You may have a lot of knives in your kitchen, but have you ever thought about the uses of meat cleavers? A meat cleaver is the most recognizable knife in anyone's kitchen set and one of the largest knives you might buy. It can also look like a square-bladed hatchet with its shape. With its imposing size and sharp edge, it's easy to see why some might question its necessity in the modern kitchen. But is this hefty tool just a relic of a bygone era, or is there a real purpose for this culinary weapon?
Meat cleavers have many uses. Their heavy weight makes them ideal for cutting large pieces of meat into smaller and manageable chunks. They are also used for chopping tough vegetables that smaller knives can't handle. So, let's discuss the different benefits of meat cleavers and discover why they deserve a place in your kitchen knife set.
What is a Meat Cleaver?
While its name might suggest otherwise, a meat cleaver is a versatile tool with applications beyond the butcher block. Its unique design and construction make it an invaluable asset in any kitchen.
One thing you will quickly notice about the meat cleaver is the hole in its blade that is shaped perfectly. This isn’t a special feature of the cleaver, but rather a practical one. Since meat cleavers are a popular tool in the kitchen, it makes sense for a chef to keep one easily accessible. The job of the cleaver is usually done quickly, so the hole in the cleaver is there to hang it on a nearby hook or the chef’s belt loop when it is not being used.
Benefits of Meat Cleavers: What Makes Them Useful?
The meat cleaver, often overlooked in favor of its sleeker counterparts, is a culinary powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. Let's get into the specific qualities that make a meat cleaver an indispensable addition to any kitchen.
Vegetables
A good knife set lets you use a chef's knife or paring knife to dice vegetables. But if you are working with a vegetable that has tough skin, a meat cleaver can be a great option.
- Cutting and dicing:
You may find it surprising to know how you can use a cleaver in different ways to chop, slice, or dice your vegetables. To cut the vegetable, move the cleaver down smoothly and lift it completely off the cutting board before bringing it down again for the next slice.
- Crushing:
You can also make good use of the meat cleaver by easily crushing ingredients like ginger or garlic. Sometimes it's simpler to get ingredients this way rather than carefully cutting them out. Put it on a cutting board and lay the flat side of the cleaver against it with the blade facing away from you when crushing an ingredient. Use your free hand to press down on the top of the blade to crush the ingredient. Try to hit closer to the blunt edge rather than the sharp edge to avoid accidents.
- Transferring:
Use the wide blade of a cleaver to easily scoop up ingredients like vegetables and transfer them to a bowl or the stove. Place the knife horizontally next to the chopped vegetables, with the sharp edge facing away from you and the blade at a slight angle. You should slide the blade under the vegetables quickly while using your other hand to push the vegetables onto the broad side of the blade. Now you can take them carefully from point A to point B with ease. Make use of your free hand to hold the ingredients on top of the blade so they do not spill. But see that you do not place your hand too close to the sharp end of the blade.
Fish and Meat
When all is over, what you'll truly want to use your meat cleaver for is, quite simply, meat. This handy tool can help you tenderize, chop, slice, and even remove scales from any meat you prepare. This is mainly useful when you buy large pieces of meat with the bone still in them.
- Cutting the Meat Off the Bone:
If you use a meat cleaver for one particular specialty, it is to slice through bone effortlessly. This is due to the design of the knife. Its large, sharp blade can easily cut through flesh, fat, and even skin if needed. The thick blade that is built for tough kitchen tasks can even cut through little poultry bones.
- Scaling a Fish:
Scaling a fish is a bit more delicate than cutting a big piece of meat, but you can still do it easily with a meat cleaver. Put the fish you want to descale on a cutting board. Hold your fish head with one hand and use the meat cleaver to gently slide the blade up and down at a slight angle. Keep going until you have removed all the scales from your fish.
The 7" Cleaver Knives Damascus Steel Shogun Series is a medium-duty cleaver that is a great all-around tool. This cleaver is a perfect choice for chopping fish, boneless meats, vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens.
Choosing the Right Cleaver Knife
- Material Matters: Make sure that any meat cleaver you choose is made of stainless steel. Stainless steel knives are resistant to corrosion and require less maintenance. They also maintain a sharp edge for a considerable amount of time.
- Size Considerations: Heavier cleavers are more powerful for chopping through bones but are tiring for extended use. Lighter cleavers are easier to handle for precision work and general kitchen use. But they might struggle with heavier tasks.
- Handle Comfort: Choosing a comfortable and secure handle will let you have a good grip and control. It also improves precision and keeps your fingers safe at the same time.
The Best Cleaver Knife For Your Kitchen
The 7" Cleaver Knives Damascus Steel Shogun Series by Kyoku Knives is a medium-duty cleaver that is a great all-around tool. This cleaver is a perfect choice for chopping fish, boneless meats, vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens. The herringbone pattern on the base of the tang not only highlights the craftsmanship but also prevents food from sticking to the blade. It is made with top-quality 67-layered Damascus steel and is hardened to 58-60 HRC. The added cobalt makes it stronger and easier to sharpen compared to AUS-10 steel. This is because it boosts the performance of other materials in the alloy.
Conclusion
The kind of meat cleaver you use in your kitchen does not matter. The only important thing is to keep it sharp. A sharp knife is always safer to use rather than a dull one. So, there are no compromises, even when you use a meat cleaver. Your meat cleaver can be one of your most useful kitchen tools if you use it properly and take care of it.
Elevate your kitchen game with a Kyoku Knives meat cleaver. Our Japanese-crafted knives are renowned for their exceptional quality, durability, and precision. Experience the difference a superior cleaver can make in your cooking endeavors.
