What is a cleaver? What is it used for? Learn all about it

One thing we cannot deny: every good cook needs utensils that make their job easier when preparing meals. In other words, every chef needs to have the best knife models at hand to prepare breathtaking dishes.

Some of these utensil models are specific for bread, others for meat, just as there are types intended for chopping, cutting, and slicing food! With such a range of varieties, it often becomes difficult to choose the best option for each case.

However, to achieve a functional kitchen with all the necessary culinary instruments, it is also necessary to know a little more about the existing cutting utensil options and, especially, about the famous "butcher knives." That's what we'll talk about today: learn all about cleaver knives and understand their importance! Shall we begin?

What is a cleaver?

A cleaver, also known as a butcher's knife, is simply a cutting utensil specifically for cutting dense meat with bones. The word cleaver comes from the Latin, cutellus, meaning "small knife," and from it came the word cutlery – so acclaimed by us!

The instrument has an axe-like shape and rectangular blades, with one side sharpened. It has a dull side of the blade, often used to crush garlic and tenderize meat. This is the main difference of this type of knife compared to common models: they are multi-purpose!

The utensil is so robust that it can be used to debone meat pieces, functioning as a genuine axe. Also called by other names, such as chopping knife and hatchet, this tool is easily recognized by the opening at the tip of the blade, which is used to hang it on the wall or waist, in addition to its slight curvature.

When hung, the cleaver is less likely to have its blade damaged by mechanical shocks against the wall, for example. Furthermore, keeping your utensil hung is a safety measure, as it prevents the blade from hitting other people.

Why does the cleaver have an axe shape?

The axe shape and rectangular blade are suitable for handling tougher jobs, such as separating and cutting bones. Additionally, this model offers infinite possibilities for chopping, slicing, filleting, and cutting everything from small foods like garlic and onion to larger pieces of sirloin or picanha, for example.

More modern cleaver models feature an Ultra Cut system, with a perfectly angled sharpening, making them one of the sharpest and most powerful types within a kitchen or barbecue area. It's worth noting that, due to a moderately inclined tip, the "up and down" process when cutting becomes straightforward.

For barbecue enthusiasts, we have prepared a top 5 with the best types of knives for you to prepare that delicious barbecue. Oh, and the cleaver is among them, of course!

Cleaver knife: what is it used for?

Cleavers are rustic instruments, but they are also refined objects that allow for meticulous and more delicate cuts. Although associated with butchery, they can perfectly serve in the everyday home kitchen.

In general, this knife is used for deboning and cutting meat or slicing herbs, vegetables, and food, offering efficiency in handling pieces of sheep, pork, fish, and poultry, providing power for tough kitchen demands and subtlety in finely mincing small products.

Sometimes confused with a type of santoku, the cleaver is, in fact, a much larger and heavier blade implement.

What are the types and models of cleavers?

Basically, there are two models of cleavers available on the market: the European and the Chinese. The first is heavier and ideal for the deboning process. Being heavier, its blade exerts great force on the meat, so extra care is needed. But we'll talk more about it later!

However, there are variations in sizes and dimensions for this type of knife. These are:

• The heaviest model is indicated for cutting frozen meat and bones;
• The medium type is designed for cutting vegetables, meats, and larger pieces of cheese, for example;
• The light-weight object is used for slicing delicate foods and vegetables.

Don't be swayed by the opinion that these models are devices exclusively for professional use. Although requiring more experienced and careful use, the cleaver can be a great ally for both the seasoned chef and the beginner cook.

To better understand what each knife is used for, how about discovering some characteristics about the European and Chinese cleavers? Let's begin!

European model

The European model can be found in light, medium, and heavy versions. It is a more robust knife and is considered ideal for cutting pieces with joints and tough muscles, which are more difficult to cut. Indeed, in terms of strength, this instrument is a true machete.

The sharpness of this cutting utensil is low, as its main appeal is the force it applies to the food being cut. This is why the European model has a very thick spine (back of the blade), and is therefore heavier.

This characteristic leads many people to claim that the cleaver is a single-use tool, meaning it only serves one function, which is to handle operations that require more force and cutting power.

The European variation offers great precision in cutting, as its wooden handle allows for greater control of movement and direction in applying force.

Thus, this model can enhance your kitchen by providing a list of more specialized tools, but it is not a good choice to replace your general-purpose knife.

Chinese model

Unlike the European type, the Chinese cleaver is a lighter culinary tool with a sharper blade. Therefore, it is used for both cutting meat pieces and performing finer cuts, such as delicate foods and vegetables, for example.

While the European model is almost exclusively associated with the most difficult cuts of highly resistant meat pieces, the Chinese type is associated with more agile work, requiring less brute force.

Thus, it is possible to chop cabbage, as well as cut slices of tenderloin or even crush garlic with the same functionality, using a single utensil. Certainly, the Chinese cleaver is an instrument that cannot be missing from your list of tools for barbecue time.

Have you ever thought about cutting julienned vegetables using a cleaver? Even herbs can be delicately cut using a Chinese cleaver. This way, it is possible to replace your chef's knife with this utensil!

An indispensable object for your kitchen, the cleaver is part of our rich cutlery catalog! Made with advanced laser technology, this item is certainly an essential acquisition for your collection.

Speaking of collection, check out the 7 knife models that cannot be missing from your kitchen! Don't forget to tell us what you thought of the post in the comments here, including questions and suggestions for improving our content. Keep exploring our blog and become a master cutler!