How to Use a Cleaver: Cutting with Power & Care
When you need some real muscle behind the blade, reach for the cleaver: a wide, heavy blade that cuts confidently through even the toughest ingredients. Here's how to use it, handle it and look after it.
What the Cleaver Is For
Thicker cuts of meat, ribs, poultry on the bone, pumpkin, cabbage, celeriac or tough root vegetables: the weight of the blade brings power to the cut exactly where an everyday knife runs out of steam. Find the cleaver in our knife collection.
The Right Technique
Cut straight down with a bit of swing and let the weight of the blade do the work – you don't need brute force. When cutting through bone, go straight down calmly rather than levering sideways. The wide blade also doubles as a handy scoop for lifting chopped ingredients off the board, or for crushing garlic with its flat side.
Common Mistakes
Levering sideways against bone can damage the blade – always cut straight down. And a thin, wobbly board won't absorb the impact well; a sturdy, thick wooden board is a must.
Care & Storage
Wash by hand and dry thoroughly, and oil the olive wood handle now and then – never in the dishwasher. Store it blade-safe on a magnetic strip or in a knife block.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a cleaver good for? Firm, thicker ingredients like meat on the bone, pumpkin or cabbage.
Can I use it for fine cutting too? For delicate work, reach for a chef's or santoku knife instead; the cleaver is built for power.
How do I cut through bone safely? Straight down with some swing – never lever it sideways.
What kind of board do I need? A sturdy, thick wooden board that can absorb the impact.
What else is the wide blade good for? Scooping up chopped ingredients and crushing garlic.
Is a cleaver dishwasher-safe? No – hand washing protects both the blade and the olive wood handle.
How do I sharpen it? With a pull-through sharpener or a whetstone, just like any other knife.
Is it useful for vegetarian cooking too? Yes – it splits pumpkin, cabbage and tough roots with ease. Find every model in our knife collection.
