The Purpose of the Hole in Some Cleavers
Cleavers are kitchen tools that are designed for the specific purpose of cutting through meat and bone. The blades of most cleavers are thick and heavy, and they feature a straight edge that is ideal for chopping through tough cuts of meat. But if you take a closer look at some cleavers, you might notice that they also have a hole near the spine of the blade. This hole serves a specific purpose that can be useful to chefs who are looking to make the most out of this powerful tool.
What is the Hole Used For?
The hole that you see in some cleavers is technically called a “dimple.” It is typically located close to the spine of the blade, and it serves a number of different purposes depending on the type of cleaver you are using.
Why Do Cleavers Have Dimples?
One of the most common reasons for including a dimple in a cleaver is to reduce the amount of suction that can be created when you are chopping through thicker cuts of meat. Without the dimple, air can get trapped between the blade and the meat, creating suction that can make it difficult to make clean cuts. The dimple allows air to escape from between the blade and the meat, reducing this suction and creating a cleaner, more efficient cutting motion.
Other Benefits of Dimpled Cleavers
In addition to reducing suction, dimples can also help to prevent food from sticking to the blade. This is especially important when you are working with raw meat, which can easily become stuck to a smooth blade surface. The dimples create small air pockets that help to keep the blade free of moisture and prevent it from becoming too smooth from prolonged use.
The presence of a dimple in a cleaver is a small design feature that can make a big difference when it comes to cutting through meat and other tough foods. Whether you are an experienced chef or simply someone who appreciates a good kitchen tool, a dimpled cleaver might be just the thing you need to take your cooking skills to the next level.
