Chef Knife vs Cleaver: Which One Do You Need?
By Raimundo Oliveira, founder & editor · Published · Updated · Products hand-picked and curated, updated daily
A chef knife is the everyday slicer and a cleaver is the heavy chopper; most cooks need the chef knife first. The Matsato Osuren Chef Knife covers daily prep, and the Osuren Meat Cleaver (about 329 g) handles bones and hard squash.
Our picks at a glance
- Best chef knife: Matsato Osuren Chef Knife 6.3 in — 6.3-inch everyday knife for slicing, chopping and mincing. (USD 36.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best everyday cleaver: Matsato Cleaver Knife 5.8 in — Light 5.8-inch cleaver for daily chopping and scooping. (USD 49.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best for meat and bones: Matsato Osuren Meat Cleaver Knife 7.36 in — About 329 g with a full tang for heavy chopping. (USD 42.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best pair: Matsato Cleaver & Chef Knife Set with Hammered Blades — 5.8-inch cleaver plus a 4.53-inch chef knife. (USD 67.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best starter set with a cleaver: Matsato 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Cleaver — Cleaver, kitchen knife and chef knife with matching handles. (USD 89.99, reference 2026-11-12)
Matsato Osuren Chef Knife 6.3 in
The standard 6.3 in Osuren chef knife, a balanced stainless steel blade for slicing, chopping and mincing.
Matsato Cleaver Knife 5.8 in
A compact 5.8 in Japanese stainless steel cleaver with a carbonized beech handle and hanging hole.
Matsato Osuren Meat Cleaver Knife 7.36 in
A full-tang Osuren cleaver with an 18.7 cm Japanese-steel blade for ribs, poultry, squash and thick cuts.
Matsato Cleaver & Chef Knife Set with Hammered Blades
A two-knife bundle with a 5.8 in cleaver and a 4.53 in chef knife, both hammered 3CR13 steel with finger-hole grips.
Matsato 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Cleaver
A cleaver, a 6.3 in kitchen knife and a universal chef knife in 3CR13 steel with carbonized beech wood handles.
A chef knife is the everyday slicer; a cleaver is the heavy chopper. Most home cooks need a chef knife first, and add a cleaver if they break down chicken, ribs or hard squash. Prices below were checked on November 12, 2026.
How we chose
We compared blade length, weight and steel from each product's published specifications. We have not tested these knives.
What a chef knife does better
- Fast slicing and mincing of vegetables and herbs
- Rocking cuts on a cutting board
- Precise work, thanks to a lighter blade
What a cleaver does better
- Chopping through joints and dense squash, where weight does the work
- Scooping chopped food to the pan with a wide blade
- Smashing garlic and ginger
Light cleaver or heavy cleaver?
The Matsato Cleaver Knife (5.8 in) is light enough for daily chopping but too light for heavy bones. The Osuren Meat Cleaver weighs about 329 g and is built for breaking down meat.
Want both?
A two-piece set pairs a cleaver with a small chef knife for less than buying both separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cleaver replace a chef knife?
Not fully. A cleaver chops well but is heavier and less precise for fine slicing. Most cooks keep a chef knife as the main knife.
Can a cleaver cut through bones?
A heavy meat cleaver like the Matsato Osuren (about 329 g) handles chicken joints and ribs. Light cleavers are not meant for heavy bones.
Which should I buy first?
Buy a 6 to 6.5-inch chef knife first. Add a cleaver if you often break down meat or hard vegetables.
General shopping guidance. Verify exact specifications and retailer terms before buying. Our editorial policy