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Chinese Cleavers
Originally manufactured for workers who immigrated to the United States from China to build the transcontinental railroads, Dexter-Russell Chinese Cleavers have a history dating back to the 1800s. Available in a range of sizes, handle materials, and steel types Dexter Chinese Cleavers are extremely versatile tools that serve as the primary cutting utensil in many kitchens across the world. These are the gold standard Chinese cleavers against which all others are judged.
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Dexter 8 in. SofGrip Chinese Cleaver w/Red Handle
Industrial Performance for the Modern Line In a high-intensity kitchen, your knife isn't just a tool; it’s an extension of your arm. The Dexter 8-inch SofGrip Chinese Cleaver (SG5888R-PCP) is engineered to solve the two biggest problems in professional prep: hand fatigue and slipping. Unlike traditional wooden-handled cleavers that can become slick with fat or moisture, the SofGrip's proprietary soft rubberized coating provides a tactile, high-friction surface that stays secure in your palm even when wet. Tactile Control and Balance When you first grip this cleaver, you immediately notice the weight distribution. The 8-inch blade is wide and substantial, allowing the knife to do the work during heavy dicing of root vegetables or shredding cabbage. However, the balance point is expertly tuned to the bolster, preventing the blade-heavy tip from straining your wrist during repetitive chopping. We have tested this in high-volume environments, and the ergonomic transition from the polypropylene core to the soft rubber exterior significantly dampens the 'shock' of the blade hitting the board. Metallurgy and Edge Retention Constructed from Dexter’s proprietary high-carbon stainless steel, the blade is hardened to 54 HRC. This specific hardness level is the 'sweet spot' for commercial use: it is tough enough to resist chipping when hitting bone-in proteins or hard squash, yet it remains easy to re-hone with a standard ceramic rod. The 50/50 bevel ensures straight, predictable tracking through every slice, making it an indispensable tool for everything from paper-thin ginger slices to heavy-duty vegetable processing. Learn More -
Dexter 8 in. Carbon Chinese Cleaver
The Dexter-Russell Carbon Steel Chinese Cleaver is the classic Dexter cleaver upon which their reputation has been built. This is a cult-classic knife that has been in use since its creation in the 1800s. This knife is particularly popular is Asian and Caribbean cuisines where it is used for all cutting tasks (even peeling ginger and potatoes). If you've ever seen someone who is really comfortable with a chinese cleaver work it is truly a sight to behold. Great care has been taken by skilled craftsmen to produce an extremely sharp edge on this knife. This Chinese chefs knife is for slicing, dicing and mincing. To prevent the edge from chip outs, break outs and nicks, avoid striking or twisting against hard or frozen materials. This precision tool is designed for slicing, dicing and mincing and should not be used as a meat cleaver. The quality of these cleavers can't be beat for that price, made in the USA. Dexter Russell began making Chinese Cleavers pursuant to the demand created by Chinese immigrants at the turn of the century; they've made this knife ever since. This knife is made from Carbon (not stainless steel). Learn more about carbon steel here. Dimensions: 8 in. x 3 1/4 in. Learn More$40.85 -
Dexter-Russell Traditional Series Chinese Vegetable Cleaver, 7-Inch
The Gold Standard of Versatility: American-Made Precision in Every Slice For over a century, Dexter-Russell has stood as the pillar of American cutlery, and the 7-inch Chinese Vegetable Cleaver (Model S5197) is a testament to that enduring legacy. Originally designed to meet the rigorous demands of Chinese immigrants at the turn of the century, this cleaver has evolved into a mandatory tool for any chef who prioritizes speed, precision, and durability. Unlike heavy bone-crushing cleavers, this vegetable cleaver features a refined, thin-profile blade specifically engineered for slicing, dicing, and mincing with effortless fluidity. Crafted in the USA, the blade is forged from proprietary High Carbon Stainless Steel. This isn't just a marketing term; it represents the perfect 'sweet spot' in metallurgy. With a Rockwell Hardness (HRC) of 54, the steel is tough enough to hold a razor-sharp 50/50 bevel edge through a full shift of prep work, yet resilient enough to be quickly honed back to perfection with a steel. This prevents the micro-chipping often seen in harder, more brittle Japanese steels, making it the ideal workhorse for high-paced commercial environments. The ergonomic design extends to the traditional wood handle, which provides a warm, natural grip that remains secure even when hands are wet. Whether you are performing a delicate julienne or scooping up a mountain of chopped aromatics with the wide blade face, the Dexter Chinese Cleaver offers a level of balance and control that mass-produced imports simply cannot replicate. Invest in a tool that doesn't just cut—it elevates your culinary efficiency. Learn More$42.60 -
Dexter-Russell Traditional 8-Inch Chinese Vegetable Cleaver
The Legacy of American Craftsmanship Meets Traditional Utility For over a century, the Dexter 8" Chinese Vegetable Cleaver (SKU 8051) has been the definitive choice for chefs who demand a balance of weight, precision, and durability. Originally designed to meet the rigorous demands of Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s, this cleaver has evolved into a modern kitchen essential. Unlike a heavy bone cleaver, this vegetable-focused tool features a refined 50/50 bevel grind that allows for paper-thin slicing of ginger, julienning of scallions, and the rapid dicing of dense root vegetables. Proprietary DEXSTEEL™ Metallurgy At the heart of this tool is Dexter-Russell’s proprietary DEXSTEEL™. This high-carbon, high-chromium stainless steel is specifically engineered for professional environments. It is heat-treated to a Rockwell Hardness of 54, providing an ideal 'sweet spot' for edge retention. This allows the blade to remain sharp through long shifts while remaining easy to hone back to a razor's edge without specialized industrial equipment. Authentic Walnut Ergonomics The traditional aesthetic is completed by a rugged, triple-riveted walnut handle. Walnut provides a naturally slip-resistant grip that warms to the hand over time, offering superior comfort during high-repetition tasks. The 3.05mm spine thickness provides the necessary heft to let the weight of the knife do the work, reducing wrist fatigue and ensuring straight, consistent cuts every time. Whether you are scooping chopped ingredients with the wide 3.25-inch blade or crushing garlic cloves with the flat, this cleaver is the ultimate multitasker for the serious cook. Learn More$64.65
