Meat Cleavers

[Night Train]

Sorry NT, didn't realise I was teaching Granny to suck eggs! However, I find my Chinese cleaver with a rivetted wooden handle far better balanced than the all-in-one stainless type. The edge it takes makes it suitable for virtually every job, even down to slicing garlic. The thicker bladed, heavier butcher's cleaver you'll get as a replacement is only really good for chopping, no way will it be as subtle if you like as a Chinese one..... and I bet your Dad would say the same!

He used to use the ones with the wooden handle, couldn't seem to find good ones at the supermarket, just the stainless one piece jobs for not a lot of money.

He likes that good ones are 'universal' in Chinese cooking and can be used to finely slice veg and break bones.

 

[lukesdad]

Stay away from global and any one piece stainless . If your looking for the best Gustav Emilliern & F Dick are it. If you want something a little cheaper go Victorinox then Sabtier. Ive had examples of each in my work Knives for 25 years + and they re still as good as the day I bought them. You get what you pay for.

 

[Night Train]

Almost all my knives are Sabatier, I've bought them as I could afford them and they have been with me for over 10 years. They don't do a broard blade cleaver though.

 

[Speck]

Must admit, if I was looking for new kitchen knives and money was no object I'd be going for the Kyocera ceramic ones.

http://www.hartsofstur.com/acatalog/FK_White_Zircona_Ceramic_Knives.html

I went down to Harts just before Christmas to buy my Son a set of Stellar Sabatier knives for christmas. I also came away with some I O Shen knives for myself. they're high carbon steel sandwiched between softer steel to protect the the cutting edge. Brilliant

http://www.hartsofstur.com/acatalog/IOSHEN_Knives.html

 

[Greedo]

Try one of the Chinese supermarkets in Chinatown. I have a cleaver I bought in a Chinese supermarket ten years ago, it's as you describe, was as cheap as chips and takes and keeps a razor edge.

That's where I'd go for one.