Cleaver Knives

Off-Grid Knives brings you cleaver knives crafted for performance and durability. Whether you're in the kitchen or out in the field, our cleavers are designed for strength, balance, and razor-sharp precision—trusted by pros across the USA.

Premium Cleaver Knives

We designed cleaver knives for power, precision, and unmatched durability. A cleaver knife features a wide, rectangular blade designed to handle tough tasks like cutting through thick meats, bones, cartilage, and dense vegetables with ease.

Our best-selling cleavers—CLEAVER V3, GRIZZLY V2 Chef Knife, and HOGLET—combine aggressive chopping power with ergonomic comfort and striking design. Crafted from high-performance steels like Sandvik 14C28N and Cryo D2, these blades offer exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and long-term toughness.

It’s an essential tool in both professional and home kitchens, built to handle tough prep tasks with ease. Take your cutting game to the next level with Off-Grid Knives—shop our cleaver collection today and experience the difference.

What is a cleaver knife used for?

A cleaver knife is primarily used for heavy-duty kitchen tasks such as chopping meat, breaking down poultry, cutting through bones and cartilage, and slicing dense vegetables like squash or cabbage. Its thick, rectangular blade provides the power and force needed to tackle tasks regular kitchen knives can't handle. Cleavers are also excellent for crushing garlic and scooping chopped ingredients.

What makes a good cleaver knife?

A good cleaver knife features a thick, durable blade, ideally made from high-quality steel like Sandvik 14C28N or Cryo D2. It should have excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and balance. A comfortable, ergonomic handle is crucial for maintaining a secure grip and control during heavy-duty cutting. Despite its weight and size, a well-designed cleaver also offers precision when slicing.

What steel is best for cleaver knives?

High-performance steels like Sandvik 14C28N and Cryo D2 are ideal for cleaver knives. These steels offer outstanding durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention, which are crucial for a knife that handles repeated impact and hard materials. Off-Grid Knives uses these premium steels in popular models like the GRIZZLY V2 and HOGLET.

Are cleaver knives only for cutting meat?

No, cleaver knives are not just for meat. While they excel at chopping bones and breaking down large cuts, they are also great for dicing vegetables, crushing garlic, slicing herbs, and even smashing ginger. The flat blade surface is perfect for transferring ingredients from board to pan, making cleavers a versatile kitchen tool.

Is a cleaver knife good for survival or camping?

Yes, cleavers—especially compact models like the HOGLET by Off-Grid Knives—are great for camping and survival. They can chop wood, prepare game, split bones, and perform general camp tasks. Their sturdy build and versatile use make them excellent for rugged, off-grid environments.

What size cleaver knife should I buy?

Most cleaver blades range from 6 to 9 inches in length. For general kitchen use, a 7-inch cleaver provides a great balance between power and control. Compact cleavers like Off-Grid’s HOGLET are ideal for travel, field use, or smaller kitchens.

What’s the difference between a cleaver and a chef’s knife?

A chef’s knife is a versatile tool perfect for slicing, dicing, and mincing. In contrast, a cleaver is thicker, heavier, and specifically designed to cut through bones and tougher materials. Some cleavers, like Off-Grid’s GRIZZLY V2, blend both qualities, offering chef-style precision with cleaver power.

Can I use a cleaver knife every day in the kitchen?

Yes, a cleaver can be used daily, especially if you often cook with meat or large vegetables. Modern cleavers—like those from Off-Grid Knives—are designed for everyday use and offer a balanced feel that’s suitable for regular chopping, slicing, and dicing. Many home cooks and professionals use cleavers as their main kitchen knife.

Are cleaver knives good for cutting vegetables?

Absolutely. Despite their tough look, cleavers are great for chopping vegetables. Their broad blade provides clean, straight cuts and allows for fast chopping. The weight of the blade helps in powering through dense vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and cabbage, while the flat side can be used to smash garlic or ginger.

What’s the advantage of a full-tang cleaver knife?

A full-tang cleaver means the blade’s steel extends all the way through the handle, providing enhanced strength, durability, and balance. Full-tang construction reduces the chance of breakage during heavy-duty tasks and provides better control. Off-Grid cleavers are crafted with full-tang designs for maximum reliability in demanding conditions.