Butcher Knife vs. Cleaver: Which Should I Buy?

Butcher Knife vs. Cleaver: Which Should I Buy?

A cleaver may come to mind when you think of a butcher knife, but the two styles are different. Not sure which you need? We broke it down for you.

Maestro Wu hand forges knives from salvaged artillery shells fired on Taiwan by mainland China since the early 1900s. Artillery steel makes a strong blade not prone to rusting or chipping. These classic Chinese knives and cleavers are renowned across the world by the Taiwanese diaspora for quality and craftsmanship. View our full Maestro Wu collection here.Our Maestro Wu Chinese Cleavers are the most important items in our kitchen.

Maestro Wu Artillery Steel Chinese Cleavers Vegetable Cleaver

The Gladiator Series 12.5” ‘Devastator’ butcher's knife is one mean looking behemoth of a blade, engineered for causing utter devastation to large cuts of meat and bone it is a must-have for any butcher or huntsman. Weighing in at a sizable 1.5 lbs, with a 4mm thick blade, this knife is a menacing cross between a chef’s knife, slicer and a cleaver.

Dalstrong Giant Butcher's Breaking Knife - 12.5 Cleaver - Gladiator Series - The Devastator - Massive 4mm Thick - German HC Steel - Sheath Included

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This 5 high-carbon steel Choppa Cleaver Knife is precisely crafted for strength and sharpness. The blade is durable enough to cut through hard meats,

Choppa Cleaver Knife

The Nakiri is an absolute workhorse when heavy-duty prep work is on the table.Often referred to as a Japanese vegetable knife, the Nakiri is the perfect blend of the versatility of a chef knife and the blunt shape of a cleaver. The square shape and straight edge make it ideal for chopping cumbersome vegetables when the rocking motion of a chef knife won’t do. Use it to quickly work through sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or large zucchini.

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Old Style Cleaver Knife with Belt-Loop eco-Leather Sheath