Buzz
While cleavers are often associated with cutting large chunks of beef or featured in gory scenes of horror films, this hefty knife is more than just a butcher’s tool. Many people mistakenly view it as a specialized instrument meant solely for hacking through meat and bone, but in reality, it’s an incredibly versatile kitchen companion. Here’s a look at its key uses, as well as some surprising ways it can be put to work.
What makes a cleaver stand out?
Knives, in general, are designed for cutting, and the way their blades are shaped and how their handles are positioned usually determine their ideal use. The cleaver features a tall, rectangular blade, with a handle placed above the blade. Let’s first examine the blade.
The Blade
Unlike a boning knife, which boasts a flexible blade made of metal, cleaver blades are sturdy, wide, and rigid. Often thicker than a typical chef’s knife, though not always—many of today’s thinner cleavers are still durable and light. The cutting edge can either have a gentle curve or be completely straight. A curved blade allows for a rocking motion when slicing, while a straight edge excels at downward chopping. This robust and tall blade is what gives the cleaver its strength for making precise cuts through large items, from ribs to pumpkins.
The Handle
The handle of a cleaver sits at the top of its tall blade, giving you the leverage to harness its weight. This design is especially helpful when delivering powerful cuts or forceful chops. The extra space between the handle and the blade ensures your fingers stay safely away from the edge. Beyond the risk of accidental cuts, no one wants their knuckles slamming into a hard cutting surface.
Traditional Chinese cleavers feature shorter handles in relation to their blades. With this setup, the knife’s weight and balance are more blade-heavy, making chopping feel almost effortless, as if gravity is doing the work. In contrast, cleavers with longer handles feel more balanced in your hand, providing better control, which can be useful for beginners. The larger handle also offers a more comfortable grip.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cleaver
When you’re in the market for a cleaver, apply the basic principles of knife-shopping. First, check if the blade is full tang—does the metal extend through the handle? Also, identify the type of metal used in the blade. Most cleavers are made from durable stainless steel or high-carbon steel. Both materials are strong, but high-carbon steel tends to be more brittle and may chip more easily when cutting through tough substances.
Think about the type of handle that will suit you best. It’s a good idea to visit a store in person, so you can feel the knife’s weight and, if possible, test it out. Don’t forget to ask about the blade’s sharpening requirements and the angle of the edge to ensure you can properly maintain the cleaver at home.
Various Ways to Use a Cleaver
Heavy-duty cuts. The cleaver’s wide, robust blade excels at splitting through large, dense items, making it indispensable for butchering tasks. But it’s not just for meat—this knife can also help you tackle tough winter squashes, such as butternut or acorn, or even slice through watermelons and cantaloupes with ease.
Precise cuts. When kept sharp, your cleaver can handle delicate tasks just as easily as it tackles heavy-duty ones. Whether you have a curved or straight blade, it’s more than capable of cleanly slicing onions, garlic, or herbs, finely chiffonading cabbage, or cutting a batch of freshly made soba noodles into perfect portions.
Versatile uses. Your cleaver should be a staple in your knife collection. Beyond the tasks already mentioned, you can use it to prep vegetables, crush garlic with the wide side of the blade, and scoop everything into the pot with ease. The blade’s shape, similar to a bench scraper but sharper, allows for dividing dough, slicing pizza, or even making homemade ground meat by chopping through larger cuts and mincing them finely. With a little practice, your cleaver can become the go-to tool that elevates your cooking game.
