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Posted: 6/21/2026 12:22:10 PM EDT
| Im looking for a really good cleaver for my wife. She likes the Damascus look and wants something for us to use while camping and fishing. Its not going to be a wall hanger, but used for its intended purpose. Im not opposed to something fancy and would like to stay in the 2-300 dollar range, or less. Im not a pro when it comes to blade steel types but would like something that stays sharp and somewhat easy to care for. What recommendation can you provide that I should take a look at? Also, What is some good information to know when picking out/choosing a cleaver? |
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| Are you looking for an American style cleaver, meant for butchering? Or an Asian style, meant for chopping vegetables? Most of the damascus cleavers out there are Japanese style, called nakiri. They are meant for vegetable prep. These will not stand up to bones like an American style cleaver as they have a finer, sharper edge and typically higher hardness steel. |
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I have had the tops cleaver for 5-6 years now. Great edge and weight, it can spatchcock a chicken or turkey in an instant, cut up veggies (especially good for tougher root veggies), has a kydex edge cover for travel. I highly recommend it. https://www.bladehq.com/item--TOPS-El-Chappo-Cleaver-Fixed-Blade--176332 |
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https://eseeknives.com/product/libertariat-machete Handles like a very mean straight razor, but in kitchen use you must keep the handle end off the counter edge or knuckles may suffer. May not be as deep as you need, but very abuse tolerant. Had mine about four years. |
| Looking for a standard, heavy duty cleaver for cutting meat and using out while camping and on the Blackstone grill etc. Would like something useful but nice looking. That is why I mentioned Damascus. It doesn't have to be but would like something that will last for years. |
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Originally Posted By BIGGUNZZ: Looking for a standard, heavy duty cleaver for cutting meat and using out while camping and on the Blackstone grill etc. Would like something useful but nice looking. That is why I mentioned Damascus. It doesn't have to be but would like something that will last for years. I would probably stay away from damascus. The vast majority will be asian style and meant for chopping vegetables. I think a good option would be a stainless meat cleaver, otherwise rust prevention may become an issue camping. Some of the German made ones would be perfect. They typically do not have super high hardness so less prone to chipping or hard use damage and are easier to touch up the edge in the field. Just stay away from any labeled Chinese cleaver, as those would be in the Asian style. Zwilling, Wusthof and Messermeister all are quality knives. |
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This won't be terribly helpful. We have an old cleaver we bought in the 80's in San Francisco Chinatown. That thing takes a better edge than nearly any other blade I own. It would be great for slicing. We also have a very heavy one from Wustof, it's too thick to get a good sharp edge but it would be heavy enough to break bones |
I know I'll never go home.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.
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Not a cleaver, but people seem to like this https://www.benchmade.com/products/4010-02 |
Takayuki VG10 Hammered Damascus Cleaver 195mm at Chef Knives to Go:  Takayuki VG10 Hammered Damascus Cleaver 195mm Quick Look or some other cleaver from that seller. Or maybe the Misono 440 Series No.82 Chinese Cleaver (Narrower Blade Width Version, 8.6 inch), $344.00 from https://japanesechefsknife.com/products/misono-440-series-no-82-chinese-cleaver-narrower-blade-width-version-8-6-inch I have a couple of Vietnamese Daovua brand vegetable cleavers that work very well, as well as a CCK vegetable cleaver, and a CCK "Kong" cleaver that I can chop bone with, but I mostly use it to chop Butternut squash. All mine are carbon steel, which might not work well for outside use. |
But then again, I just need to get my post count up.
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No personal experience, but I ran across this brand: Alabama Damascus cleaver blade FWIW, this item looks pretty hefty. I’m not sure where these blades are made, but the company is based in Alabama. ETA: They previously listed a limited stock of handle materials, but I can’t find them on their website anymore. |
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