Cleaver

Cleavers are generally used as a kitchen or butcher knife for hacking through meat and bone. The broad side can be used for crushing when preparing foods such as garlic. 

Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, investing in the best cleaver knife that Australia offers can unlock a new dimension in your cooking. Shop our range of Cleavers today.

Why Every Kitchen Needs a Quality Cleaver

Cleavers are a widely misunderstood type of knife. The larger, silent but stoic addition you're your set of cooking knives. While we can all conjure up a picture of the seemingly imprecise swinging motion that so many use when preparing food with a cleaver or butchers knife, we tend to forget why it's done.

Cleavers make light work of tasks that would stump those wielding a different sort of kitchen knife. Also referred to as a meat knife, cleavers pass easily through smaller bones and sinew, and a skilled hand can do so with great precision.

But cleavers are not just for meats — this versatile blade easily handles everything from slicing through thick-skinned fruits to finely mincing herbs and garlic, making it an indispensable tool in any kitchen.

At House of Knives, we're proud to be making higher quality cleavers available to more aspiring home cooks, professional chefs, and everyone in between. We believe that a great cleaver kitchen knife contributes an even greater deal to the cooking experience, and you can find yours here with us.

What to Look for in a Cleaver or Butchers Knife

Cleavers and butchers' knives are large knives that command respect from their users. When making your choice as to which of our range is the best fit for you, there are some important things to consider.

To buy a cleaver knife that suits your needs, focus on the weight and steel of the blade.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, a cleaver with a heavier blade will allow you to focus more on control, and exert less energy making your cuts. A high-quality steel will hold its edge much better and further ensure that the working edge travels where it is intended.

The handle design is another key factor to consider — a sturdy, well-fitted handle will provide a secure grip even when working with slippery or wet ingredients.

A heavy and sharp cleaver might be an intimidating purchase, but this is where a cleaver is at its most safe. At House of Knives, we only stock the products that we believe in. 

Every cleaver knife that you will find here online with us is one that we hand-picked and tested the products that we sell.

Cleavers and Butchers' Knives - Available in Complete Sets

House of Knives are particularly proud to sell a complete range of premium Japanese knives, making the notorious quality more readily available to you here online. A cleaver is a more specialised purchase than the versatile and comfortable chef's knives that we sell. But you will be glad to hear that we sell many of our cleavers and butchers' knives in sets.

A knife set that includes a cleaver or butcher's knife is a brilliant way to ensure that you have everything that you need. Look at products from our range of Euri knife sets for a series of popular examples.

Why Shop with House of Knives?

At House of Knives, we're a family-owned and operated business. We take pride in what we make possible for our customers and continually strive to be the business to turn to for the finest in kitchen and cooking knives. By making our products available online, we keep our overheads low and are able to pass the savings along to our customers.

Equip yourself to excel in your cooking with the help of us at House of Knives, shop for cleavers and butchers' knives today.

FAQs

What are cleavers good for?

A meat cleaver knife is good for breaking down large cuts of meat and poultry. Its heavy blade and sharp edge make it easy to chop through bones, cartilage and tough tissues. 

It’s broad, flat sides, on the other hand, are excellent for crushing garlic cloves or ginger, or transferring chopped ingredients from the cutting board to the cooking pot or pan.

Why do cleavers have a hole?

This hole's primary function is to allow for easy hanging storage. It also contributes to the knife's overall balance, subtly reducing its weight for better control. For those working with particularly slippery ingredients, the hole provides an extra grip point, allowing you to maintain a secure hold on your cleaver knife.

What is another name for cleaver?

A cleaver is often referred to by several names, including meat cleaver knife, butcher's knife or chopper. These terms all describe the same formidable, rectangular-bladed tool designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks in the kitchen.

How do I hold a cleaver?

To safely hold a cleaver kitchen knife, grip the handle firmly with your dominant hand. Place your index finger and thumb on the blade near the handle for added control. Keep your other hand well away from the cutting edge as you work.

How do I sharpen a cleaver?

Sharpening a cleaver is best done with a whetstone. Start with a coarse grit to reshape the edge, then move to a finer grit for honing. Maintain the blade's original angle for optimal results. For those who prefer expert care or want to ensure professional-grade sharpness, a reputable knife sharpening service is an excellent option.

How do I care for my cleaver?

Wash your cleaver by hand with warm, soapy water and dry it immediately after use. Store it in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to protect the edge, and regularly hone it to maintain sharpness.

Is there a difference in quality among cleaver knives available in Australia?

Yes, cleaver knife quality varies significantly based on brand, materials and craftsmanship. When looking for the best cleaver knife in Australia, consider factors like blade thickness, edge retention and overall construction. High-quality cleavers typically feature premium steel blades, ergonomic handles and superior balance.

To ensure you're getting the best, buy your cleaver knife at House of Knives.

Besides cleavers, what other knives does House of Knives offer?

House of Knives offers a wide range of knives, including meat knives, butcher knives, carving knives, boning knives and knife sets. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cooking enthusiast, our carefully curated selection ensures you'll find the perfect blade for any culinary task.