Have you thought about adding a vegetable cleaver to your collection of kitchen knives that you use daily to prepare meals at home? If you haven’t, it’s worth looking into what this type of knife has to offer.
Basically, a vegetable cleaver can function as a chef’s knife, but because of the size and shape of the blade, it also comes in handy when you want to grab and move chopped ingredients to save time and effort while you cook (just slide the ingredients onto the flat side of the blade and then knock them off into your pot or pan). These knives are also designed to cut through and chop fruits and vegetables efficiently, yet they are lightweight and easy to use.
If you’re tired of dealing with hand fatigue when cutting a lot of ingredients, or you want to be able to use one tool for multiple purposes, from crushing garlic cloves to slicing heads of lettuce, a high-quality vegetable cleaver with a sharp, thin blade can get the job done. Even if you have never used this type of knife before, once you get the hang of things and you see how much time and effort it can save, you may never want to go back to not having one in your kitchen.
There are a lot of options out there when shopping for a vegetable cleaver, which is why we’ve taken the time to compile a list of six products we recommend looking into when you’re ready to buy.
1. Editor’s Choice: TUO Kiritsuke Chef Knife 8.5 inch
This vegetable cleaver from TUO is a good choice when you are searching for a quality product that is affordably priced. It’s a 13.5” knife with an 8.5” blade and 5” handle, and it boasts high-quality steel.
This knife can be used for dicing, slicing, mincing, and chopping a variety of produce, thanks to its sharp blade that makes it a snap to cut through fruits and vegetables. And because it is lightweight, it can also be a helpful addition to your collection of knives if your hands tend to get tired when cutting ingredients.
Designed with a handle that is comfortable, as well as steel that is razor sharp and corrosion resistant, this vegetable cleaver can even help reduce cutting friction and water loss from fruits and veggies, thereby helping you create flavorful meals right at home.
What’s also nice about this product is that it goes through vacuum heat treatment and nitrogen cryogenic treatment to boost hardness, sharpness, and durability. Plus, it comes packaged in a gift box, so it can also make a great gift for someone special.
Pros:
- This lightweight vegetable cleaver is polished for smoothness and designed to be long lasting
- It features an ergonomic, rounded pakkawood handle that resists wear and is anti-slip and anti-corrosion
- The bolster helps keep your fingers safe while you use this cleaver
Cons:
- As is the case with other large vegetable cleavers, some people might find it uncomfortable to use this one at first
2. Runner Up: Wusthof Classic 5″ Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife/Vegetable Cleaver
One of the popular brands in the world of high-quality knives is Wüsthof, so if you are the type of shopper who prefers sticking with well-known companies, this can be a good place to start your search for a vegetable cleaver that will be just right for your needs.
This durable knife—which is precision-forged from high carbon stainless steel and boasts Precision Edge Technology for sharpness and edge retention—combines the best of a vegetable cleaver and chef’s knife. Therefore, it is versatile enough to be used to prep a range of fruits and veggies in various ways, from chopping to slicing.
Also, the hollow edge of this cleaver has indentations that are evenly spaced to allow for little air pockets between the ingredient you are cutting and the blade, thereby helping to reduce friction while ensuring the food is pushed away from the blade. This can be especially helpful when it comes to foods like starchy veggies that may stick to your knife as you cut through them.
Other nice features include the fact that this is a full tang knife with a triple riveted polypropylene handle that is designed to be comfortable to use. It also has a full bolster and a finger guard for protecting your hands during use. Plus, this product is resistant to dulling, fading, corrosion, and discoloration.
Pros:
- This knife is made from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel
- It features a thinner blade compared to other cleavers
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- It might be priced too high for those on a tighter budget
- Some customer reviews complain that this vegetable cleaver is too light
3. Best Splurge: Shun Classic 7 Inch Cleaver
When you are searching for a large vegetable cleaver that will make it simple to cut through large vegetables like big heads of cabbage, the Shun Classic Cleaver might be just what you want. This is another brand that is known for making knives that look good and perform well.
This knife is handcrafted in Japan, so that’s certainly one feature that makes it stand out against other products on the market. It has a square blade that is 7” wide and an edge that is razor sharp, so you can slice through veggies and fruits with ease, and even use the flat side of the blade for things like crushing cloves of garlic in a snap. Plus, the blade undergoes heat treatment during production to ensure the steel is strong and sharp.
Although this is a rather large knife, you can use it for slicing and dicing smaller fruits and vegetables as well. Also, the pakkawood handle, which is D-shaped, is durable, water resistant, and easy to clean.
Pros:
- It features a strong steel blade that is resistant to corrosion and stains
- The handle is designed to be comfortable and easy to grip securely, and the material isn’t prone to holding bacteria
Cons:
- This is a high-priced cleaver, so it isn’t a good option if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly product
4. Best Lightweight: Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver
Yet another option in the world of vegetable cleavers is this one from Mac Knife, which you can use to chop and slice a variety of vegetables and fruits. The blade is made of alloy steel, and the handle is made of pakkawood.
This product features a thin, straight, double-beveled edge blade that measures 6.5” x 1.85” x 2.5mm”. In total, the knife measures 11.38” long, and it weighs 5.6 ounces. You can use this knife to cut thin sheets of your favorite cylindrical veggies, such as cucumbers.
One thing to keep in mind with this product is that you should avoid using it like you would use a heavy cleaver. The manufacturer cautions against using it to chop through hard foods, including those that are frozen.
Pros:
- This is a good sized vegetable cleaver that is designed to be easy to use, even when you want to create super thin slices of your favorite fruits and vegetables
- It is a sharp and lightweight cleaver that can help you achieve precise cuts
Cons:
- This vegetable cleaver should only be hand washed, as it is not dishwasher safe, so this can be an inconvenience
- Some customer reviews complain of rust developing on this cleaver, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to how to properly maintain this product
- No warranty
5. Best Medium Duty: KYOKU Daimyo Series – Japanese VG10 Steel Core Damascus Blade
This medium-duty vegetable cleaver from KYOKU measures 14.6” x 2” x 1”, but the blade itself is 7”, so it can be just the right size for cutting produce when preparing homemade meals. It features a straight blade to ensure easy slicing, and the knife is also well-balanced and ergonomic to help prevent fatigue when you are holding it for a while.
Standout features include a Japanese VG-10 steel core that provides edge retention and corrosion resistance, and 33-layer Damascus steel for strength and flexibility. It also has a razor-fine, hand-honed edge that makes it easy to cut through a variety of ingredients. And another noteworthy detail is the hollow-edge design that helps keep food from sticking to your knife’s blade while you work on chopping and slicing.
Super sharp and cryogenically treated to make it resistant to corrosion, this vegetable cleaver is handcrafted by artisans using a traditional method. The handle is durable, triple riveted with a mosaic pin, and built to be strong against the effects of moisture and cold or hot temperatures.
Pros:
- This full tang knife has great edge retention, is built to be durable, and is extremely sharp
- This product comes with a lifetime warranty
- The cryogenically treated blade provides the right flexibility and hardness
Cons:
- The price is quite high, so it might not be an option if you’re on a tighter budget
6. Customer’s Choice: Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature Chinese Chef Knife
When searching for recommendations on the top quality vegetable cleavers out there, you’re bound to come across people who advise checking out this option, which also boasts a fantastic customer rating on Amazon. It has basically everything that you would want from a vegetable cleaver, from its sharp blade to its ergonomic handle.
This vegetable cleaver is made from German steel, it features a one-piece precision stamped blade, and it is manufactured in Germany. This results in a strong, sharp knife that is lighter in weight and has great edge retention.
What also differentiates this vegetable cleaver from the many others on the market is its Friodur blade that is ice-hardened. It is resilient, resistant to corrosion and chipping, and can remain sharp for longer.
Pros:
- This full tang knife is easy to care for, especially since it is dishwasher safe
- The durable steel is chip resistant and corrosion resistant
- The polymer-based handle is triple-riveted, durable, ergonomic, and comfortable, so your hand isn’t likely to get tired while you use this vegetable cleaver
Cons:
- This product measures 15” x 5”x 1”, so it might be too large for some users
- Some customer reviews state that this vegetable cleaver can be uncomfortable to use
7. Best Mid-Range: Mercer Culinary 7-Inch Nakiri
The Mercer 7-inch Culinary Nakiri is a fantastic mid-range knife that punches above its weight for the price. The Mercer is made of high carbon x50CrMoV15 German steel. This refers primarily to a higher-than-average chromium count by percentage, which leads to better rust protection and easier maintenance. With that said, keep in mind that all high carbon knives need to be hand washed and immediately dried. In addition, make sure you use a good quality blade guard if you’re planning to store the blade loose in a drawer.
Overall we were really impressed with the ergonomics, weight, and design of the Mercer Nakiri. It features a full tang for better balance, albeit one only held in place by a single sturdy rivet. More importantly this 7-inch Nakiri comes with a tapered edge between the German and Japanese standards. This allows a lot of flexibility when cooking, although keep in mind that this is a vegetable cleaver not a traditional meat cleaver. Mercer also includes a limited lifetime warranty.
One final note; we were a little torn on the rubberized handle. On the one hand this makes for a comfortable grip and allows for prolonged usage. However, we do like more stylish handles by comparison. As such this is by no means a make-or-break negative.
Pros
- High carbon x50CrMoV15 German steel (high in chromium)
- Rockwell hardness of [Hold]
- Full tang with single-rivet design
- Tapered edge between Japanese and German blade angles for both stability and easy honing
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Rubberized handle for comfort rather than style
8. Honorable Mention: DALSTRONG Nakiri 6-Inch Vegetable Knife
DALSTRONG’s 6-inch Nakiri vegetable cleaver is a sleek, stylish, and practical kitchen tool from a name that you can trust – at least most of the time. The blade is made of AUS-10V steel, which means that silicon has been added for corrosion resistance along with a dash of nickel. The latter reduces hardness slightly.
One slight concern we had here was that AUS-10V steel typically reaches a rockwell hardness of 60 maximum, not 62+ as advertised. The blade itself is gorgeous. It features 66 layers of Damascus steel with a hammered finish. The box is also wonderful for gifting and general storage.
The DALSTRONG Nakiri also prescribes to traditional Japanese blade design. This means you’ll be looking at a blade angle of 8-12 degrees. We were also really impressed with the G-10 ergonomic handle. The handle also includes a bevelled bolster to make forming a pinch grip remarkably easy.
Finally, DALSTRONG offers both a lifetime warranty against defects and a 100% satisfaction or your money back guarantee. As always, make sure you purchase the knife through DALSTRONG rather than a reseller as doing otherwise may void warranties and guarantees.
Pros
- Made of AUS-10V Vacuum treated Japanese steel (added silicone and nickel)
- Rockwell hardness of 62+ at minimum
- Full tang with tripled riveted handle
- 8-12 degree blade angle – around the Japanese standard
- G-10, ergonomic handle designed specifically for a flexible pinch grip with beveled bolster
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- 100% satisfaction or your money back guarantee
- Beautiful handle, box, and 66-layers of Damascus steel in a hammered finish
Cons
- Dalstrong advertises their blades as Japanese, but production occurs in China
- Similarly the Rockwell hardness may be inflated slightly – AUS-10 steel typically only reaches a hardness of 58-60 rather than 62+
Things to look out for:
As you shop for a vegetable cleaver, there are several features that you should look into to be sure you are making the right purchase. So, in addition to looking at price, keep the following in mind:
It’s wise to focus on the quality of the blade of any cleaver you’re thinking about buying. Stick with strong and durable materials like high carbon steel and stainless steel, but also do some research into how the knives themselves are manufactured.
Remember to look into the handle of any knife that you’re planning on purchasing. After all, you want a handle that will be durable as well as comfortable. Ergonomic handles are built to be easy on your hands, so they are a good way to go.
When it comes to keeping your vegetable cleaver in tip-top shape, consider the care that is involved. For example, should you anticipate needing to sharpen the blade down the road? Or, is the product dishwasher safe? Some knives are only meant to be washed carefully and gently by hand, so you can’t just toss them into your dishwasher. This might be a deal breaker for you if you want the extra convenience, so read a cleaver’s description carefully before putting it into your cart.
Finally, keep in mind that, generally, a vegetable cleaver is going to be smaller and weaker when compared to a meat cleaver, so it’s important to use this type of knife for the right purposes. Otherwise, you run the risk of breaking the blade or causing other damage to the knife.
FAQs
What is a vegetable cleaver used for?
Vegetable cleavers are slightly shorter than meat cleavers, and are a great multi-functional kitchen tool. Despite the name vegetable cleavers can also be used for some weight-based tasks like cracking shellfish. Vegetable cleavers are also great for both cutting through large vegetables, or rock-chopping to process herbs. Likewise, the wide blade allows you to use the cleaver as a bench scraper for transferring ingredients straight to the pot.
How do you sharpen a vegetable cleaver?
Sharpening vegetable cleavers is almost the same as standard knife care. The major difference is the grind angle. Most knives are sharpened at between 17 and 20 degrees. Vegetable cleavers on the other hand need to be sharpened at about a 30 degree angle. As always, we strongly recommend using both a sharpening steel and a honing steel in the regular maintenance of your cleavers and other knives.
Can you use a vegetable cleaver to cut other things?
The short answer is absolutely! Vegetable cleavers excel at being multi-functional kitchen aides. However, the blade does have some limitations when compared to meat cleavers. Vegetable cleavers handle a mix of fine blade work and heavy lifting for gourds and the like. They can also be used to thinly shave roast pork or the like. However, the blades themselves are not nearly as heavy as meat cleavers. This means that you’ll struggle to cut through bone – even at the joint – when working with a vegetable cleaver. Even worse, you risk damaging the blade.
What is the right way to handle a vegetable cleaver?
Begin by making sure that you’re using a pinch-grip on the blade of the knife, near where the tang enters the handle. Make sure to use your index finger of your non-dominant hand as the guide for the blade when chopping or mincing. When it comes to bruising herbs or crushing garlic you can set the cleaver horizontally over the ingredient and press downwards with even force.
How thick should a vegetable cleaver be?
Vegetable cleaver blades are defined in part by their thinness. At their thinnest Chinese style vegetable cleavers can be as narrow as 2 millimeters, or up to 8mm. Meat cleavers on the other hand are often at least a 1/4 inch thick to crack bones and tenderizing tough cuts.