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The 5 Best Meat Cleavers For Cutting Bone

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Many people don’t realize just how useful some tools can be in the kitchen. If you do very much cutting or portioning your own meat, a meat cleaver is an absolute necessity. You can buy bulk cuts of meat and cut your own steaks from them. 

A meat cleaver can be a versatile tool. This is used a lot by butchers and chefs that cut a lot of their own meat but it can have a use in just about any kitchen as well.

These hatchet-type knives have a large, broad blade for cleaving but their broad side can also carefully be used for crushing herbs and things as well. 

If you’re going to have a meat cleaver, you want to make sure you get one that can cut through bone.

What is the best meat cleaver for cutting bone? If you’re going to be cutting bone, your meat cleaver must be made of sturdy materials and very sharp. It needs to be suitable for heavy-duty use, but should be comfortable enough for you to use and control well.

We really like the Dexter-Russell Heavy-Duty cleaver but there are plenty of good options to choose from. 

In this guide, we will share with you our top picks for the 5 best picks for meat cleavers that can cut through bone. We have some good options in store that provide you with a variety of choices as well as a variety of price ranges. 

Keep reading to learn the 5 best meat cleavers for cutting bone. 

Meat Cleaver for Cutting Bone – Buying Guide

Buying a meat cleaver for cutting bone doesn’t mean you just purchase the first meat cleaver that you come across.

It takes a sturdy, heavy-duty option to be able to work against bone and there are plenty of times that not just any meat cleaver will do. 

Here are some basic qualities that you should look for in a meat cleaver for cutting bone:

  • Sturdy materials
  • Sharpness
  • Comfortable design
  • Heavy-duty 
  • Overall size

You want something that is heavy and sturdy enough to chop through bone. At the same time, you want it to be comfortable for you to hold and handle. You want to be able to maintain control while you are chopping. 

Also keep your budget in mind. Some more affordable options may need to be replaced more often but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t a good option if they fit your price range. 

The 5 Best Meat Cleavers for Cutting Bone, Reviewed

In these reviews, we will provide you with a detailed description and review of each of the meat cleavers on our list. We will also provide you with a list of the pros and cons of each cleaver that we share. 

RankProductDescription
1.Dexter-Russell Heavy-Duty CleaverStainless steel flat blade tip, 8"
2.TUO Heavy-Duty Meat CleaverGerman stainless steel, 7"
3.Sato Heavy-Duty Meat CleaverStainless steel and walnut, 8"
4.Utopia Kitchen CleaverStainless steel, 7"
5.Dalstrong Gladiator Series R 'Obliterator'Razor-sharp carbon steel, 9"

Let’s get started! 

1. Dexter-Russell Heavy-Duty Cleaver

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Our top pick starts us off with this highly-rated option from Dexter-Russell. This one comes into the mid-range on price but is in the high range for quality.

It is a very nice meat cleaver that can certainly handle bone. It is made with stainless steel and has a wooden handle. 

This cleaver is made in the USA. It’s hefty and sturdy. It has a small circular cut out in the top corner so you can hang it for storage if needed. The blade is stain-free high-carbon steel and the handle is Rosewood. 

The blade measures 8 inches long and has a flat blade tip as well. This is nice and sturdy. It’s comfortable to grip and you have full control while using it. This knife is heavy, which helps when using it on meat with a bone. 

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty knife
  • High-quality materials
  • Good length and size
  • Made in the USA
  • Reliable and durable

Cons:

  • This is a large and heavy knife, but remember we’re looking for options specific to cutting meat with a bone.

2. TUO Heavy-Duty Meat Cleaver

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This heavy-duty meat cleaver is made with German materials. This is a multi-functional meat cleaver but it can handle bones.

It appears to be best for light bones as well as a lot of other types of materials. 

This handle is incredibly comfortable to grip, making your control of the meat cleaver outstanding.

This cleaver out-performs a number of options out there. The blade is made with HRC 58 German stainless steel. This cleaver is part of the Fiery Phoenix line. 

This blade is corrosion-resistant. It is also razor-sharp and honest to perfection. Each side of the blade has been honed at 18-20 degrees, which makes the blade sharp and efficient.

The company provides a satisfaction guarantee on this cleaver and it is covered by a lifetime warranty. 

Pros:

  • Made with German steel
  • Comfortable handle design
  • Honed to super sharp 
  • Comes in a gift box
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Not super heavy so it may be challenged on thick or hard bones.
  • There is no way to hang the cleaver for storage.

3. Sato Heavy-Duty Meat Cleaver (Bone Chopper)

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You know a meat cleaver is going to be heavy-duty when it labels itself as a bone chopper! This very tough meat cleaver did just that.

This 8-inch meat cleaver weighs about 2 pounds. It certainly packs a punch! 

The handle is very nice. It’s a bit slim, but is a full tang handle made with walnut wood. This hefty blade can easily chop through bone and other products. The blade is forged stainless steel and super sharp as well. 

This cleaver is an exceptional value for the price. It is comfortable to work with and sturdy as well. This is another mid-range price option that is certainly worth every dollar. It is highly-rated across the board. 

Pros:

  • Bone chopper cleaver
  • Hefty and not overly heavy
  • Comfortable to hold
  • End of blade is curved
  • Heavy-duty stainless steel

Cons:

  • There have been some reports of rusting when washed in a dishwasher.

4. Utopia Kitchen Cleaver

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If you need a budget-friendly option, check this one out from Utopia. It’s large and in charge but it has a more affordable price tag than some options out there.

This is a heavy-duty cleaver and it is made from 100% stainless steel. This includes the handle as well. 

This 7-inch cleaver has a long handle to give you a good grip and control while you’re cleaving. It is strong enough to take on meat and bones. The handle is ABS+430 so you can comfortably grip and hold it while in use. 

The blade is ultra-sharp and will stay sharp for an extended period. It is superior to many competitors.

This option is highly-rated across the board for strength, durability, value, and comfort. It’s also easy to use and easy to clean. 

Pros:

  • 7-inch cleaver
  • High-quality stainless steel
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Heavy-duty build
  • Handle is designed for easy grip

Cons:

  • May require frequent sharpening.
  • With heavy use, the handle may start to separate.

5. Dalstrong Gladiator Series R “Obliterator”

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For our final option, we have a premium, rock star meat cleaver It is heavy, it is sturdy, it is made with the very best materials.

It has a premium price tag but it is well worth every dollar you might spend on it. 

This cleaver is named the obliterator for a reason. It’s truly a heavy-duty cleaver that can work through just about any object you pit it against, including bone.

This is a razor-sharp cleaver and it has a legitimate full tang as well. 

This cleaver comes with a stand and a sheath. The cleaver weighs about 3 pounds. It is heavy and it IS heavy-duty. This design has won multiple awards. It is comfortable, durable, and superior to many of its competitors. 

Pros:

  • Includes a stand and sheath
  • Heavy-duty materials
  • Award-winning design
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • Heavy and superior quality

Cons:

  • Very heavy so be prepared for that.
  • May have to sharpen it prior to using it the first time.

Related Questions

We hope that you find this guide to the best meat cleavers for cutting bone to be a good resource for choosing your next meat cleaver. We have 5 great options here and there is plenty of choice for style, size, and price. 

We invite you to review the following question and answer section for some additional information that may be helpful for you. 

What Do Butchers Use for Cutting Bone?

Butchers use breaking knives or meat cleavers for cutting bone. Meat cleavers are the most common because they are more reliable for cutting through all types of bones as well as thick meat. 

What Kind of Blade Edge is Best for Cutting Bone?

Straight edges tend to work best for cutting and chopping needs. You will most likely not want to use a serrated edge as those are designed for softer materials. 

Does the Type of Handle Matter for a Cleaver?

For this, you will want to be sure you choose a handle that is comfortable. If you’re planning to be chopping through bone, you will want to be able to have a firm and comfortable grip.

You’re going to put a lot of muscle behind every chop and you’ll need to grip the cleaver firmly. This probably isn’t a good time to forgo comfort.

Wood tends to be the most comfortable but Santoprene is one of the premium options if you can find it! 

Up Next: The 7 Best Cutting Boards For Knives

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