How to Use a 17cm Cleaver for Vegetable Prep

By Grunwerg | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use a 17cm cleaver for vegetable prep. Covers claw grip, lift-and-chop motion, crushing, and scooping with this versatile knife.

Quick Answer

A 17cm cleaver is surprisingly effective for vegetable prep thanks to its wide blade and weight, which make crushing garlic and scooping chopped ingredients easy. Use a claw grip and a rocking motion for safe, efficient cutting.

Why a 17cm Cleaver Works for Vegetables

While often associated with butchering, a smaller 17cm cleaver like the Equilibrium Collection model excels at vegetable prep. Its rectangular blade provides ample surface area for crushing garlic or ginger, and its weight helps drive through dense vegetables like squash or potatoes with less effort than a chef's knife. The shorter length also offers greater control for precision cuts.

One trade-off is that the flat blade profile isn't ideal for the rocking chop many cooks use with a chef's knife. However, with a few adjustments, you can achieve similar results.

Step-by-Step: Vegetable Prep with a 17cm Cleaver

1. Set Up Your Workspace: Place a damp paper towel or a non-slip mat under your cutting board to prevent slipping. Ensure your board is large enough to accommodate the cleaver's wide blade. A stable board is crucial for safety when using a heavier knife.
2. Master the Claw Grip: Curl the fingertips of your guiding hand inward, using your knuckles as a guide for the blade. Hold the cleaver with a pinch grip on the blade and your other fingers wrapped around the handle. This grip protects your fingertips and ensures consistent slice thickness.
3. Use a Lift-and-Chop Motion: Instead of a rocking chop, lift the cleaver straight up and bring it down cleanly through the vegetable. The weight of the blade does most of the work. Avoid forcing the blade; let the cleaver's weight cut through. A common mistake is using too much downward pressure.
4. Crush and Scoop: Use the flat side of the blade to crush garlic cloves or ginger by pressing down firmly. Then, use the wide blade to scoop up chopped ingredients and transfer them to a bowl or pan. This two-in-one function reduces the need for multiple tools.
5. Practice Safety: Always cut away from your body and keep your fingers curled. When not in use, place the cleaver on a magnetic strip or in a knife block, never loose in a drawer. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one, as it requires less force and is less likely to slip.

Key Product Details

Equilibrium Collection 17cm Cleaver: This Equilibrium 17cm Cleaver knife has a long rectangular blade that is commonly used as a butcher's knife and is designed to cut through large, dense bones and joints. Its robust construction means it can easily handle dense vegetables like carrots and butternut squash, not just meat.
Equilibrium Collection 17cm Cleaver