6 Best Cleaver Knives in 2027

A meat cleaver uses a heavy, wide blade to chop through joints, ribs and small bones that would chip or bend a chef knife. A good cleaver lets you split a chicken, portion ribs or break down pork with one controlled stroke instead of hacking.

For 2027 we chose 6 cleaver knives, from a light 6-inch HENCKELS to the 2.9-pound Dalstrong Obliterator, using Amazon listing details and ratings. If you want a thinner, vegetable-friendly blade, see our best Chinese cleavers guide, and for trimming meat, our best boning knives on Amazon.

Top 3 Best Cleaver Knives at a Glance

Best Cleaver Knives in 2027

1. HENCKELS Classic 6-Inch Meat Cleaver – Best Overall

For most home kitchens, a 6-inch cleaver is the most useful size, and the HENCKELS Classic is our best overall pick for 2027. HENCKELS recommends it for trimming skin and fat, breaking down smaller bones and cutting barbecue ribs for serving.

The satin-finished blade is finely honed, and HENCKELS says it stays sharp with minimal care. Unlike many cleavers, it is labeled dishwasher safe, with stain- and rust-free steel. It holds a 4.7-star rating on more than 800 ratings.

It is light enough for everyday use without feeling like a hatchet.

Best for: Home cooks who split chicken, portion ribs and trim meat.

May not fit: Anyone who needs to chop through thick beef or pork bones.

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2. Mueller 7-Inch Meat Cleaver – Best Value

Mueller’s 7-inch cleaver is the best value here. It is precision forged from high-carbon German stainless steel and hand sharpened to an 18-degree double-bevel edge, an angle chosen for durability when chopping.

The full-tang seamless stainless steel handle is contoured to keep your hand away from the blade. Mueller says it powers through poultry joints, rib bones and brisket, and the wide blade doubles as a scraper for moving prepped food. It holds a 4.7-star rating on nearly 2,900 ratings.

Mueller also backs it with a satisfaction guarantee.

Best for: Budget-conscious cooks who want a forged cleaver for chicken and ribs.

May not fit: Anyone who prefers a warm, grippy handle.

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3. Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver – Best Heavy-Duty

The Dalstrong Obliterator is the biggest cleaver on this list and the one to choose when weight matters. Its 9-inch blade is 6 mm thick, and the whole knife weighs 2.9 lb, which gives it serious chopping momentum for portioning meat and preparing poultry for the smoker.

The high-carbon 7Cr17MoV blade is full tang and paired with a thick black G10 handle. It ships with an acacia wood display stand and a fitted sheath. It holds a 4.7-star rating on more than 1,900 ratings.

It is overkill for chopping vegetables, but ideal for heavy butchery.

Best for: Pitmasters and home butchers who break down large cuts.

May not fit: Cooks who want a light, everyday cleaver.

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4. WÜSTHOF 6-Inch Cleaver – Best Premium

WÜSTHOF’s 6-inch cleaver is our premium pick. WÜSTHOF says it is built for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting through ribs, racks and bones, and even hard-skinned fruits like coconuts, with a large, rigid blade that delivers powerful, fatigue-free chopping.

The high-carbon stainless steel blade is cut with WÜSTHOF’s latest technology and resists corrosion and dulling. It is made in Solingen and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It holds a 4.7-star rating on more than 140 ratings.

WÜSTHOF says the knife is hand wash only.

Best for: Owners of WÜSTHOF knives who want a matching premium cleaver.

May not fit: Budget shoppers or anyone who wants a dishwasher-safe cleaver.

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5. Utopia Kitchen 7-Inch Meat Cleaver – Best Budget

The Utopia Kitchen cleaver is the cheapest pick here and one of the best-selling cleavers on Amazon, with a 4.6-star rating on more than 7,600 ratings. It has a 7-inch stainless steel blade designed for chopping bone, along with meat and vegetables.

Utopia does not list the steel grade, so expect a basic blade that needs regular sharpening. The handle is ergonomically shaped for a controlled grip.

It is a sensible pick if you only need a cleaver a few times a year.

Best for: Occasional users who want a cleaver for very little money.

May not fit: Cooks who want premium steel or long edge retention.

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6. XYJ 6.7-Inch Serbian Chef Knife Cleaver – Best Hand-Forged

XYJ has made knives since 1986, and this 6.7-inch Serbian chef knife is a cleaver-style hybrid that slices, chops and dices. It is one of the most-reviewed knives in this category, with a 4.7-star rating on more than 14,000 ratings.

XYJ says the blade is forged from high-carbon steel with a stonewashed and hammered finish, and sharpened by hand by workers with more than 30 years of experience. It ships with a sheath that has a belt loop.

Keep it dry after washing, because high-carbon steel can rust.

Best for: Cooks and campers who want a rugged, hand-forged cleaver-chef knife.

May not fit: Anyone who needs a dedicated bone-chopping cleaver.

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How to Choose a Cleaver Knife

Meat cleaver or Chinese cleaver

A meat cleaver has a thick, heavy blade for chopping bone. A Chinese cleaver (or Chinese chef knife) is thinner and lighter, made for slicing vegetables and boneless meat. This guide covers meat cleavers; for the thinner style, see our best Chinese cleavers.

Weight and thickness

Heavier, thicker blades chop bone with less effort. The Dalstrong Obliterator, at 6 mm and 2.9 lb, is built for heavy butchery. Lighter cleavers like the HENCKELS Classic are easier for everyday chicken and ribs.

Blade length

A 6-inch cleaver, such as the HENCKELS or WÜSTHOF, suits most home kitchens. A 7-inch blade like the Mueller or Utopia gives more reach, and a 9-inch blade is for large cuts.

Steel and edge angle

Cleavers use thicker, more obtuse edges than chef knives, so they do not chip on bone. Mueller sharpens to 18 degrees per side. Softer German steels are more forgiving than hard Japanese steel for chopping.

Handle and safety

Look for a full tang and a grippy handle, because cleavers hit hard. Always chop on a thick board; see our best cutting boards under $50. Avoid glass or thin plastic boards, which can crack.

FAQ

What is a cleaver knife used for?

A meat cleaver chops through joints, ribs and small bones, splits poultry, portions meat and can crush garlic with the flat of the blade. It can also cut hard winter squash.

Can a cleaver cut through bone?

Yes, a meat cleaver is designed to cut through poultry bones, ribs and small pork bones. For thick beef bones, use a heavy cleaver like the Dalstrong Obliterator or a bone saw.

What size cleaver should I buy?

A 6- or 7-inch cleaver is the best size for most home cooks. Choose 9 inches only if you regularly break down large cuts.

Is a cleaver dishwasher safe?

Most cleavers should be hand washed. The HENCKELS Classic is labeled dishwasher safe, but hand washing still protects the edge and handle longer.

Final Verdict

The HENCKELS Classic 6-inch meat cleaver is our top pick for 2027 because it handles most home butchery, stays sharp and is easy to control and clean. The Mueller 7-inch is the best value at around $20, and the Dalstrong Obliterator is the choice for heavy-duty chopping.

For a premium German option, choose the WÜSTHOF 6-inch. Need more knives? Compare our best carving knives on Amazon and the best knife sets under $200.

Quick picks:

• Best overall: HENCKELS Classic 6-Inch Meat Cleaver
• Best value: Mueller 7-Inch Meat Cleaver
• Best heavy-duty: Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch
• Best budget: Utopia Kitchen 7-Inch Meat Cleaver

Related buying guides: Best Boning Knives on Amazon · Best Carving Knives on Amazon · Best Chef Knives Under $100 · Best Cutting Boards Under $50