The 10 Best Chinese Cleavers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Chinese cleavers are great in the kitchen and can do many different kinds of stuff. But when you’re selecting one, you must be watchful. You want a cleaver that’s both harmless and sharp. If you take good upkeep of it, you can discover a good cleaver from our list. Our best choice is the Zwilling Twin Signature 7” Chinese Cleaver. But at the last of the discussion, it’s all about what you prefer. That’s why we prepared a guide to aid you in purchasing chef knives if you like a unique style but with the same power and flexibility. Now, let’s look at the best Chinese cleavers of 2023.

Top 10 Chinese Cleavers

1. Zwilling Twin Signature 7” Chinese Cleaver – Editor’s Choice

We picked the Zwilling not just because it looks good, but also because it offers the best features for its price. It’s a great choice for any home or professional kitchen.

Zwilling Twin Signature 7” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

Did you know that the top pick for the best Chinese cleavers is actually a stamped knife? We were surprised too! This awesome kitchen tool has the perfect mix of all the things we look for in a cleaver, making it our top choice. Plus, the price is amazing, especially considering how well it handles thick vegetables commonly used in Asian dishes and effortlessly cuts through smaller bones. With its easy upkeep and great performance, we really think this cleaver is a fantastic addition to your kitchen.

Maintenance 

You can rinse this knife in the dishwasher. But it’s better to dry it with your hands and clean it for the finest effects. Remember to hone the blade when required.

2. Tuo Vegetable Chinese Cleaver

A great fake knife with a sharp point and a rounded upper part is easy to hold when working with lots of ingredients.

Tuo Vegetable Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

This knife is a classic pick for regular home cooking, and it delivers all the advantages you need when preparing ingredients. The blade is really sharp, and the handle is simply great. The knife gives off a pro-grade vibe in every way. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit flexible. If you like a more firm cleaver, you might want to consider a different option from our recommendations

Maintenance 

Don’t toss this in the dishwasher because of the pakkawood handle and forged steel. Wash and dry it by hand, and make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place where little hands can’t reach.

3. Linoroso 7.5” Chinese Cleaver

The classic rectangular cleaver you might find in a wooden holder at a Chinese restaurant.

Linoroso 7.5” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

This knife is larger than the other cleavers we’ve seen before, and it has a classic rectangular shape. The longer size is great for cutting through bigger vegetables and meats, especially in kitchens that often prepare Asian-inspired dishes. The blade is quite hard, yet it’s flexible too. The thick bolster provides good control, whether you’re chopping a sweet potato or something as small as a garlic clove. Inclusive, it’s actually a convenient tool in the kitchen.

Maintenance 

Always wash the knife-edge with hand and dry it fully because of the distinct materials it’s made of. Don’t throw it in the dishwasher; it’s too shrill and giant for that.

4. Shi Ba Zi Zuo 8” Chinese Cleaver

Imagine a big, sharp knife that you’d find at a Chinese food stand in a well-known shopping street in Shanghai.

Shi Ba Zi Zuo 8” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

This Chinese cleaver is designed to be used often. You’ll see that its handle is shorter than other cleavers in the “beehive” style, making it perfect for people who run shops or restaurants with a lot of customers. The cleaver’s 3-layer sides make it really strong, more than you might think, and they also prevent food from sticking to the blade while you’re working. This makes cleaning up much easier.

Maintenance  

Don’t put this in the dishwasher because the blade and handle are high-quality. If you let them air-dry instead of drying by hand and carefully putting them away, you’ll damage both.

5. Shun Classic 7” Chinese Cleaver

The initial Damascus knife in our lineup has beautiful patterns on both sides, and a unique character detail that makes it very appealing.

Shun Classic 7” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

It’s cool that Shun chose a sleek black pakkawood instead of the usual brown for this knife. Overall, the knife looks really nice. The toughness and the way it’s made with many layers give it those cool patterns on the sides that show it’s genuine Damascus steel. This choice is a bit more expensive, but that’s understandable. The effort put into making this blade is really impressive.

Maintenance 

Don’t put this blade in a dishwasher – it could harm the Damascus steel. Just wash and dry it by hand, and then store it in a safe place. Lots of people use it for show rather than cutting stuff.

6. Dexter 8” Chinese Cleaver

This knife has a classic style with a handle shaped like a beehive, and it takes a bit of strength to use it effectively.

Dexter 8” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

Make sure to clean this knife really well. Although it has a standard design with a woody handlebar, that’s why you have to take good upkeep of it. It’s good that it’s an American company, and the features are really good. This knife has a robust cutting skill for creating all kinds of Asian-style cuisine, and its rate is pretty reasonable compared to others. It would be a perfect gift to give your loved ones.

Maintenance 

It’s not a good idea not to place this knife in the dishwasher. Since it’s prepared with special materials and has a wood handlebar, it needs to be washed away by hand. Make sure to thoroughly dry the handle to prevent any problems later on.

7. Kyoku Samurai Series 7” Chinese Cleaver

This tall cleaver has many good things about its handle and the way it’s made. You can use it for almost anything in the kitchen.

Kyoku Samurai Series 7” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

This Japanese cleaver was made by a designer who really values craftsmanship. They put a lot of effort into making it user-friendly, with special attention to details like the high-quality materials and the decorative mosaic in the handle. We love the wider bolster, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver. Just a word of caution – it’s super sharp, so make sure to use the included sheath for safety.

Maintenance 

Don’t put this in the dishwasher because it’s made of special steel. Just use a little soapy water and be cautious while drying to avoid any cuts that might require a band-aid

8. Shi Ba Zi Zuo 9” Chinese Cleaver

Prepare yourself for a really strong and extra-long meat cleaver designed for frequent use in a professional kitchen.

Shi Ba Zi Zuo 9” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

This knife is a real inspiration. If you’re not considering a big knife, you might need to check out some other picks. This one has a woody handlebar, so you’ll need to take proper upkeep of it. But, it’s super easy to sharp. Seeing the price, you’re getting a perfect kitchen tool. It’s splendid for specialized ramen chefs.

Maintenance 

Remember to dry and wash by hand to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the handle.

9. Shi Ba Zi Zuo 6.7” Chinese Cleaver

Great knife for the money, perfect for those who prefer a smaller cleaver in their kitchen.

Shi Ba Zi Zuo 6.7” Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

Another wooden handle choice, but this one is a bit smaller. It’s perfect for those who like something a little more compact. You can use this cleaver for all your Asian cuisine tasks. Just be careful because there’s no extra support near the handle, so keep an eye on your hands. We believe this is a great first cleaver for people who aren’t used to using this tool while preparing ingredients.

Maintenance 

This knife can’t be washed in the dishwasher as its metal knife-edge and woody handle. After washing it with a slight detergent, make sure to dry it fully by hand.

10. Kyoku 7” Shogun Series Chinese Cleaver

The one and only other Damascus blade in our collection is both fantastic to look at and has a great feel when you use it.

Kyoku 7” Shogun Series Chinese Cleaver Specifications

About the Knife

If you want a really nice-looking cleaver from our list, this one is likely the best. It has a cool cover and hoven sides, making it impeccable for showing off. When it comes to slicing, it has the right weight and quickness for most foodstuffs. The Damascus steel, varied with a bit of stainless steel, offers it a secure design that you can’t go wrong.

Maintenance 

Don’t put Damascus steel in the dishwasher. You need to wash and dry it by hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Chinese Cleaver for Bone Cutting?

Chinese cleavers are not designed for cutting through bones. They are better suited for boneless meats, vegetables, and other soft ingredients.

How is a Chinese Cleaver Different From a Western Cleaver?

Chinese cleavers are thinner and lighter than their Western counterparts. They are designed for precision cutting and fine slicing, while Western cleavers are typically heavier and used for more robust chopping.

How Should I Maintain and Care for My Chinese Cleaver?

Clean the cleaver by hand with mild soap and warm water, and dry it immediately to prevent corrosion. Regularly sharpen the blade using a honing rod or sharpening stone. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher

Can I Use a Chinese Cleaver for Western-Style Cooking?

Absolutely! Chinese cleavers are adaptable and can be used for various cooking styles. They are excellent for precision cutting and can handle a wide range of tasks in the kitchen.

What Makes the Zwilling Twin Signature 7” Chinese Cleaver a Recommended Choice?

The Zwilling Twin Signature 7” Chinese Cleaver is known for its quality and performance. Its design and materials make it a reliable choice for a variety of kitchen tasks, and it is often praised for its durability.