8 How To Choose The Right Japanese Vegetable Cleaver

Are you looking for the best Japanese vegetable cleaver? Check out these top vegetable cleavers and chef knives that are so easy and smooth to use.

There are tons of vegetable cleavers out there, but you will know the best one from the rest. When it comes to getting clean and quick slices of even the toughest vegetables, there is nothing I trust more than the best Japanese vegetable cleaver. 

These cleavers are quite different from the traditional meat cleavers. There are also tons of benefits attached to these vegetable cleavers, making them one of the most indispensable parts of your kitchen. 

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These vegetable cleavers are reasonable and affordable, and they are also quite useful. I am pretty sure you will find this guide quite useful for you. So, are you ready to find out some best Japanese vegetable cleaver?

How To Choose The Right Japanese Vegetable Cleaver For You?

Look out for 5 things when buying a vegetable cleaver:

Blade Length: It’s a personal preference when it comes to blade length. It can measure anywhere from 7-11 inches. Go for 8 inches, it is perfect for beginners. However, you can go higher if you’re an expert.

Weight: Look for a lightweight vegetable cleaver that is easy to handle. Don’t go for heavy ones as they can cause pain in your hand and also might be tough to use.

Construction: Look for a vegetable cleaver with tangs that extend at least upto 3-quarter into handle. Full tangs are always better though.

Material: Check what material is used to make the vegetable cleaver. Go for high carbon stainless steel or something similar. Don’t go for cheap material.

Finally got myself a Japanese cleaver knife👀 pic.twitter.com/MQC56HFOA9

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Benefits of Best Japanese Vegetable Cleaver

A vegetable cleaver comes with several benefits. Here are some of them:

• Cleavers are very easy to handle and maneuver because of their height. Even with this ability, do not think that they do not work. Cleavers have a large blade design that can really pack a punch.
• These cleavers also help to clean the cutting board. All you have to do is use its flat large blade to scrape off the waste. 
• You can also use the flat back of the cleaver to crack open a coconut.
• The cleavers come at quite an affordable price. 
• You can also use these cleavers to cut hard products like pineapple. 
• These can also be used for crushing ginger and garlic.

What is the difference between Vegetable Cleavers Vs Meat Cleavers

Weight and Volume: Vegetable cleavers are thin and light whereas meat cleavers are thick and heavy.

Edge design: Vegetable cleavers have honed edges like regular knives whereas meat cleavers have blunt edges.

Purpose: Vegetable cleavers are used as multipurpose cleaver knives, can be used to chop veggies as well as chop, mince and cut meat, bones, etc. whereas meat cleavers do not work well with anything except meat. 

Best Japanese Vegetable Cleaver: At a glance

Best Japanese Vegetable Cleaver	Made Up Of	Best Rated For
Mercer Vegetable Cleaver	High carbon forged steel	Easy to hold, durability
Zelite Infinity Cleaver Knife	High Carbon Stainless Steel	Versatility, easy to clean
Mac Knife	Molybdenum Steel	Light Weight, comfort
Wushthof Classic Vegetable Cleaver	High Carbon Stainless Steel	Craftsmanship, light weight
Kyoku Samurai Knife	Cryogenically treated steel cutting core	Quality material, value for money
Yoshihiro Hammered Damascus Cleaver	Hammered Damascus Steel	Value for money, Craftsmanship
Kessaku Nakiri Vegetable Cleaver	High Carbon 7CR17MOV Stainless Steel	Ergonomic, Maneuverability
Shun Handcrafted Cleaver	Damascus Stainless Steel	Ergonomic, Easy to Hold

Which is the best Japanese vegetable cleaver?

I’ve used many vegetable cleavers but I found Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Cleaver to be the best Japanese vegetable cleaver for its grip durability and sharpness. 

Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Vegetable Cleaver is NSF certified and made with high carbon forged steel from Germany. It provides superior balance and has a full tang that runs from tip to the knife’s handle. This cleaver allows easy honing, long lasting sharpness and great chopping. It is available on Amazon for sale. 

Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Vegetable Cleaver

It’s the best vegetable cleaver on the list. Get this best vegetable cleaver from the Mercer store that is of excellent quality and has an extremely sharp razor. 

This knife has a Santoprene handle which makes the chopping and slicing process comfortable and painless. High carbon forged blade lasts longer as the coating keeps it protected from scratches. 

I love using this cleaver to chop all my veggies for the last 3 years and it still has the same sharpness. I also like how my vegetables are perfectly chopped with this cleaver.

Forged German steel is of great quality and is resistant to corrosion and fading. For a long-lasting option, you can go for this efficient and sharp knife. 

The taper-ground of the knife is balanced and allows hours of working without causing harm. Now slice and chop with perfection with this vegetable knife. 

Key Features:

• Good quality handle of Santoprene rubber
• Precise length and stability
• Resistant to stain, rust, and corrosion
• Comfortable to use  

Ratings: 

• Workability: 10/10
• Sharpness: 10/10
• Weight: 9.5/10

Zelite Infinity Cleaver Knife

If you are looking for one knife that works for all the things then you must go for this amazingly built knife from Zelite store. This is the best Japanese vegetable cleaver that can be used for various purposes.

This one is not only a good option for chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables but also for meat, fish, or even small bones. The reason for being used for all the things is the high-quality blade that balances and cuts the things precisely. 

This knife has been made with German steel which is Thyssenkrop steel which is the known steel for its resistance to stain, rust, and corrosion. I was extremely surprised with its material and quality because it looks extremely new after several uses.

It also has a full tang handle that is absolutely easy to handle and maintains balance while you work with it. This can be an amazing option to gift your chef friend.

Key Features:

• Multifunctional knife
• Made of German steel that is known for its sharpness
• Long-lasting steel
• Comfortable handling

Ratings: 

• Workability: 9/10
• Sharpness: 10/10
• Weight: 8.5/10

Mac Knife Cleaver

Have a look at this best Japanese vegetable cleaver knife from Mac which is another suitable option for your kitchen. 

Mac cleaver knife is made with molybdenum steel that is known for its hardness and toughness and which keeps corrosion and rusting away from it.

 This also has a double bevel which makes chopping and slicing easier and better. 

Regarding the handle, it is made with PakkaWood that is much better than the regular wood because of its strength and durability. The handle doesn’t tire you at all as it is resistant to moisture and heat and also looks classy. It is recommended to hand wash this knife as it is not safe to be used in a dishwasher.

I like this vegetable cleaver because it’s strong, durable and the design is too classy. It’s super lightweight and I have never strained my hand working with it.

Key Features:

• Durable and strong knife
• Handle resistant to moisture and heat
• Looks classy with a perfect finish
• Good quality steel blade and wooden handle

Ratings: 

• Workability: 9/10
• Sharpness: 10/10
• Weight: 10/10

Related: Pack yourself a well-balanced meal to the office or school with these best Japanese bento boxes!

Wushthof Classic Vegetable Cleaver

You might also consider this knife from Wusthof store that has all the qualities that we look for in a knife. This best Japanese vegetable cleaver knife’s dimensions are perfect for veggie-chopping. 

Firstly, this one is forged quite precisely to provide perfect slicing and chopping with a high-quality blade. Other than that, it is light in weight that solves all the problems regarding the handling of a knife

Since this knife has a triple-riveted handle, it makes the process easier and comfortable. The single-layer steel blades will last longer than the common ones. 

Key Features:

• Good quality steel blade
• Triple-riveted handle
• Easy to use
• Lightweight knife

Kyoku Samurai Knife

This one is a set of two knives that are made with excellent quality steel that is absolutely sharp and gives perfectly chopped vegetables. Kyoku is the best affordable Japanese vegetable cleaver.

The handle is designed in a manner that keeps you away from fatigue and pain when working for long hours. This is the best affordable vegetable cleaver for its sharpness.

The blade is slightly curved and keeps the process comfortable and easy. It is the best Japanese vegetable

Other than just the shape of the handle, it is made with PakkaWood that is non-slippery and is quite durable. Get this amazing knife right away.

Key Features:

• High carbon steel
• Non slippery wooden handle
• Easy to handle
• Effortlessly works     

 Yoshihiro Hammered Damascus Cleaver

Get this beautiful and the best Japanese vegetable cleaver knife for your kitchen before it gets late.

 This knife from Yoshihiro is handcrafted and the steel used is forged and hammered multiple times and is the best Japanese vegetable cleaver for its craftsmanship. 

This one is a double edge knife that cuts precisely and thinly. This steel is resistant to stain and rust which keeps it going for a long period of time. 

The rosewood handle is nicely balanced and can be used comfortably. In this package, you also get a wooden sheath that keeps the knife safe and secure.

Key Features:

• Forged steel 
• Double edge knife
• Cuts precisely and thinly
• Resistant to stain and rust    

Kessaku Nakiri Vegetable Cleaver

This knife from the Kessaku store is a must-have because of its amazing quality and affordable price. It’s the best Japanese vegetable cleaver that’s durable and ergonomic.

 This one is very sharp as high carbon steel is durable and of good strength. This one is shock-resistant and is safe to use around. The design is constructed to provide comfort and ease while you work with it. 

The razor-sharp blade chops and slices vegetables evenly. Hanle is made with PakkaWood that looks classy and is not at all slippery. 

On the other hand, it is resistant to heat and cold and doesn’t allow any collection of dirt on it. Get this knife if you are looking for something that lasts longer and stronger. You should definitely own this best Japanese vegetable cleaver.

Key Features:

• Excellent quality material
• High quality steel blade
• Durable and known for its strength
• Resistant to heat and cold

Shun Handcrafted Double Bevel Precision Cleaver

This knife from Shun is an amazing option for multiple purposes. This cleaver is suitable for all types of chopping like meats and vegetables as the knife is quite sharp. This is the best Japanese vegetable cleaver from Shun.

When it is about the cleaver, it is important to consider the steel. To make the steel blade, it went through heat treatment that helps in shaping the blade. In terms of its weight, the knife is not at all heavy. 

The handle is quite comfortable to handle as it has the coating of PakkaWood that is of high quality. 

The shun cleaver knife is waterproof in nature and is going to stay longer. It looks classic and is absolutely scratch free and is also easy to clean. 

This is an amazing option for your kitchen as it is of great quality and is also of affordable price.

Key Features:

• A knife that can be used for multiple things
• Chops and slices meats and vegetables precisely
• Good quality handle 
• Non-slippery handle   

Global Kitchen Japanese Vegetable Cleaver Knife

Global Kitchen Japanese Vegetable Cleaver Knife is an absolutely cleaver knife to have in your kitchen.  This vegetable cleaver’s edge by itself is worth the price. This Japanese vegetable cleaver offers the weight you need for heavier components and the razor-sharp edge you require for delicate slices that are necessary for making dishes like Udon noodles from scratch.

It is designed with CROMOVA 18 metal that is super durable and will last a very long time as long you hone the knife and maintain it properly. 

Pros

• Lasts long
• Highly resilient 
• Razor sharp edge

Cons

• Will rust if left in water for too long
• Cannot be put in dishwasher 

ZHEN Japanese VG-10 3-Layer Cleaver Knife 

The ZHEN Japanese VG-10 3-Layer Cleaver Knife has 3 layers of construction and an soft, anti slip handle for safety. Zhen Japanese cleaver knife is an affordable Japanese vegetable cleaver knife and is the best option for beginners in the kitchen. 

When using a cleaver, we need to use a good amount of force which can hurt your wrist eventually. But this Japanese vegetable cleaver has a rubber handle that not only gives a good grip but also absorbs the vibrations as you cut against the cutting board. 

Pros

• Budget friendly 
• Rubber handle gives good grip 
• Easy to sharpen and maintain 

Cons

• None

Best Japanese Vegetable Cleaver Knives: FAQs

How do you use a Japanese vegetable cleaver?

Hold the Japanese vegetable cleaver from its handle and make a tight grip. Use the blade in the front to chop the vegetables of your choice. Hold a vegetable from another finger to avoid it from slipping but also make sure your hands are safe.

Are Japanese vegetable cleavers worth it?

Absolutely! Japanese vegetable cleavers are all-round multi-taskers made for slicing, dicing, chopping, and crushing. They are lightweight, thin, and perfectly balanced, making them an excellent choice for everyday small and large chopping jobs.

Are Japanese vegetable cleavers lighter than meat cleavers?

Japanese vegetable cleavers are much lighter and thinner as compared to meat cleavers. The formers are used to cut off semi-tough food items while meat cleavers are used for boning, chopping meat etc.

What is the ideal weight of a Japanese vegetable cleaver?

The weight of the Japanese vegetable cleavers depends on their workability and personal preference. If you’re taking it for your personal kitchen, 400-800 gms vegetable cleaver is a good option otherwise professional chefs use 700gms -1kg vegetable cleavers.

How do you use a Japanese vegetable cleaver?

To have a lot of control over your Japanese vegetable cleaver, tuck your middle finger at the back of the blade and use the index and thumb to pinch and hold the blade at the back (near the handle). This will give you a good grip without having to hold your knife too strongly which can tire your hand. 

Is a cleaver good for vegetables?

Cleavers are great for slicing and dicing vegetables, including the heavy vegetables like root vegetables and squash. Japanese vegetable cleavers can cut through vegetables with more force than a chef’s knife. 

Your kitchen Companion

These were some of the best Japanese vegetable cleavers that are affordable, reasonable, and are made of the best materials. 

Hope this article about the best Japanese vegetable cleavers helped you pick the best cleaver for your kitchen.