Frederic Melton
When it comes to cheese, using the right knife can make all the difference. Different types of cheese call for different knives, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. From soft and creamy cheeses to hard, aged varieties, there's a knife to suit every type of cheese. For example, a soft cheese knife has holes in the blade to prevent sticky cheeses like Brie from adhering to the knife, while a flat cheese knife is ideal for shaving hard, aged cheeses like gouda. With so many options available, it can be a challenge to know which knife to choose, but understanding the characteristics of various cheese knives can help you make the right selection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To improve the user experience and perform specific tasks |
| Types | Soft cheese knife, flat cheese knife, narrow plane cheese knife, cheddar knife, cheese wire, cheese plane, rind cutter, cheese spreader, gorgonzola cheese knife, pronged cheese knife, slim blade knife, hard-cheese knife, parmesan knife, spade knife, cheese cleaver, cheese fork, bell knife, pear knife, heart knife, almond knife |
| Soft cheese knife features | Holes in the blade to prevent soft cheeses from sticking |
| Flat cheese knife features | Wide, flat, and sharp at the top edge |
| Cheddar knife features | Wide blade and cleaver shape |
| Cheese wire features | Bow-shaped or attached to a cheese board with an indent for the wire |
| Cheese plane features | Spatula-like paddle with a sharp-edged slit |
| Rind cutter features | Pointed tip to score the rind of hard cheese |
| Cheese spreader features | Spatula blades to gently flex as you apply pressure |
| Gorgonzola cheese knife features | Sharp blade to cut through cheese rinds |
| Pronged cheese knife features | Sharp blade, narrow size, pronged end |
| Slim blade knife features | Ultra-fine blade, offset handle |
| Hard-cheese knife features | Double, offset handles, durable blade |
| Parmesan knife features | Pointed edge for picking off bites of dry, aged cheese |
| Spade knife features | Pointed edge for breaking into firm rinds |
| Cheese cleaver features | Wide rectangular blade |
| Cheese fork features | Holding harder cheeses in place while cutting |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheese knives
Soft cheeses are often sticky, so a soft cheese knife is designed with holes in the blade to reduce the surface area and prevent the cheese from sticking. This type of knife is also known as an open-work blade knife. The holes can also be used to push a piece of cheese off the knife.
A cheese spreader, or spatula knife, is a type of soft cheese knife used for applying creamy cheeses to bread or crackers. It has a curved, dull blade that is not suitable for cutting but is perfect for spreading soft cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, dips, and other cheese spreads.
A gorgonzola knife is another variation of a soft cheese knife. It is designed for spreading creamy cheeses but has a sharp blade to cut through cheese rinds.
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Hard cheese knives
A mini cleaver, or cheddar knife, is another type of hard cheese knife. This knife is ideal for cutting firm or semi-hard cheeses, such as aged gouda or cheddar. The wide blade and cleaver shape allow the user to apply force and balance to push down and cut slices.
A cheese wire or bow knife is a useful tool for cutting delicate soft cheeses without crushing them, but it can also be used for semi-soft to semi-hard 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, creating a clean slice.
A cheese plane is used to achieve thin slices of hard cheese. A pronged knife is another multi-purpose option that can be used for a variety of cheeses, from semi-soft to hard. The pronged edge is useful for picking up and plating the cheese.
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Multi-purpose cheese knives
If you're looking for a multi-purpose cheese knife, there are several options to choose from. Each cheese knife is designed for a specific purpose, but some are more versatile than others. Here are some recommendations for multi-purpose cheese knives:
Pronged Cheese Knife
The pronged cheese knife, also known as a forked-tipped spear, is a versatile tool that can be used for cutting and serving a variety of cheeses. Its sharp blade and narrow size make it suitable for semi-soft to hard cheeses. The prongs at the end allow you to easily pick up the cheese for plating or serving. This knife is a great choice for a cheese board and can handle a range of cheeses, making it a true multi-purpose tool.
General Purpose Cheese Knife
The general-purpose cheese knife is designed for cutting small wheels of aged cheese as well as soft cheese. Its offset handle provides a comfortable grip and allows for a full range of motion during cutting. This knife is a good all-rounder and can handle different types of cheese, making it a versatile option.
Flat Cheese Knife
The flat cheese knife, also known as a chisel knife, is ideal for shaving or chipping aged hard cheeses. Its flat and short blade allows for precise cutting without damaging surrounding items on the cheeseboard. While it is particularly suited for hard cheeses, it can also be used for softer cheeses with some adjustments in technique.
Soft Cheese Knife
While typically designed for soft cheeses, the soft cheese knife can also be used for semi-soft cheeses. Its open work blade, characterised by holes, prevents sticky cheeses from adhering to the knife. This knife is versatile and can handle a range of softer cheeses, making it suitable for a mixed cheese board.
Cheese Spreader
The cheese spreader, or spatula knife, is perfect for creamy, spreadable cheeses. Its flexible blade allows for controlled spreading on bread and crackers. While it is primarily designed for soft cheeses, it can also be used for firmer cheeses that need to be spread, such as gorgonzola.
These multi-purpose cheese knives will enable you to handle a variety of cheeses with ease, enhancing your cheese preparation and serving experience.
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Cheese spreaders
Gorgonzola cheese knives are similar to cheese spreaders, but they have a sharp blade for cutting through cheese rinds. A chisel knife is another option for spreading soft, crumbly cheeses like gorgonzola or blue cheese. It has a wide, flat blade that is sharp at the top edge, which can also be used to cut larger, thicker, semi-soft cheeses like provolone.
A serrated spreader is another option for a cheese spreader, which can slice through harder cheeses.
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Cheese wires
In addition to their functionality, cheese wires also add a touch of elegance to the cheese-cutting process. The graceful arc of the wire as it slices through the cheese can elevate the experience of serving and enjoying cheese, making it a favourite tool for cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Whether used for a casual gathering or a sophisticated soiree, a cheese wire is sure to impress.
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Frequently asked questions
A soft cheese knife, sometimes called an open blade knife, is best for soft cheeses. This type of knife has holes in the blade to prevent sticky cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and chevre from sticking to the knife.
A cheese cleaver, also known as a mini cleaver or cheddar knife, is ideal for cutting hard cheeses. The wide blade and cleaver shape allow the user to apply force and balance to push down and cut slices.
A cheese spreader, also known as a spatula knife, is made for spreading soft and creamy cheeses onto bread and crackers.
