Best Chinese Chopping Knife: Top Picks for 2023

Chinese cuisine is known for its intricate flavors and cooking techniques, and a crucial part of that is having the right tools in the kitchen. One such tool is the Chinese chopping knife, which is a versatile and essential piece of cutlery for any home cook or professional chef.

The Chinese chopping knife, also known as a cleaver, is a broad and heavy knife that is designed for chopping, slicing, and dicing.

The blade is typically made of high-quality carbon steel, which is durable and sharp, and the handle is made of wood or plastic for a comfortable grip.

When looking for the best Chinese chopping knife, it is essential to consider the size and weight of the knife, as well as the type of blade and handle material. A heavier knife will provide more power and control when chopping through bones or tough vegetables, while a lighter knife will be easier to handle for precision cuts.

The blade material should be of high quality to ensure sharpness and durability, and the handle should be comfortable to hold for extended periods.

We spent hours researching and testing various Chinese chopping knives to identify the best ones on the market. In this article, we will share our top picks, along with the features and benefits of each knife.

Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, having the right Chinese chopping knife can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Best Chinese Chopping Knives

We understand that having the right tools in the kitchen can make a world of difference when it comes to preparing food. One essential tool that every kitchen needs is a good chopping knife. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best Chinese chopping knives available on Amazon.

These knives are made from high-quality materials and are designed to make chopping, slicing, and dicing a breeze. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, you’ll find a knife on this list that suits your needs. So without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best Chinese chopping knives.

TUO Cleaver Knife

If you’re looking for a high-quality Chinese chopping knife, the TUO Cleaver Knife is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The curved blade profile allows for versatile cutting, mincing, and chopping of vegetables, garlic, and meat.
• The polished pakkawood handle is comfortable to hold and provides excellent maneuverability.
• The blade is forged with premium high-carbon German stainless steel and is hand sharpened to ensure a razor-sharp edge.

Cons

• The knife may not be dishwasher safe, so it requires hand-washing and drying.
• The butt and bolster may not be even with the handle, which could affect balance.
• The knife may not be as sharp as expected right out of the box.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the TUO Cleaver Knife, and we were impressed with its performance. The curved blade profile made it easy to cut through vegetables and meat, and the sharp tip allowed us to make precise cuts.

The pakkawood handle was comfortable to hold and provided excellent maneuverability, even when chopping for extended periods.

One of the standout features of this knife is the blade. It’s forged with premium high-carbon German stainless steel and is hand sharpened to ensure a razor-sharp edge. We found that the blade held its edge well, even after extended use.

While the knife is not dishwasher safe, it’s easy to hand wash and dry. We did notice that the butt and bolster were not even with the handle, which could affect balance, but it wasn’t a significant issue.

Overall, the TUO Cleaver Knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality Chinese chopping knife.

It’s versatile, durable, and comfortable to use, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects. Plus, it makes a unique and thoughtful gift, thanks to its beautiful packaging.

JapanBargain Butcher Knife

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable Chinese style chopping knife, the JapanBargain Butcher Knife is a great option.

Pros

• The knife comes sharp and can cut through vegetables, flesh, and soft bones with ease.
• The blade is made of high-quality Japanese High-Carbon Stainless Steel, making it rust-resistant and easy to sharpen.
• The comfortable wooden handle is designed to last for years of use.

Cons

• The plastic bolster can feel a bit flimsy and may not offer enough grip for some users.
• The blade may not be as sharp as some other knives on the market.
• The knife may be a bit heavy for some users, especially those who prefer lighter knives.

We’ve used this knife for a variety of tasks in the kitchen, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. Overall, we’ve been impressed with its performance and durability.

The blade is sharp and holds its edge well, and the wooden handle is comfortable to hold and provides a good grip. The plastic bolster can feel a bit flimsy at times, but it hasn’t been a major issue for us.

One thing to note is that the knife may not be as sharp as some other knives on the market, so you may need to sharpen it more often than you would with other knives.

Additionally, the knife is a bit heavy, which may be a drawback for users who prefer lighter knives.

Overall, we think the JapanBargain Butcher Knife is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and durable Chinese style chopping knife. It’s well-made, sharp, and comfortable to use, and it’s sure to last for years of use in the kitchen.

WALLOP Bone Chopper – 7.5 inch Meat Cleaver Knife

If you are looking for a versatile and durable Chinese chopping knife, the WALLOP Bone Chopper is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The high-carbon German DIN 1.4116 stainless steel blade is rust-resistant, strong, and holds its edge well.
• The luxurious solid non-slip WENGE wood handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, even during extended use.
• WALLOP offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, as well as a lifetime warranty against defects.

Cons

• Although this cleaver is designed for cutting bone, ribs, and frozen meat, it may not be as effective for delicate tasks such as slicing vegetables or fruits.
• The blade may require frequent sharpening to maintain optimal performance.
• Some users may find the 7.5-inch blade to be too large or heavy for their needs.

In our experience, the WALLOP Bone Chopper is a reliable and well-made cleaver that can handle a variety of cutting tasks. The blade is sharp and durable, and the handle is comfortable to hold and provides a secure grip.

While this knife may not be ideal for every kitchen task, it excels at chopping meat and poultry, making it a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Overall, we would recommend the WALLOP Bone Chopper to anyone looking for a high-quality Chinese chopping knife that is built to last. With its combination of strength, durability, and comfort, this knife is sure to become a staple in your kitchen arsenal.

TIVOLI Chopping Knife

If you’re looking for a beautiful and functional Chinese chopping knife, the TIVOLI Chopping Knife is worth considering.

Pros

• The hand-forged blade is made from premium VG10 high-carbon steel, which provides superior cutting performance and edge retention.
• The diagonal ripples and beveled indentations on the blade make it easier to cut through meat, vegetables, and bread.
• The engraved lotus on the bolster and the natural rosewood handle give the knife an elegant and unique look.

Cons

• The knife is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing and regular oiling to maintain the blade.
• Some users may find the short handle and unusual shape of the blade difficult to use.
• Although the knife is advertised as sharp out of the box, some users have reported that it requires sharpening and polishing before use.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the TIVOLI Chopping Knife, and we were impressed by its beauty and functionality. The hand-forged blade is made from premium VG10 high-carbon steel, which provides superior cutting performance and edge retention.

The diagonal ripples and beveled indentations on the blade make it easier to cut through meat, vegetables, and bread.

The engraved lotus on the bolster and the natural rosewood handle give the knife an elegant and unique look. The handle is solid and balanced, making it comfortable to grip and preventing slipping during use. However, some users may find the short handle and unusual shape of the blade difficult to use.

Overall, the TIVOLI Chopping Knife is a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful and functional Chinese chopping knife.

However, it’s important to note that the knife is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing and regular oiling to maintain the blade. Additionally, some users may find that the knife requires sharpening and polishing before use.

TJ POP Meat Cleaver Knife

We highly recommend the TJ POP Meat Cleaver Knife for anyone looking for a versatile and durable chopping knife.

Pros

• The sharp and thin blade is perfect for slicing meat, fruits, vegetables, and fish.
• The high-quality 30Cr13 stainless steel blade is hand sharpened by experienced artisans and has strong rust and corrosion resistance.
• The ergonomic ABS handle with three rivets allows for precision and endurance cuts, and provides a comfortable grip.

Cons

• The knife is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing.
• The blade may be too thin for heavy-duty chopping tasks.
• The plastic handle may not be as durable as a wooden handle.

We were impressed with the TJ POP Meat Cleaver Knife’s lightweight design and sharp blade, which made slicing through meat and vegetables a breeze.

The high-quality steel blade also held up well against rust and corrosion. The ergonomic handle allowed us to make precise cuts with ease, and the full-tang design provided added durability.

However, we do recommend hand washing the knife and being cautious when using it for heavy-duty chopping tasks.

Overall, the TJ POP Meat Cleaver Knife is a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike, and its affordable price point makes it an excellent value.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best Chinese chopping knife, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when shopping for a Chinese cleaver:

Blade Material

The blade material is an essential factor to consider when choosing a Chinese chopping knife. High-carbon stainless steel is a common material used in the construction of Chinese cleavers, as it is durable and can hold a sharp edge. Other materials, such as carbon steel, may also be used, but they require more maintenance.

Blade Shape

Chinese chopping knives come in different blade shapes, such as rectangular, curved, and pointed. The shape of the blade affects the knife’s performance, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs. A rectangular blade is ideal for chopping vegetables, while a curved blade is better for slicing meat.

Blade Thickness

The thickness of the blade is another important factor to consider. A thicker blade is more durable and can handle heavy-duty chopping tasks, while a thinner blade is better for precision slicing.

Handle

The handle of a Chinese cleaver should be comfortable to grip and provide a secure hold. Look for a handle made of a non-slip material, such as wood or plastic, to ensure a firm grip.

Weight

The weight of the knife is also an important consideration. A heavier knife can handle tough chopping tasks, while a lighter knife is better for precision slicing.

In summary, choosing the best Chinese chopping knife involves considering the blade material, shape, thickness, handle, and weight. By taking these factors into account, you can find a Chinese cleaver that suits your needs and helps you achieve your culinary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Chinese chopper and a cleaver?

A Chinese chopper is a type of cleaver that is specifically designed for chopping vegetables, meats, and poultry. The main difference between a Chinese chopper and a Western-style cleaver is the shape of the blade.

While a Western-style cleaver has a rectangular blade, a Chinese chopper has a curved edge that allows for a rocking motion when chopping.

What knife do Chinese chefs use?

Chinese chefs typically use a variety of knives depending on the task at hand. However, the Chinese chopper is a staple in most Chinese kitchens and is often used for chopping vegetables, meats, and poultry.

How to choose a Chinese knife?

When choosing a Chinese knife, it is important to consider the size of the blade, the type of steel used, and the weight of the knife. A good Chinese knife should feel comfortable in your hand and be well-balanced.

It is also important to choose a knife that is made from high-quality steel, as this will ensure that the blade stays sharp and is easy to maintain.

Are Chinese cleavers good?

Chinese cleavers are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including chopping, slicing, and dicing. They are also known for their durability and can last for many years if properly cared for.

Are cleavers good for chopping vegetables?

Yes, cleavers are great for chopping vegetables. The wide blade allows for easy chopping and the weight of the knife helps to make the process more efficient.

What is a Chinese chopper knife?

A Chinese chopper knife is a type of cleaver that is specifically designed for chopping vegetables, meats, and poultry. It has a curved blade that allows for a rocking motion when chopping and is a staple in most Chinese kitchens. More view.