A blog about meat cleaver might not seem like an interesting topic, but it can be quite useful. A meat cleaver is a tool that is often used to cut through bone. This can be a difficult task for many people, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of meat cleavers and how to use them effectively to cut through bone. We will also share some tips on how to choose the right meat cleaver for your needs.
What is a Meat Cleaver?
A meat cleaver is a large, heavy kitchen knife that is used for chopping and mincing meat. The blade is usually wide and flat, with a blunt edge that is designed for chopping through bones. Meat cleavers are also known as butcher’s knives.
The blades of meat cleavers are usually made from high-carbon steel, which is strong and durable. The weight of the blade makes it easier to chop through tough meat and bone. Cleavers also have a thick spine that helps to prevent the blade from bending or breaking during use.
When choosing a meat cleaver, it is important to select one that is the right size and weight for your needs. The blade should be wide enough to handle the cuts you need to make, but not so heavy that it becomes difficult to control.
Types of Meat Cleaver
There are many different types of meat cleaver, each with its own advantages. The most common type is the Western-style cleaver, which is designed for chopping through bone. However, there are also Japanese-style cleavers, which are thinner and better suited for slicing meat. Other less common types include the Chinese-style cleaver and the Korean-style cleaver.
No matter what type of meat cleaver you choose, it is important to understand how to use it properly. Always chop away from your body and use a cutting board that is sturdy enough to withstand repeated blows. Start by positioning the blade horizontally on the cutting board before bringing it down with a swift chop. Then, rock the blade back and forth to saw through the meat.
How to Choose Meat Cleaver for Cutting Bone?
Blade Width
Depending on task type and hand size, people picked the 6-16 inch for their kitchen. The 6/8 inch meat cleaver is good at cutting performance and easy control. For large pieces of meat and broiler, you may prefer larger sizes which can cut them with a single to get rid of several chopping moves that can be a risk to your finger. Furthermore, a width blade with a larger handle meat cleaver is easy to push on garlic and cloves to crush them or squash down on vegetables or herbs to save time on food prep.
Blade Height
Mostly blade height is a factor up to the size of meat chunk or poultry which you will cut. You should get the balance on size and blade length while mostly these come with rectangular or square appearance, We suggest picking a taller blade with a straight line for the most efficient one.
Blade Thickness
For the reliable cutting experience of cutting the dense bone and a large piece of meat. You should choose a thicker blade for a meat cleaver, while thinner blades may wrap or waiver at the time of cutting through the bone. You will get various thicknesses of meat cleaver per different brand up to your requirements to chop things with the least effort.
Balance
To cut a meal piece perfectly, a great balance between the blade and handle is essential. Here, length and weight matter a lot when you are choosing this for daily use. To ensure smooth chopping motion, you should find properly weighted which will fit in your hand comfortably.
Weight
You may think that balance and weight can be similar, but of course, there is something to realize when you will hold this in your hand. Of course, the perfect weight helps to cut bone and cartilage muscle with a single strike. Without good weight, it takes a good amount of arm strength to use a meat cleaver.
Steel Type
For an efficient meat cleaver for cutting bone blade, German or Japanese steel are always recommendable. Furthermore, high carbon or stainless steel blade is also dependable. These are corrosion and rust-resistant. Yet a good number of them have a stainproof coating. Sometimes these blades go through forged construction to make the blade tougher and long-lasting. In this case, you should check the Rockwell hardness level, and we suggest picking one with 54-58 ratio which won’t let you go down to cut dense bone with the least effort.
Handle
To perform safely and conveniently, a meat cleaver for cutting bone requires a well-made, ergonomic, and good size handle. Most meat cleaver for cutting bone comes with different types of wood. Among them, Pakkawood and Rosewood are durable and comfortable in your hand, and won’t slip from your hand. The wooden handle with three rivets is very strong for daily use. Polypropylene handles such as G10 are popular choices for good grip and hygienic points of view.
Style
You should consider the style of the meat cleaver for cutting bone among Western, Japanese and Chinese.
Final Thought on Cutting Bone
Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, a meat cleaver is a useful tool to have in your kitchen. It is versatile and can be used for many different purposes, including cutting through bones. So, if you are looking for a new kitchen gadget to add to your collection, consider a meat cleaver. A good meat cleaver will make your cooking easier and more enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Get chopping!
