The type of knife you carry dictates the kind of work you can do with it. And if you perform a lot of slicing and chopping, you will want a more utility-oriented blade. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck carrying a standard utility knife, though. The widespread emergence of cleaver-style knives for EDC gives you a much more robust set of options. This guide will explain why cleaver-style blades are suitable for EDC. We’ll also show you some of our favorite knives in this category for you to choose from.
Best Pocket Cleaver Knives — 2023 Edition
The Best Overall Pocket Cleaver Knife: Kizer Sheepdog [Buy]
The Best Value Pocket Cleaver Knife: CRKT Pilar [Buy]
The Most Premium Pocket Cleaver Knife: Kizer Sheepdog [Buy]
The Easiest Pocket Cleaver Knife to Carry: Kershaw Pub [Buy]
The Best Pocket Cleaver Knife for Food Prep: Boker Magnum Outdoor Cuisine Knife III [Buy]
Kizer Sheepdog | CRKT Pilar | Kizer Sheepdog | Kershaw Pub | Boker Magnum III |
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| $$ | $ | $$ | $ | $ |
| Blade Steel: CPM-S35VN | Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV | Blade Steel: CPM-S35VN | Blade Steel: 8Cr12MOV | Blade Steel: 7Cr17MoV |
| Blade Length: 3.25″ | Blade Length: 2.4″ | Blade Length: 3.25″ | Blade Length: 1.6 oz | Blade Length: 4.75″ |
| Key Features: Designed by Chris Conaway | Key Features: Designed by Jesper Voxnaes | Key Features: Designed by Chris Conaway | Key Features: Built-in bottle opener | Key Features: Straight back shape |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Our Top Picks for Pocket Cleaver Knives
When looking for the best pocket cleaver knife, we’ve considered only the items with truly outstanding traits. This includes the quality, durability, functionality, and, of course, the cleaver blade itself.
Gerber Flatiron Pocket Cleaver Knife
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CRKT Ripsnort Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Off-Grid Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Kershaw Static Pocket Cleaver Knife
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CRKT Razel Pocket Cleaver Knife
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CRKT Pilar Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Spyderco Roc Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Spyderco Squarehead Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Kershaw Barge Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Kershaw Pub Pocket Cleaver Knife
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Kizer Sheepdog Pocket Cleaver Knife
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BOKER Magnum Iii Pocket Cleaver Knife
PurchaseWhy Should You Carry A Pocket Cleaver Knife?
At first glance, it might seem as if it doesn’t make a difference whether you’re carrying a regular-blade knife or a pocket cleaver. Cleavers might have an advantage even over the best pocket knives.
Besides being potentially valuable for emergencies, a folding cleaver is more versatile in everyday use. Firstly, the blade shape plays a crucial role. Most people don’t use the tip that often—what we need regularly is a sharp, firm edge. And pocket cleaver knives excel in that department with their sturdy blades.
What makes a cleaver-style knife good for everyday carry?
Like the reliable kitchen cleaver, these knives excel at cutting, slicing, and chopping. Compared to a thin utility knife, cleaver-style blades are more solidly built. Their size can help you tackle more significant tasks, but they still fit in your pocket. And because they tend to lack a pronounced point, they can help you stay low-profile when using one in public.
All this considered, the right question shouldn’t be “Why carry a pocket cleaver knife?” but rather – why not?
How to Choose the Best Pocket Cleaver Knife For You
Of course, depending on a person’s preference, what’s best for them may vary, but we have a short list of things to consider when buying the best type of everyday carry cleaver knife:
- Knife Precision
- Handle type and grip comfort
- Lock safety
- Weight
- Material
- Size (length and width)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a cleaver?
A cleaver-style blade is designed primarily for cutting and chopping instead of piercing. It’s a specialized accessory with specific uses.
What is a trunk knife used for?
A trunk knife is ideal for slicing, chopping, and cutting.
Who owns CIVIVI?
The CIVIVI brand is a part of the Chinese-based WE Knife Company.
What’s the point of a cleaver pocket knife?
A cleaver pocket knife can function much like a regular cleaver while being lightweight and easy to carry.
Are cleaver pocket knives good?
Cleaver pocket knives are excellent if used as intended.
What is the most useful pocket knife?
Different pocket knives will be handy in specific situations. Regular blades will excel in piercing and cutting, while cleavers will be best for chopping or slicing.
What is a cleaver blade good for?
Cleaver blades are great for cutting and chopping. The unique blade shape also makes them less intimidating to carry in public.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
