Randy Chandler
There are many different types of cheese knives, each with a specific purpose. The type of cheese knife used depends on the type of cheese being cut. For example, soft cheese knives are designed to cut soft cheeses like brie and camembert, while hard cheese knives are designed to cut hard cheeses like Parmesan. The shape and design of each cheese knife are tailored to the characteristics of the cheese, such as texture, stickiness, and rind. Using the correct cheese knife can improve the user experience and the presentation of the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Knife Type | Soft Cheese Knife, Cheese Spreader/Spatula Knife, Gorgonzola Cheese Knife, Pronged Cheese Knife, Slim Blade Knife, Flat Cheese Knife/Chisel Knife, Narrow Plane Cheese Knife/Trapezium Knife, Cheddar Knife/Mini Cleaver, Cheese Wire/Bow Knife, Cheese Plane, Rind Cutter, Cheese Cleaver, Parm Knife, Flat Knife, Foldable Knife, Spade Knife, Cheese Cutter, Cheese Scoop, Cheese Slicer | |
| Cheese Knife Use | Used for soft, sticky cheeses like brie, camembert, chevre, halloumi, and aged goats cheese | Used for spreading creamy, spreadable cheeses onto bread and crackers; Used for cutting through cheese rinds; Used for cutting and serving cheese; Used for preventing soft cheeses from sticking to the blade; Used for cutting slices of aged cheeses; Used for cutting and chipping cheese; Used for cutting hard or semi-hard cheeses; Used for cutting delicate soft cheeses without crushing or spreading them; Used for thinly slicing cheese; Used for scoring the rind of hard cheese; Used for cutting firm or semi-hard cheeses; Used for shaving thin slices off semi-soft cheeses; Used for shaving or chipping aged hard cheeses; Used for a wide range of semi-firm cheeses; Used when only bringing one knife; Used for chipping snackable chunks off crumbly blues or crunchy hard cheeses; Used for shaving thin slices of hard cheeses; Used for digging into medium-hard, crumbly cheeses and then scooping it up; Used for cutting soft, sticky cheeses; Used for slicing small ripe cheeses into perfect slices; Used for cutting semi-hard and hard cheeses |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Soft cheese knives are used to cut soft, sticky cheeses like brie and camembert
- Hard cheese knives are used to cut through firm cheese rinds and grate hard cheeses
- Flat cheese knives, or chisel knives, are used to cut slices of aged, hard cheeses
- Pronged cheese knives are used to cut and serve a variety of cheeses, from semi-soft to hard
- Cheese spreaders are used to spread creamy cheeses on bread and crackers
Soft cheese knives are used to cut soft, sticky cheeses like brie and camembert
Soft cheese knives are designed to cut soft, sticky cheeses such as brie, camembert, and chevre. They are also suitable for other soft cheeses like ricotta, halloumi, and goat cheese. The knives usually have a thin, narrow blade with holes that helps to prevent the cheese from sticking to it. This allows for pieces of cheese to be presented more attractively, with crisper shapes compared to cheese cut with standard knives. The holes in the blade also reduce drag, keeping the cheese from sticking to the knife.
Soft cheese knives are also known as open-work blade knives or fork-tipped spears. They are versatile and can be used for cutting semi-firm cheeses like young gouda, havarti, and cheddar. The fork-tipped end of the knife is useful for serving cut pieces of harder cheeses.
A cheese wire or bow knife is another tool that can be used to cut soft cheeses. It is usually found in a bow shape or attached to a cheese board with an indent for the wire. The wire is lowered gently through the cheese, leaving a clean slice. A cheese plane is also used for shaving thin slices of semi-soft cheeses.
A cheese spreader, also known as a spatula knife, is a basic soft cheese knife used to spread soft cheeses like goat cheese, Boursin, brie, and Camembert on bread and crackers.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Creative Culinary Uses
You may want to see also
Hard cheese knives are used to cut through firm cheese rinds and grate hard cheeses
Hard cheese knives are designed to cut through firm cheese rinds and grate hard cheeses. They are typically made with durable blades that can break through the firmest rinds of cheeses like Parmigiano, Tête de Moine, and Berner Alpkäse. Hard cheese knives often feature offset handles, which allow for a comfortable grip and slicing action, preventing the user's knuckles from hitting the cutting board.
One example of a hard cheese knife is the cheese cleaver, which has a wide rectangular blade ideal for cutting hard or semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar or Pepper Jack. The wide blade provides a stable surface for applying force and achieving the desired cut. The placement of the handle ensures that your knuckles remain clear of the cutting board.
Another type of hard cheese knife is the rind cutter, which is specifically designed to score the rind of hard cheeses. This knife features a pointed tip that pierces and cuts through the rind, making it easier to open and serve the cheese. This type of knife is particularly useful for stinky cheese varieties that typically have washed rinds.
The Parm knife, also known as the bell knife, almond knife, pear knife, or spade knife, is another versatile option for hard cheeses. The sharp tip of this knife helps to chip away at hard cheeses, and its shape allows it to adapt to a variety of cheeses on your board.
Additionally, the cheese plane is a useful tool for shaving thin slices off of hard cheeses. It has a narrow gap and a serrated blade, similar to a flat-edge knife, but with dull edges. By dragging the upward-facing plane towards you, you can create paper-thin slices that enhance the flavour of hard cheeses.
Cheese's Mario 64 Controller Setup
You may want to see also
Flat cheese knives, or chisel knives, are used to cut slices of aged, hard cheeses
Flat cheese knives, also known as chisel knives, are used to cut slices of aged, hard cheeses. The blade of a flat cheese knife is flat and short, allowing the user to apply force straight down on a small area to cut small pieces without crushing surrounding items on the cheeseboard. The flat cheese knife is ideal for shaving or chipping aged hard cheeses like aged gouda or cheddar.
To use a flat cheese knife, hold the blade vertically over the cheese and push downward. You can then use the sharp end to cut the pieces down further. The flat cheese knife is similar to the narrow plane knife, which is also used for cutting hard cheeses, but tends to be more rectangular in shape and has two sharp sides.
The way you slice cheese can affect its flavour and texture, so it is important to use the correct type of cheese knife to get the perfect cut. For example, if you use a soft cheese knife on a hard cheese, you will end up with uneven cuts.
A cheese plane, similar in shape to a flat-edge knife, is used for shaving thin slices of semi-soft to semi-hard cheeses. It is ideal for hard cheeses like Swiss cheese. A cheese cutter, on the other hand, is designed for soft, sticky cheeses and does not have a large sharp-edged blade.
The Magic of Brie: Perfect Pasta Pairing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pronged cheese knives are used to cut and serve a variety of cheeses, from semi-soft to hard
Pronged cheese knives, also known as fork-tipped spears, are versatile tools that can be used to cut and serve a variety of cheeses. They are designed for semi-soft to hard cheeses, such as Muenster, Morbier, young Gouda, Havarti, and Parmigiano. The narrow blade of a pronged cheese knife helps prevent soft cheeses from sticking, while the prongs at the end allow for easy serving and plating. This type of knife is ideal for shaving or cutting thin slices of cheese and then using the prongs to pick up the cheese and plate it neatly.
Pronged cheese knives are particularly useful when serving multiple types of cheese on a cheese board or platter. Their multipurpose functionality allows you to cut and serve a variety of cheeses without having to switch knives constantly. This makes them a convenient and efficient tool for cheese lovers and entertainers alike.
When using a pronged cheese knife, it is important to follow proper dining etiquette. According to cheese board etiquette, a cheese knife should not be used on more than one type of cheese. This is to prevent the transfer of flavours and to maintain the integrity of each cheese's unique taste and texture. Therefore, it is recommended to have a dedicated pronged cheese knife for each type of cheese you plan to serve.
In addition to the pronged cheese knife, there are several other types of cheese knives designed for specific types of cheese. For example, soft cheese knives, also known as open-work blade knives, have holes in the blade to prevent soft cheeses from sticking. On the other hand, hard cheese knives, such as cheddar knives or mini cleavers, are designed to cut through hard cheeses with ease.
Ultimately, the pronged cheese knife is a versatile and useful tool for any cheese enthusiast. Its ability to handle a range of cheese textures, from semi-soft to hard, makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen or cheese board setup.
Cheese Brands Using Animal Rennet: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Cheese spreaders are used to spread creamy cheeses on bread and crackers
There are many different types of cheese knives, each with its own unique purpose. For example, a soft cheese knife, also known as an open-work blade knife, has holes in the blade to keep soft cheeses from sticking. On the other hand, a cheese spreader, sometimes called a spatula knife, is designed for spreading creamy cheeses on bread and crackers.
Cheese spreaders are a must-have for any cheese lover. They are ideal for spreading soft, creamy cheeses, such as goat cheese, Boursin, or creamier varieties of Brie and Camembert. With its sleek, flat surface, the cheese spreader allows you to effortlessly glide creamy cheeses onto your favourite crackers or a crusty baguette.
The versatility of the cheese spreader is evident in its ability to accommodate a range of cheeses, from soft and spreadable to slightly firmer options. For instance, you can use it to spread a rich and tangy cream cheese on your morning bagel or generously layer a fluffy croissant with creamy, indulgent Brie.
Additionally, the cheese spreader's design ensures that you can cut and spread without the cheese sticking to the knife. This feature not only enhances your dining experience but also ensures that your cheese presentation is aesthetically pleasing.
While cheese spreaders are perfect for soft, creamy cheeses, it's important to note that they may not be the best choice for harder cheeses. For those, you might want to reach for a different type of cheese knife, such as a flat cheese knife or a cheddar knife, which are designed to handle firmer textures.
Lunchables and Kraft Cheese: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Soft cheese knives are used to cut soft, sticky cheeses like brie, camembert, chevre, and halloumi. They usually have holes in the blade to prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife.
Pronged cheese knives are multi-purpose. They can be used to cut a variety of cheeses ranging from semi-soft to hard. The prongs at the end can then be used to pick up the cheese and serve.
Flat cheese knives, also known as chisel knives, are used to cut slices of aged hard cheeses. The blade is flat and short so that force can be applied straight down to cut small pieces.
Cheese planes are used to slice thin pieces of semi-soft to semi-hard cheeses like Swiss cheese. The cheese is placed on a cutting board and the plane is dragged towards the user, creating paper-thin slices.
Cheese wires are used to cut delicate soft cheeses without crushing them. They are usually bow-shaped or attached to a cheese board. The wire is lowered down through the cheese, creating clean slices.
