Best Butcher’s Knives Reviewed and Tested
There comes a point when everyone who loves cooking realizes that there is a wide and varied range of items which they simply can’t do without.
Whether an excellent set of cookware, great appliances, tableware for every occasion, you can be certain that having just what you need makes all the difference.
The article focuses on another necessity for every kitchen: the butchers knife or cleaver.
Whether you intend tackle those cuts of meat, chicken or those crunchy vegetables like carrots which require more than a delicate paring knife, it is the one utensil which will ensure you end up with neat portions and slices which will cook evenly all with a minimum of effort.
So if you too would like to find out all about cleavers and cooking delicious cuts of meat, poultry and vegetables with ease, we invite you to keep on reading the reviews of some of the most popular utensils available in this category which have been provided to ensure you have an idea of what you need to look for when it’s time to go shopping.
Our Top 3 Picks

- Utopia Kitchen Cleaver
Our rating- Stainless steel
- Price: See Here


- Winco Cleaver
Our rating- Corrosion resistant
- Price: See Here


- Professional Knife
Our rating- Non slip grip design
- Price: See Here

10 Best Butcher’s Knives
1. Utopia Kitchen
Stainless steel heavy duty blade
Nothing is as disappointing as your favorite knife getting corroded by rust when you pull it out to prepare a heap of food for your friends and family, or even worse, snapping while you are right in the thick of things.
This butcher knife is however not only made from stainless steel making it just right for your kitchen, but is also sufficiently robust for tackling all those bones, you are sure to encounter while preparing delicious cuts of meat, without snapping.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Utopia Kitchen
• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 4.4 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
For a utensil which lets you do quite a lot in the kitchen, the 7 Inch Stainless Steel Chopper-Cleaver is quite competitively priced. If you have to prepare for a large get together, helping yourself to this extremely handy item is a really great idea.
Decision Time
The manufacturer of this cleaver has clearly created it with chefs everywhere in mind. Hence it does tick all the necessary boxes in terms of the material used in its manufacture, its blade length and its durability. These qualities in addition to its excellent price make it worth purchasing in preparation for all those parties, you hope to throw.
100% Stainless steel.
Robust and suitable for frequent and heavy use.
Easy grip ABS 430 handle.
Must be washed by hand to preserve blade.
2. Winco 8″
A corrosion resistant blade
In addition to coming with a wooden handle which provides a firm grip for added safety, the Winco 8″ Heavy Duty Chinese Cleaver comes with a highly corrosive resistant blade which further enhances its durability ensuring you will get to benefit from its impressive versatility for longer.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Winco
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 3.5 x 0.8 inches
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
This butcher knife is one of the cheapest currently being sold. However it is worth noting that its low price may be due to the fact that while it is really versatile, it is actually less suitable for really heavy chopping like your typical cleaver.
Decision Time
If you like the idea of having a utensil that not only lets you chop, meat and fish, but is also wonderful for finely slicing vegetables and fruit and even serving as a spatula, the Winco 8″ Heavy Duty Chinese Cleaver would definitely make a welcome addition to your kitchen. Especially since it is dishwasher safe and comes at a really great price.
Dishwasher safe.
Wooden handle for easy grip.
Sharp blade making it perfect for prepping delicate ingredients.
Unsuitable for extremely heavy use.
3. Kitchen Essentials
Non slip grip design
One of the important qualities kitchenware can ever come with is non slip grip design, especially when it happens to be pretty sharp and is likely to require frequent use like the Professional Stainless Steel Knife.
Thanks to this feature, this butcher knife is really safe to use since it will ensure you are able to grasp it firmly while using it minimizing the possibility of it slipping from your grasp.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Kitchen Essentials
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 4.4 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
When its multipurpose qualities like its suitability for dishwasher use and its safety grip are taken into account, the Professional Stainless Steel Knife’s price seems like the icing on the cake especially since it comes with a lifetime warranty.
These features mean you will get to enjoy a durable, versatile, safe utensil at a great price.
Decision Time
The Professional Stainless Steel Knife is every chef’s dream, especially since it is capable of handling nearly anything that lands on your kitchen counter. It is also great to look at and will fit right in with your kitchen’s decor, thanks to the neutral stainless steel used in its manufacture. If you want a knife which is perfect for creating culinary masterpieces which will look great while doing it, you will love this knife especially since it comes at a really cheap price.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Non slip grip design handle.
• Multipurpose and suitable for a range of prepping procedures.
• Lifetime guarantee.
• Unsuitable for cutting through heavy bone.
4. Imarku 7"
Most cleaver manufacturers provide knives with handles that have firm grips to provide an added element of safety. However iMarku, the brand behind the Imarku 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Chopper-Cleaver has gone even further and provided a handle that comes with additional antibacterial protection for your hands in addition to being soft and tender on them thanks to the pakka wood used in its manufacture.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: iMarku
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 3.4 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
In terms of price, the Imarku 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Chopper-Cleaver sits at the lower end of the scale in spite of its impressive features which have been added to ensure it is extra safe to use. As a result, it is a great offer which ought to be taken advantage of.
Decision Time
If there is one cleaver which feels as though it has been made with chefs everywhere in mind, it is certainly the Imarku 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Chopper-Cleaver. Its ergonomic handle is not only gentle on the hands but also has antibacterial properties making it really hygienic to use. These qualities in addition to its reasonable price make it worth adding to your utensil collection or even giving away as a gift thanks to its lovely packaging.
• Special packaging which makes it a suitable gift item.
• Stainless steel blade.
• Ergonomic pakka handle.
• Must be cleaned with mild soap.
• Unsuitable for use on frozen foods.
5. Utopia Kitchen 7"
Solid one piece stainless steel design
One of the greatest inconveniences any cook or chef is familiar with is chopping away at a cut of meat on their work surface only to find the blade suddenly flying off in another direction leaving them with the handle and a heap of unprepared food. Thanks to Utopia Kitchen you can be certain that such a mishap will never occur.
And it is all thanks to its one piece design and a sturdy grip which both make this utensil perfectly safe to use.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Utopia Kitchen
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 4 x 1.1 inches
• Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
Like the wide majority of cleavers, the 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Bone Knife is quite cheap. As a result, it is a really good option if you need an inexpensive knife to use in the short term.
Decision Time
If you want to be able to enjoy your experience in the kitchen while chopping, slicing and dicing at your work top, the 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Bone Knife is just what you need. Especially since you will be able to concentrate on being able to efficiently prepare your food without having to worry about your blade getting broken due to its special design.
• Sturdy grip.
• Stainless steel alloy with chromium &carbon for extra durability.
• Suitable for prepping a wide range of food items.
• Must be cleaned with lemon juice to remove rust stains.
• Unsuitable for dishwasher use.
6. Sato
Thanks to this design, your cleaver’s blade is joined to the handle making it as stable as possible and eliminating any possibility of any separation occurring during use. The walnut handle also adds an aesthetic and convenient touch making it easier to grip the utensil.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Sato
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 4 inches
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
This cleaver ticks all the boxes in terms of what a butcher knife is meant to be in terms of weight, design and even the material used in its manufacture. As a result, it is hardly surprising that it costs more than your average one. However, the fact that it comes with a full tang and is quite sturdy make it worth purchasing.
Decision Time
If you want a cleaver which will handle anything you throw at it including bones and joints, the Sato Forged Heavy-Duty Meat Cleaver Chopping Butcher Knife is just what you need. The special attention paid to its design means you will be able to look forward to relying on it at your busiest moments without any fear of any mishaps occurring.
• Suitable for handling bones and joints.
• Full tang handle.
• A robust 1.6 lbs. stainless steel blade.
• Regular sharpening required.
7. Zyinger® 8.5″
The steel used in the manufacture of this butcher knife has been drop forged to make it suitable for frequent, heavy usage.
What’s more, its handle is also steel rather than wood making it extra easy to clean and ensuring it is constantly free of bacteria, contributing to a hygienic cooking environment, in your kitchen.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Cook N Home
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 1 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
Due to the impressive range of features provided by the manufacturers of this butcher knife such as high carbon stain resistant steel and its sturdy design, the Zyinger® 8.5″ Chinese Kitchen Knife Chopper/cleaver/butcher Knife does cost slightly more than your average cleaver. However, these features make it worth purchasing if you want a utensil which will bring an added touch of versatility to your kitchen.
Decision Time
There aren’t that many cleavers which will slice right through the joints and bones on your work surface, finely dice your vegetables while remaining free of bacteria, and especially stain resistant. If you want a cleaver which will provide you with the experience you deserve while looking great at the same time, you can be certain that the Zyinger® 8.5″ Chinese Kitchen Knife Chopper/cleaver/butcher Knife is definitely worth adding to your kitchenware collection.
• High carbon stainless steel handle and blade.
• Suitable for chopping through joints and bones.
• Stain and corrosion free.
• Must be handled with care due to its extra weight and sharpness also.
8. Maestro Cutlery
German high carbon stainless steel
This knife has been made from a combination of high carbon steel to make it exceptionally robust with an enhanced cutting edge as well as stainless steel to ensure it remains resistant to rust in order to maintain its gleaming appeal.
As a result, it is the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics and is guaranteed to look great in your kitchen while slicing your meat, fish, fruit and vegetables to perfection.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Maestro Cutlery
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
In spite of the wide range of impressive qualities the Maestro comes with, its price is remarkably low compared to similar items provided by leading brands which happen to be household names. As a result, it is an amazing bargain which deserves to be taken advantage of for anyone who wants a cleaver which is suitable for frequent use in the long term.
Decision Time
The manufacturer Maestro Cutlery prides its self on knowing just what is client base needs and given the list of qualities the knife comes with it is clear that they are capable of meeting those needs effectively.
Thanks to its exceptional sharpness, weight and resistance to corrosion, this butcher knife is one item which will become a frequently used and cherished part of your kitchenware collection.
Premium POM full tang handle.
• Lifetime warranty.
• German high carbon stainless steel.
• Item must be washed with hand to maintain edge.
9. LedgeON 7″
While most cleavers are suitable for chopping large cuts of beef you often have to grab a knife with a slender blade to handle more delicately cut slices which equates to more washing up. However this cleaver is not only suitable for taking care of the more demanding aspects of chopping all those bones and joints but is also ideal for handling fileting and slicing too, making for a much more smoother prepping process.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: LedgeON Products
• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
In spite of ifs impressive features which place it in a class of its own, the LedgeON 7″ Professional Cleaver is averagely priced in comparison to other cleavers. In term of overall pricing this makes it quite cheap and an excellent bargain which will make cooking a lot easier for you.
Decision Time
With all its amazing qualities, it’s no surprise that the
LedgeON 7″ Professional Cleaver has the vote of confidence from hospitality professionals. And once that as well as its price are taken into account, all that is left is for you to make the choice to opt for an effortless kitchen experience.
Suitable for fine precision cutting.
• Resistant to corrosion.
• Improved edge retention.
• Slightly heavier than average.
10. Cook N Home
Full tang and riveted design
The Cook N Home Multi Purpose Chinese Chef Knife comes with a full tang making it do much safe to use since the handle itself is an extension of the blade. What’s more, the handle has also been fitted with 3 rivets for added durability. These features make it extra safe to use and also make it exceptionally robust, enhancing its durability as a result.
Features and Specifications
• Manufacturer: Cook N Home
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 1 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Color: Silver
• Category: Kitchenware
Price/Value
Like most cleavers in this list, the Cook N Home Multi Purpose Chinese Chef Knife is comparatively cheap in terms of kitchen utensils. As a result, it represents an excellent opportunity for getting a really versatile, butcher knife which will function as a cleaver, spatula and even filet knife all rolled into one.
Decision Time
With its full tang, riveted handle and corrosion resistant manufacture, it is quite clear that this butcher has been made to provide an improved experience in the kitchen. Its price is also an added bonus and makes it worth considering as a possible addition to your utensil collection.
Full tang design.
• Riveted handle.
• Stainless steel manufacture.
• Lacks the durability of cast iron cleavers.
FAQS
Q: What is the main difference between cleavers and ordinary knives?
Cleavers are generally more robust and come with a much wider blade than ordinary knives. They are often required to be robust as opposed to sharp since they are generally used for preparing large cuts of meat and poultry although they may also be used for fish and even fruit and vegetables as well.
Q: What features must a suitable cleaver have?
Great qualities for a cleaver include a blade of suitable length made from stainless steel, to ensure it will remain free from corrosion and a handle with a firm grip. It must also be considerably robust as well.
Q: How expensive are cleavers in general?
Cleavers are generally really inexpensive and are one of the cheapest utensils available. It is usually quite easy to find one which ticks all the right boxes and also comes at a great price.