It may have a cute, color-coded exterior, but this new knife boasts some serious technology. Packed with personality and performance, this allover green Santoku is best suited for preparing fruits and vegetables. The high-carbon stainless steel blade provides a razor sharp edge, while a fluorinated resin coating keeps food from sticking during preparation and helps resist bacteria for super-hygienic cooking. Limited lifetime warranty.

Measuring 6-1/2 inches in length, the straight-edged blade of Komachi's santoku knife comfortably chops, dices, and slices produce of any variety. Slice fresh pineapple and melons, shred cabbage, or julienne carrots for your favorite stir fry. The knife hides a whimsical, fish-shaped cutout beneath its handle.

This unique collection--by renowned blade manufacturer KAI in Seki City, Japan--offers practical kitchen cutlery in cheerful colors. Durable, high-carbon, stainless-steel blades featuring a fluorinated-resin coating offer hygienic food handling. The lightweight knife does not have a bolster but feels balanced thanks to the full tang. Clear, Ionomer-resin handles in coordinating hues are ergonomically designed and fit comfortably in hand. Made in Japan and measuring 11-1/4 by 2 by 3/4 inches overall, this vegetable knife is dishwasher-safe but hand washing is recommended. -- Amy Arnold

Quickly reduce a cooked chicken or duck to bite-size pieces with this instrument. Or use it to butcher any kind of meat or poultry. It's heavy, the way a cleaver should be, so it does the work for you. The blade has a hole in its top corner so it may be hung on a hook or peg. Henckels' International Classic is a moderately priced cutlery line made in countries other than the company's home of Germany. The steel is of lesser quality than that used in its premier lines. Also, the handles are narrower and shallower--a feature those with small hands might appreciate. While this cleaver is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack

Meat and poultry can be intimidating. But with the right tools, you can slice right through the whole prep process. Chop through joints and bones in seconds using this board blade with professional-caliber weight and balance. Lifetime warranty.

Finally, reasonably priced yet well-made cutlery for the home chef. You'll find many of the same quality features in the Farberware Pro Collection as you do in pricier lines from other manufacturers. There are times when you want to split ribs, disjoint meat and quarter poultry. These are the times that call for a heavy duty meat cleaver. The forged high carbon blade will hold a sharp edge that can be maintained with regular sharpening while the full tang construction and safety bolster provide strength, balance and durability.

An ergonomically designed stainless-steel handle gives this heavy-duty meat cleaver a decidedly contemporary look. The six-inch cleaver from the Farberware Pro Stainless collection features a high-carbon, stainless-steel, full-tang blade with a precision-ground edge that chops through hard vegetables and quarters poultry with ease. The sculpted bolster on the handle provides good balance and control for those tough kitchen jobs, and there are no rivets to break or collect food particles.

A full range of Farberware Pro Stainless mid-price, sharp-edge cutlery is available to add zing to the modern kitchen. Though dishwasher-safe, Farberware recommends that the cleaver and all the stainless-handled knives are washed and dried by hand. The cleaver, which features a hole in the corner of the blade for hanging, is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. --Ann Bieri

High tech from tip to handle, Global knives from Japan created a sensation when they burst onto the world's culinary stage as an alternative to traditional European-style cutlery. Blades are made of hard molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel and "face-ground" with a long taper rather than a short bevel so edges remain sharp longer than even the best high-carbon stainless-steel knives. Edges also are ground at a more acute angle than traditional European-style knives and arrive from the factory razor-sharp. Although Global also makes a "heavyweight" line for cooks who prefer hefty knives, its original knives--of which this 5-1/2-inch knife for precisely slicing and chopping vegetables is an example--have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives. Global also dispensed with bolsters on its original knives to reduce weight. Balance is achieved by injecting a precise amount of sand for a particular blade style into a hollow handle. To ensure balance is continuous, the sand flows inside the handle as a blade is maneuvered. A finger notch between blade and handle provides safety.

Stainless-steel handles are Global's most striking feature. They're molded to fit the hand and dimpled to resist slipping. Smaller around than many European-style handles, they're easy for small-handed cooks to grasp and seamless for sanitation. Global recommends using a ceramic sharpener or a diamond steel instead of a metal sharpening steel for its knives, supplemented by a synthetic whetstone, a ceramic whetstone, or a Shinkansen sharpener. Global also makes a Sharpening Guide Rail so blades can be honed on a whetstone at the proper angle. Global knives should be hand washed to protect edges. They carry a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage. --Fred Brack

This 5.5-in. Vegetable Knife has a unique blade shape that encourages the cook to perform a slicing motion. A great all purpose knife for those with small hands or those that feel more confident working with shorter blades. Loved by professional chefs around the world, Global knives are an excellent choice for the serious home cook. The thin and razor sharp Global blade allows the cook to cleanly slice through foods, preserving the integrity of the ingredient and maximizing its flavor. The majority of Global knives are ground to a straight point rather than the western style of beveling the edge. To balance their knives Global uses a hollow handle that is filled with just the right amount of sand to create the correct balance. The handle has its own unique darkened dimples for a non-slip grip. Because the knives are very light weight they reduce hand fatigue. Global knives have a smooth contour and seamless, all stainless construction that eliminates food and dirt traps. Global knifes are forged in Japan from CROMOVA 18 Stainless Steel, a blend of 18 percent chromium for good stain resistance plus molybdenum and vanadium which gives excellent edge retention.

J.A. Henckels has been manufacturing fine cutlery since 1731. Made in Solingen, Germany, its knives are forged, not stamped. Blade density is improved using the FRIODUR ice-hardening process, which provides a sharper initial edge for easier maintenance over time.This 3-Rivet Cleaver is part of the Henckels Professional S Series collection. It is designed for cutting through bone and cartilage with ease. Great for cutting up fryer chickens and for butchering your own stew and other meats. Made of high-carbon stainless steel and precision-honed, with a laser-controlled edge, a balanced super-bolster, and a tang that extends to the back of the polypropylene handle, which is permanently riveted for seamless accuracy.

This 6-inch professional-grade cleaver is an exceptionally strong, fine tool for chopping through bones and joints in meat. Or, with an eye on versatility, turn it on its side, and crush peppercorns or cloves of garlic. J.A. Henckels has been a knife manufacturer since 1731. The name is synonymous with quality, and this cleaver holds to the company's high standards. It is forged of high-carbon no-stain steel and offers an ice-hardened, laser-controlled edge. While well balanced, it feels heavy, which is a definite benefit in a knife that must hack through tough sinew and bone. Altogether, this is an excellent kitchen tool. --Maria Dolan

Quickly reduce a cooked chicken or duck to bite-size pieces with this instrument. Or use it to butcher any kind of meat or poultry. This is a lightweight version of a butcher's traditional implement and thus easier for the untrained to use precisely. The handle is not as deeply rounded as some manufacturers' and consequently lighter. This cleaver is also available with a hardwood handle. --Fred Brack

This heavy duty meat cleaver is 14 inches long with plastic handle and features a stainless steel blade that is 9 inches long by 4 inches tall.

Concord Stainless Steel Chinese Kitchen Cleaver Chef's Knife This is a brand new Concord Chinese Kitchen leaver. This cleaver is perfect for cutting and chopping through meat and bones. It is an excellent choice for splitting chickens and making stock from bones. The knives are made from the highest quality stainless steel. Specifications - Dimensions: NA - Style Type: Cleaver - Materials: Stainless Steel - Color: NA - Pieces: 1

From the J. A. Henckels Gourmet Series, this Chinese Cleaver is a favorite tool for Asian cooks, used for rapidly chopping large quantities of vegetables, especially bulbs of celery, jicama, bok choy and broccoli. The stain-resistant knife features the company's FRIODUR ice-hardened, high-carbon stainless steel blade, crafted to hold its precise edge for a long time. The easy-to-hold handle is securely connected with 3 rivets, and is break-proof and colorfast.

Wusthof has been a name in fine cutlery since 1814. This Wusthof Classic Cleaver is precision forged entirely by hand from a single blank of high carbon, stainless steel. A wide bolster provides heft, balance and safety in handling. An ideal addition to your kitchenware. Carries Wusthof guarantee.

The Wusthof Heavy vegetable cleaver is weighted to cut through chicken bones with ease. The tapered v shape is excellent for chopping and slicing of fruits and vegetables. This knife is made in Germany from the finest high carbon stainless in the world.

A chef's knife where the back tip of the blade is rounded. Straight edge blade lends itself to cleaver like chopping motion.

The super-sharp 7-inch cutting edge and ergonomic handle make this a top-notch cleaver. Forged in Solingen, Germany, of a combination of ice-hardened carbon and stainless steel for edge retention, rust-resistance, and durability, this knife handles almost any chopping job in the kitchen--whether vegetables or meat and poultry bones and joints--and is perfect for the cook partial to Chinese-style knives.

When it is finally time to sharpen the sturdy blade, worry not, for it lends itself well to both a sharpening stone and steel. Once you've achieved the edge you want, a few quick sweeps along a steel each time you use the knife should keep the edge in fine condition. The ergonomic polypropylene handle lies comfortably in your hand, facilitating strain-free use; the metal bolster acts as a finger-guard; and the blade, bolster, and tang are fused into a seamless piece for easy handling and balance. The absence of rivets and recesses in the synthetic handle allows for dishwasher use. Finally! Still, the best way to care for this cleaver is to hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it well, and then immediately wipe it dry. --Marcela Broussard

From the Manufacturer

The TWIN® Five Star range is a masterful blend of sharpness and ergonomic design. This series combines the world's most famous Henckels' blade (Four Star®) with an ergonomic molded handle. This perfectly proportioned handle has been created with a new open flow to accommodate each individual hand while improving convenience and safety for the user. The TWIN® Five Star line contains knives for all tasks, including the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, sandwich, carving, chef's, santoku, and others. TWIN® Five Star knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets, to be sure that your cutlery needs are covered.

A Higher Standard in Knife Construction

TWIN® Five Star knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, TWIN® Five Star knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, TWIN® Five Star knives use J.A. Henckels' Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

It's All in The Grip:

The Five Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps. These ergonomic handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.

Features:

• SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness.
• Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.
• Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
• Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.
• Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength.
• High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting.
• Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.
• Ergonomic designed handle: Safer and much more convenient in use.
• Polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safe
• Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
• Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

One piece of stainless steel comprises both the handle and the blade of this all-purpose cleaver from Kongmoon. With its sleek, polished finish and streamlined appearance, this cleaver is a very practical and popular style.

This carbon steel cleaver is the strongest of the cleavers (1/8" spine) and can be used for cutting up large bones, ribs, pork chops, beef bones, and oxtail. Good for commercial or home use.

This 6.5-in. Meat Cleaver gives the serious cook great precision and power, yet is lightweight and easy to control. This cleaver is ideal for home butchering and for preparing stews, steaks, chili, fried chicken and more. Loved by professional chefs around the world, Global knives are an excellent choice for the serious home cook. The thin and razor sharp Global blade allows the cook to cleanly slice through foods, preserving the integrity of the ingredient and maximizing its flavor. The majority of Global knives are ground to a straight point rather than the western style of beveling the edge. To balance their knives Global uses a hollow handle that is filled with just the right amount of sand to create the correct balance. The handle has its own unique darkened dimples for a non-slip grip. Because the knives are very light weight they reduce hand fatigue. Global knives have a smooth contour and seamless, all stainless construction that eliminates food and dirt traps. Global knifes are forged in Japan from CROMOVA 18 Stainless Steel, a blend of 18 percent chromium for good stain resistance plus molybdenum and vanadium which gives excellent edge retention.

This 8" chef's knife from Kershaw is not only functional—it's beautiful. Its unique design and silver stainless steel construction is breathtaking. The blade's convex shape eliminates the suction that causes food to stick to standard knives. The handle is made of 302 stainless steel with a high carbon stainless steel blade. Also has a satin polished finish with full-tang construction. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Imported.

Shave off the thinnest of thin slices from veggies, or chop and dice your way through a whole pile of them, the cleaver affords you the benefits of a multi-function tool. It has clearly stood the test of time and geography as it moved from East to West. The fine blade, paired with an ergonomically designed handle will increase your comfort and efficiency.

The supersharp cutting edge and ergonomic handle make this a topnotch cleaver. Forged in Solingen, Germany, of a combination of ice-hardened carbon and stainless steel for edge retention, rust resistance, and durability, this knife effortlessly chops meat. Chopping with this knife is easy--no resistance whatsoever hampers the knife's controlled descent to the cutting board.

When it is finally time to sharpen the broad blade, worry not, for it lends itself well to both a sharpening stone and steel. Once you've achieved the edge you want, a few quick sweeps along a steel each time you use the knife should keep the edge in fine condition. The ergonomic polypropylene handle lies comfortably in your hand, fitting most any hand like a glove and facilitating strain-free use; the metal bolster acts as a finger-guard; and the blade, bolster, and tang are fused into a seamless piece for easy handling and balance. The absence of rivets and recesses in the synthetic handle allows for dishwasher use. Finally! Still, the best way to care for this knife is to hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it well, and then immediately wipe it dry. --Marcela Broussard

From the Manufacturer

The TWIN® Five Star range is a masterful blend of sharpness and ergonomic design. This series combines the world's most famous Henckels' blade (Four Star®) with an ergonomic molded handle. This perfectly proportioned handle has been created with a new open flow to accommodate each individual hand while improving convenience and safety for the user. The TWIN® Five Star line contains knives for all tasks, including the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, sandwich, carving, chef's, santoku, and others. TWIN® Five Star knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets, to be sure that your cutlery needs are covered.

A Higher Standard in Knife Construction

TWIN® Five Star knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, TWIN® Five Star knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, TWIN® Five Star knives use J.A. Henckels' Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

It's All in The Grip:

The Five Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps. These ergonomic handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.

Features:

• SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness.
• Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.
• Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
• Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.
• Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength.
• High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting.
• Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.
• Ergonomic designed handle: Safer and much more convenient in use.
• Polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safe
• Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
• Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

Walk into the kitchen of any Szechuan or Cantonese restaurant in America and you're likely to find this American-made knife. An excellent lightweight tool, its 8"-by-3??" blade is beautifully manageable. It minces and slices--and can it shred lettuce! Use it to crush garlic, tenderize meat, and slice scallions, carrots, and anything else that might find its way into your next stir-fry.

There isn't really a good substitute for a cleaver when cutting through bones or thick cuts of beef. They tend to work best when they're extremely heavy--half the work is done by the weight of the knife, rather than the cook's upper body strength. The blade here is a full 8 inches long, and the knife weighs about 1 pound, which is hefty enough to tackle most bones, yet still manageable. The handle is solidly crafted and comfortable, and the weight falls right in the center of the blade--a place many chefs prefer. Hand wash this knife, and be careful--when wet, it gets very slippery and a bit difficult to handle safely. --Jill Lightner

The tough exterior of a watermelon or squash is no match for Henckels vegetable cleaver. Quality features include a FRIODUR hand-honed ice-hardened blade for a sharp, resilient edge and a triple riveted, ergonomic handle to wield control. Full warranty.

With their laser-controlled edges and durable blades, Henckels Twin Signature knives deliver quality and precision without maxing out the budget. Twin Signature knives feature high-carbon stainless-steel blades that have been stamped from a single piece of metal and put through the patented Friodur ice-hardening process to ensure their strength. The edges are laser-controlled for consistency and sharpness, and each one is hand-honed during the production process. The polymer handles are ergonomically designed and offer a comfortable fit for mid-size or smaller hands. Three stainless-steel rivets secure the handle to the blade, and the full-tang construction (the stamped steel piece that runs the full length of the knife) ensures better handling and durability. Perfect for chopping and dicing meat, fish, and vegetables, this 7-inch cleaver is especially useful for diagonal cuts and stir-fry, though it is not designed to break bones. Made in Germany, the knife is safe in the dishwasher, though Henckels recommends washing it by hand. --Emily Bedard

A formidable tool, the cleaver blade is thick, inflexible, heavy and forwardly weighted. Tough enough to chop through joints and bones.

Part of the popular Four Star series, the hand-honed blade on this cleaver is made with Henckels' Sintermetal Component Technology (SCT), which allows three different grades of steel to be combined to form a single piece, fusing together the blade, bolster, and tang. What does this mean in layman's terms? A strong, high-quality knife that will last a lifetime--in a size that's great for numerous kitchen tasks.

Founded in 1731, the J.A. Henckels company is not only one of the world's oldest cutlery manufacturers, it's also one of the most well respected, creating best-selling knives guaranteed to last a lifetime. --Kim Harwell

From the Manufacturer

First introduced in 1976, the Four Star® Series is one of the world's most popular knife lines. Four Star® knives were designed and developed in close cooperation with renowned professional chefs. The result was a fully forged knife with a unique molded handle. The Four Star® line contains knives for all tasks, and includes the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, chef's, granton edge slicer, santoku, and others. Four Star® knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets.

A Higher Standard in Knife Construction

Four Star® knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Four Star® knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Four Star® knives use J.A. Henckels' Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

It's All in The Grip:

The Four Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps. These comfortable handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.

Features:

• SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness.
• Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.
• Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
• Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.
• Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength.
• High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting.
• Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.
• Bonded polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safe
• Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
• Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

Blending elements of the chef's knife with those of a cleaver, the Japanese santoku knife is adept at cutting, trimming, dicing, slicing, and chopping.

This is a Japanese chef's knife, a low-tip style with a broad blade and slightly curved cutting edge. For Asians, this knife is the same kitchen workhorse the French chef's knife is for Europeans. Its cutting edge is less curved, so it provides little rocking action, but for straight-down slicing and precise chopping, it's superb. Its 7-inch blade can be manipulated by cooks of any hand size, and its balance should please. Classic three-rivet handles distinguish Pro S from Henckels's other quality lines. Handles are smaller, a feature those with small hands may appreciate. Pro S knives this size and larger are high-tech welded to combine three steel types into what appears to be a single piece, so a knife's parts have distinct characteristics. Traditionalists insist on single-piece forging for strength, but Henckels says the invisible welds are actually stronger than the steel. While this santoku knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack

From the Manufacturer

The J.A. Henckels Twin Professional S (or Pro S) knife series features trustworthy quality and classic three-rivet styling--it's a line of knives admired by both professional chefs and home cooks of all skill levels. The Twin Pro S line contains knives for all tasks, including the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, steak, chef's, Granton edge slicer, santoku, and others. Twin Pro S knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets, to be sure that your cutlery needs are covered.

A Reliable Standard in Knife Construction

Twin Pro S knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Twin Pro S knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Twin Pro S knives use J.A. Henckels's Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

An Ergonomic Handle for Easier Use

J.A. Henckels's Twin Pro S knives