Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver vs Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver: Spec Comparison
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This dalstrong obliterator 9 inch meat cleaver vs annihilator 14 inch meat comparison highlights two heavy-duty tools from the same brand. Both use 7Cr17MoV high-carbon steel and feature full-tang construction with G10 handles. They share identical blade thickness at 6 mm. The primary difference lies in their size and weight. The nine-inch model offers more mass for momentum, while the fourteen-inch version provides greater reach for large cuts. Each includes an acacia wood stand and a sheath for storage.
Key differences
| Aspect | Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver | Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Length | 9 in | 14 in |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds | 2.5 pounds |
| Hardness | not listed | 60 HRC |
| Certification | not listed | NSF certified |
| Intended Use | Meat portioning, poultry prep | Splitting joints, bone-in work |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver if
- You need a heavier cleaver to drive through dense bones with momentum.
- You prefer a shorter blade for controlled poultry portioning.
- You want a tool that feels more substantial in your hand.
Choose Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver if
- You require a longer blade for splitting large joints or briskets.
- You need NSF certification for professional kitchen environments.
- You prefer a slightly lighter tool for extended prep sessions.
Verdict: The nine-inch Obliterator suits those who prioritize chopping momentum and a compact profile for poultry. The fourteen-inch Annihilator is better for splitting large cuts and meets professional NSF standards. Choose based on whether you need extra reach or extra weight.
Spec Comparison: Obliterator vs Annihilator
Blade Material
Both cleavers use 7Cr17MoV high-carbon stainless steel for the blade. This steel offers good corrosion resistance and edge retention for heavy meat work. The Annihilator specifies a hardness of 60 HRC, which indicates a hardened state for superior sharpness and wear resistance. The Obliterator data does not list a specific hardness rating, though it shares the same steel alloy. You get the same base material in both, but the Annihilator provides the extra specification of heat treatment intensity for those who prioritize rock-hard durability.
Blade Length
The Obliterator features a 9-inch blade, making it suitable for portioning meat and preparing poultry for the grill or smoker. The Annihilator has a significantly longer 14-inch blade. This extra length allows you to split joints, quarter chickens, and section pork shoulders in single, powerful strokes. The longer blade also helps with cracking pumpkins or handling large briskets. If you need to break down large cuts of beef or whole poultry, the Annihilator’s 14-inch profile offers more reach and leverage than the 9-inch Obliterator.
Blade Thickness
Both cleavers share an identical blade thickness of 6 mm. This substantial thickness provides the necessary heft and chopping momentum required for splitting bones and heavy-duty meat preparation. The 6 mm profile ensures the blade will not bend or chip easily when hitting bone. Since both tools use this same dimension, you get identical structural rigidity and force transfer in either case. The thickness is a key factor for both models, ensuring they can handle tough tasks without flexing.
Weight
The Obliterator weighs 2.9 pounds, while the Annihilator weighs 2.5 pounds. The Obliterator is slightly heavier, which can provide more inherent chopping momentum when you are portioning smaller cuts or preparing poultry. The Annihilator is lighter, which may reduce fatigue during long sessions of trimming large briskets or breaking down quarters of beef. The difference is minor, but the Obliterator offers a bit more mass for tasks where weight aids the cut, while the Annihilator is easier to maneuver for extended use.
Construction
Both cleavers feature full-tang construction. This means the steel blade extends all the way through the handle, providing balance and strength. The full-tang design transfers every ounce of force from the handle to the edge, ensuring no slip or fatigue during back-to-back breakdowns. Both models use G10 handles, which are durable and provide a secure grip. The construction quality is identical in both, offering a substantial tool that can withstand the rigors of professional or serious home butchery.
Included Storage
Both cleavers come with an acacia wood display stand and a sheath for storage. The Obliterator includes a fitted sheath with a retaining pin and string. The Annihilator includes a PerfectFit saya sheath with a pin and string. Both options allow you to display the knife on the counter or store it safely on a butcher-block wall. The inclusion of both a stand and a sheath in each package ensures you have convenient and protective storage options right out of the box.
Which Dalstrong cleaver fits your prep needs
You need portability and compact storage
The 9-inch Obliterator measures 14.8 inches in length and weighs 2.9 pounds. Its smaller blade length makes it easier to store in standard drawers or on smaller countertops. The included acacia wood stand and fitted sheath with retaining pin allow for tidy display or travel. This size suits kitchens with limited workspace or users who prefer a lighter footprint for daily poultry portioning.
You process large cuts and joints
The 14-inch Annihilator offers 14 inches of blade length to handle whole briskets or quartered beef. It weighs 2.5 pounds, providing substantial mass for splitting bones and cracking pumpkins. The 60 HRC hardness rating ensures the edge stays sharp during heavy bone-in work. Its longer reach reduces the need for multiple strokes, making it efficient for breaking down large roasts or pork shoulders.
You want professional kitchen certification
The Annihilator is NSF certified for professional kitchen use, meeting specific sanitation and safety standards for commercial environments. This certification is critical for restaurant operations or food service businesses requiring compliant equipment. The 14-inch blade length allows for efficient processing of large volumes of meat. The full-tang construction and G-10 handle ensure durability under heavy, continuous use in a high-volume setting.
The products compared
Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver
Best for: Heavy-duty meat portioning and poultry prep
- Blade Length
- 9-Inch
- Intended Use
- Portioning meat and poultry
- Blade Steel
- 7Cr17MoV
- Handle Material
- Black G10
- Construction
- Full-tang
- Blade Thickness
- 6mm
View on Amazon: Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver Affiliate link
The Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver is a heavy-duty tool for portioning large cuts of meat and preparing poultry. It features a 6 mm-thick 7Cr17MoV high-carbon steel blade and weighs 2.9 lbs. The full-tang construction and black G10 handle provide stability and grip. An acacia wood stand and fitted sheath are included for storage. This cleaver suits you if you need substantial chopping momentum for tough cuts.
Pros
- 6 mm-thick 7Cr17MoV high-carbon steel blade
- 2.9 lb weight for chopping momentum
- Full-tang construction with black G10 handle
- Includes acacia wood stand and fitted sheath
Cons
- 9-inch blade is shorter than the 14-inch Annihilator
- 2.9 lb weight may be too heavy for some users
- No mention of edge retention or hardness rating
Good fit if
- You need a heavy cleaver for portioning large meats
- You value the included acacia wood stand for display
- You prefer a full-tang construction for durability
Skip if
- You prefer a lighter tool for precise cuts
- You need a longer 14-inch blade for larger cuts
- You want a cleaver without a stand
Verdict: Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver is a robust option for butchers and home cooks who need a heavy, stable tool for portioning large cuts of meat. It fits those who value the included storage solutions and substantial build.
Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver
Best for: splitting large joints and quartering meat
- Blade Length
- 14"
- Intended Use
- Whole-animal butchering, bone-in work
- Blade Steel
- 7Cr17MoV carbon steel
- Handle Material
- G-10
- Construction
- Full-tang
- Hardness
- 60 HRC
View on Amazon: Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver Affiliate link
This 14-inch cleaver is built for heavy bone-in work and large cuts. It features 7Cr17MoV carbon steel hardened to 60 HRC with a 6 mm thick full-tang blade. The 2.5 lb weight provides the mass needed to split joints and quarter poultry. You get a G-10 handle for control and an acacia stand for storage. It suits butchers or serious home cooks who need a robust tool for tough meat.
Pros
- 14-inch 7Cr17MoV carbon steel blade
- 6 mm thick full-tang construction
- 60 HRC hardness rating
- NSF certified for professional use
- Includes acacia wood stand and saya sheath
Cons
- 2.5 lb weight may cause fatigue for small hands
- 14-inch blade is bulky for standard counters
- No magnetic strip or wall mount included
Good fit if
- You regularly break down whole animals or large joints
- You need a heavy cleaver for splitting bones
- You want NSF certification for professional kitchen use
Skip if
- You prefer lightweight tools for quick prep
- You have limited counter or storage space
- You mostly chop vegetables or soft fruits
Verdict: Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver is a heavy-duty tool for users who need to split bones and quarter large cuts of meat. Its 6 mm thick blade and 2.5 lb mass handle tough jobs that lighter knives cannot.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Dalstrong Obliterator 9-Inch Meat Cleaver | Dalstrong Annihilator 14-Inch Meat Cleaver |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Length | 9-Inch | 14" |
| Intended Use | Portioning meat and poultry | Whole-animal butchering, bone-in work |
| Blade Steel | 7Cr17MoV | 7Cr17MoV carbon steel |
| Handle Material | Black G10 | G-10 |
| Construction | Full-tang | Full-tang |
| Hardness | not stated | 60 HRC |
| Blade Thickness | 6mm | 6mm |
| Included Storage | Acacia wood stand, fitted sheath | Acacia wood stand, saya sheath |
| Storage Type | Sheath | not stated |
| Recommended Use | Meat | Meat |
| Dimensions | 14.8 × 0.24 × 5.06 inches | 21.9 × 4.9 × 6.7 inches |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds | 2.5 pounds |
| Size | 9" Obliterator | 14" |
| Color | Black G10 Handle | HC German ThyssenKrupp Steel, Black G10 Handle |
| Model | Dalstrong | GS-14inch-Annihilator |
Frequently asked questions
Which Dalstrong cleaver is better for splitting large bones?
The Annihilator 14-Inch is the superior choice for splitting large bones. Its 6 mm thick blade and 2.5 lb mass are designed to handle tough jobs that lighter knives cannot. The Obliterator is better suited for portioning rather than splitting heavy joints.
How do the weights of these two cleavers compare?
The Obliterator 9-Inch weighs 2.9 pounds, while the Annihilator 14-Inch weighs 2.5 pounds. Despite its smaller blade size, the Obliterator is heavier, providing substantial stability for portioning. The Annihilator is slightly lighter but features a thicker blade profile for impact resistance.
What is the blade thickness on both cleavers?
Both cleavers share an identical blade thickness of 6 mm. This consistent thickness ensures durability and resistance to chipping when used for heavy meat work. The spec confirms they are built for similar levels of structural integrity despite their different overall sizes.
Which cleaver is easier to store in standard drawers?
The Obliterator 9-Inch is easier to store due to its compact dimensions. It measures 14.8 inches in length, fitting into standard drawers or on smaller countertops. The Annihilator measures 21.9 inches in length, requiring significantly more storage space for the full tool.
Do both cleavers use the same handle material?
Yes, both cleavers feature Black G10 handles. This material provides a durable and secure grip for heavy-duty tasks. The Obliterator specifies a Black G10 handle, and the Annihilator also lists a Black G10 handle as part of its construction specifications.
Which cleaver has the larger blade width?
The Annihilator 14-Inch has a larger blade width of 4.9 inches. The Obliterator 9-Inch has a width of 0.24 inches, which likely refers to the blade thickness or a specific measurement not comparable to the Annihilator's full width. The Annihilator is designed for broader cutting tasks.
Is the Annihilator suitable for quartering large cuts of meat?
Yes, the Annihilator is explicitly best for quartering large cuts of meat. Its 14-inch size and heavy-duty construction allow it to split bones and handle large joints effectively. The Obliterator is better for portioning and poultry prep rather than quartering large sections.
What is the total length of the Obliterator cleaver?
The total length of the Obliterator 9-Inch is 14.8 inches. This measurement includes the handle and blade. It is significantly shorter than the Annihilator, which measures 21.9 inches in total length, making the Obliterator more manageable for users with limited space.