution on the knife.
The blade is made out of high-carbon stainless steel and is treated to an ice-hardening process, which gives it a thin, razor-sharp edge. With this versatile tool in your cutlery kit, you can efficiently slice through different types of vegetables, bread, and other food items of your choice.
Finally, this cleaver is suitably weighed 10 ounces, which means it has a decent amount of weight while still being lightweight enough for easy maneuvering. Also, since it’s safe to go in the dishwasher, this knife is a must-have for dedicated culinarians who lead a hectic lifestyle.
Key Features:
- The blade is made from high-carbon stainless steel
- Triple-riveted handle creates balanced weight distribution
- The full-tang structure offers superb durability
- Especially sharp laser-controlled edge
- Safe to go in the dishwasher
Pros
- Thin and lightweight for easy wielding
- Quick and convenient clean-up
- Smooth slicing through all veggies and deboned meats
- The comfortable handle fits both small and big hands
- Superior edge retention for long-term use
Cons
- Given how sharp the blade is, you have to be careful when working with it
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Henckels |
| Dimensions | 15 x 5 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 10 ounces |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Polymer |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
10. Aroma House 7-Inch German Steel Chinese Cleaver
(Best for Home Use)
If you’re planning to incorporate more home-cooked meals into your daily lifestyle, this all-rounder German Steel Chinese cleaver from Aroma House might just be what you need. Since its edge is sharpened on both sides, this knife equally suits both left-handers and right-handers.
At first glance, its hand-made grooves will grab everyone’s attention. But it’s more than just meets the eye. As the name suggests, this cleaver is constructed from German steel, with a great hardness up to 58 HRC that makes it a workhorse that isn’t prone to rust or daily wear and tear.
Furthermore, the Pakkawood handle provides a secured and convenient grip while you’re cutting, chopping, or deboning meats and poultries. Another major bonus is the company’s reliable lifetime warranty policy, which enables you to explore a worry-free culinary journey with this useful tool in hand.
Key Features:
- The blade’s hardness has a 58-60 RHC rating
- Effectively rust and corrosion resistant
- Unique hand-made grooves make food release a cinch
- Double-sided blade edge to suit both hands equally
- Valid lifetime warranty to ensure a risk-free purchase
Pros
- Requires little effort for clean and smooth cuts
- Excels at various tasks: cutting, chopping, and deboning
- The handle is comfortable to grip
- Easy to use, clean, and re-sharpen
- An all-in-one tool for home cooks and gourmet chefs
Cons
- The seamless handle may be tricky to hold on tightly with slightly wet hands
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Aroma House |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Pakkawood |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
Useful Buying Guide For Chinese Cleavers
Before you make the final decision, here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that your Chinese cleaver best satisfies your needs.
Blade Material
Traditionally, all blades used to be made of carbon steel, which is a material that’s strong and long-lasting but tends to rust and corrode quickly when exposed to moisture. In recent years, Chinese cleavers are most commonly crafted from stainless steel, a.k.a inox steel.
As the name suggests, this type of steel features a chromium content of 10.5% by mass to protect the blade from corrosion and stains. Stainless steel blades are also more attractive when it comes to aesthetic quality. However, their edge retentions aren’t as good as their carbon steel counterparts.
Many knife experts and famous Chinese cookbook authors recommend getting either stainless steel knives or knives crafted from the combination of both materials, which is presented with the name high-carbon stainless steel for the most durability and functionality.
Handle Material
When deciding the handle material, you’ll come across three main options, including stainless steel, natural wood, and Pakkawood (a composite of wood and resin). It’s safe to say that choosing the handle material is largely a matter of personal preference.
While stainless steel and Pakkawood handles are more durable to the test of time, wooden handles provide more comfortable and grip-friendly feels. In addition, they also give an organic touch to the kitchen that many cooking enthusiasts crave.
Blade Length
The ideal length of your Chinese cleaver depends on the sizes of your hands and the food items you plan to wield it with. Most blades come with 8-inch to 10-inch lengths. The longer the blade is, the more versatility it offers for chopping large ingredients in a shorter amount of time.
Also, the minimum blade length should be 7 inches. Any shorter blade is likely uncomfortable in your hands, especially if you casually handle large cuts of meats, celery heads, or big fruits like watermelons.
Weight
Your Chinese cleaver’s weight is a decisive factor when it comes to the comfort level in your kitchen. The knife should have a good weight and balance to it without being too heavy. This way, it’ll be easy to hold and control in every movement, thereby helps you to prepare meals in a more relaxing way.
On the flip side, getting a knife that’s too lightweight may affect its ability to slice through tough ingredients, while a heavy-duty knife is difficult to wield, not to mention it’ll leave your wrist and arm strained after the cutting tasks.
Ease Of Maintenance
Unlike other utensils, a Chinese cleaver requires a bit more dedication and care to retain its razor-sharp edge and overall state for efficient cuts. These maintenance tasks comprise of cleaning, sharping, and honing periodically.
In general, the best way to clean a knife is to hand-wash it in warm and soapy water after every use. However, if you’re frequently rolling on a fluid lifestyle, which leaves you little time to meal prep and clean, it’s best to opt for a Chinese cleaver that’s safe to go in the dishwasher.
Besides, you should pay attention to whether the knife has good edge retention or requires regular sharpening since sharpness and hardness are key factors to make efficient cuts and slices. Also, storing the blade in a dry knife block will effectively prevent rusts and stains.
How To Sharpen A Chinese Cleaver At Home?
After a certain period of use, your blade can become dull or blunt, which doesn’t only require more effort and strength for cutting, but it’s also more slippery and cause accidents. Thus, it’s crucial that you always keep your blade sharp.
There’re various methods and equipment you can use to sharpen knives, such as a sharpening stone, sharpening rod, or a modern electrical sharpening machine. But the most common and simple method is using a sharpening stone, which is essentially a rectangular block of stone.
To sharpening your Chinese cleaver with a whetstone, the first thing you need to do is soak the stone in water and place it horizontally on a damp towel to hold it securely in position.
Then, hold your cleaver at a 20-degree angle and slowly draw it back and forth in a consistent and slow motion for about 8-10 times. The duller your knife is, the more motions you need to repeat.
Next, flip it to the other side and repeat the process, starting from the tip to the heel and reversely. Once you’ve finished sharpening, make sure to wipe off all the metal shavings and excess water.
There’re three types of sharpening stones: oil stones, diamond stones, and water stones, which appear in the same profile yet with different characteristics.
If you’re interested in seeing how a knife expert sharpens a Chinese cleaver with a diamond stone, here’s an interesting video to watch!
FAQs
If you’re still having any questions about the best Chinese cleavers, I hope you’ll find the answer that you want in the following section.
My Top Pick
We’ve reached the final part of today’s review of the best Chinese cleavers. From my view, the ultimate option has got to be the Shun Classic DM0712 7-Inch Steel Chinese Cleaver. It has an eye-catching profile and the sharpness that can cut through veggies and meats with ease.
The good things is, you don’t always have to pay a hefty price tag for a high-quality Chinese cleaver. For a more affordable option, go for the Winco 8″ Heavy Duty Chinese Cleaver.
What about your choice? Have you found the one that turns you into a knife enthusiast? For any further information or opinion, please feel free to let me know in the comment section right down here!
