Dexter-Russell
Dexter-Russell 32738 Cleaver
Best heavy-duty cleaver for home cooks prepping thick cuts of meat.
This Dexter-Russell 32738 Cleaver is designed for efficiently chopping thick cuts of meat. Part of the Basics® line, it features a durable 6-1/4 inch stainless steel blade that includes a convenient integrated hanging hole for easy storage. The overall length of the knife is 12 inches, and it is equipped with a comfortable rosewood handle. This cleaver is a reliable tool for various kitchen tasks requiring robust cutting power.
$30.35
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1993
/ 5000
#1993 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
-77%
Below average
Blade Material
Stainless steel
/ Stainless steel
Who it's for
- Home cooks tackling heavy-duty butchery and tough chopping tasks
- Butchers needing efficient power for bones and thick meat
- Culinary professionals seeking reliable, long-lasting kitchen tools
Who should skip it
- Casual cooks prone to hand fatigue during long prep sessions
- Home chefs looking for an all-purpose, versatile kitchen knife
- Beginners lacking specialized sharpening tools or maintenance experience
Performance breakdown
Chopping Power
Heavy-duty blade geometry makes short work of dense meat and bone.
Ergonomic Grip
Rosewood handle provides a natural, secure feel during high-impact tasks.
Edge Retention
Stainless steel maintains sharpness well through demanding daily kitchen prep.
Storage Convenience
Integrated hanging hole allows for quick access and efficient workspace organization.
Build Robustness
Simple, utilitarian construction designed to withstand years of professional kitchen abuse.
Maintenance Ease
Requires hand washing to preserve the integrity of the wooden handle.
Key Specs
Blade Material
Stainless steel
Blade Length
6-1/4″
Overall Length
12″
Handle Material
Rosewood
Knife Type
Cleaver
Line
Basics®
Features
- Designed for chopping thick cuts of meat
- Durable stainless steel blade
- Integrated hanging hole for convenient storage
- Comfortable rosewood handle
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Dexter Russell 32738 Cleaver for its exceptional build quality and robust performance. Many highlight its impressive durability, noting how well it withstands rigorous use in demanding kitchen environments. The blade maintains its edge remarkably, making tough cutting tasks feel effortless and reliable over time. Users also appreciate the comfortable handle design, which provides a secure grip and reduces fatigue during extended periods of use. This cleaver is widely regarded as a dependable workhorse, offering significant value for its professional grade construction and lasting reliability.
Know before you buy
While this cleaver is designed for chopping thick cuts of meat, it is best suited for softer cartilage and meat rather than heavy-duty bone-splitting. For heavy bone work, a thicker, specialized butcher's cleaver is recommended.
To keep the rosewood handle in good condition, avoid soaking it in water or putting it in the dishwasher. Periodically applying a food-safe mineral oil will help prevent the wood from drying out or cracking over time.
The stainless steel used in the Basics line is durable and holds an edge well, but it will eventually require maintenance. You can maintain the edge with a standard honing steel and use a whetstone or professional sharpening service when the blade becomes dull.
Yes, the integrated hanging hole is sized to fit most standard kitchen wall hooks or magnetic strip attachments, making it easy to store the knife safely while keeping it accessible.
It is strongly recommended to hand wash this cleaver. High-heat dishwasher cycles and harsh detergents can damage the rosewood handle and dull the blade edge prematurely.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.