Buying guide for Best cheese knife sets
If you want to serve some quick, easy, and delicious hors d'oeuvres, it’s hard to top a perfectly selected cheese board. When serving this mouth-watering delight, don’t forget the knife (or better yet, a cheese knife set) for cutting and spreading.
A cheese knife set includes a variety of knives designed specifically for cutting cheese. Most sets feature four to eight knives, some of which are for hard cheese and some of which are for soft cheese. When purchasing a set like this, you might receive some other cheese-serving tools as well.
Since most people have limited drawer space, it’s a good idea to put thought into your purchase before selecting a cheese knife set. In this buying guide, we sink our teeth into the particulars: types of cheese knives, other tools you might like to own, prices, frequently asked questions, and more.
Key considerations
Knife types
Cheese knife sets can feature many different types of knives, so it’s essential to understand each type to determine what you need.
Hard cheese knife: As the name implies, this knife works well for cutting aged, hard cheese without crumbling. It features a short, thick blade.
Soft cheese knife: This knife is designed for cutting soft cheeses without the cheese sticking to the blade. The blade is usually curved so you can also use it to spread the cheese.
Cheese spreader: This knife is used for spreading soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or Boursin.
Pronged cheese knife: This knife is similar to a soft cheese knife and works well for cutting soft to semi-hard cheeses.
Cheese plane: This knife is used to cut slices of semi-soft to semi-hard cheeses like Muenster.
Cheese cleaver: This knife has a large, rectangular blade that works well for cutting hard or semi-hard cheese like cheddar.
Chisel knife: This knife is ideal for cutting soft, crumbly cheese like blue cheese. Its wide, flat blade allows you to spread the cheese too. It also works well for cutting thicker, semi-soft cheeses into small pieces.
Parm knife: This knife may also be known as a spade knife or bell knife and features a sharp tip to cut hard cheeses like Parmesan.
Materials
Cheese knife sets can feature knives made of various materials. When it comes to the blades, stainless steel is the best option because it doesn’t rust easily and is easy to wash. Porcelain blades can also work well, though you’ll usually pay more for a set that features them.
Consider the handle material too. Wooden handles generally feel the most comfortable in the hand because they’re softer and lighter than metal handles. Metal handles usually offer a better grip, though, so you may want to look for a cheese knife set with handles that features wooden handles with metal grips.
Did You Know?
A soft cheese knife usually has holes in the blade to prevent the cheese from sticking to it.
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Features
Number of knives
Cheese knife sets usually contain four to eight knives. If you’re new to making cheese boards or platters, a basic set with four knives should provide the essentials you need. However, if you enjoy an array of cheeses, you may prefer a set with six different knives to cover even more options. When gifting a cheese knife set to a friend or relative, a set with four or six pieces is typically the safest choice.
A cheese knife set with eight knives is usually best for true cheese aficionados. It will offer a knife for nearly every type of cheese you might serve, including rare varieties.
Other cheese tools
Some cheese knife sets include other tools for handling cheese in addition to the knives. You can find sets that include:
- A cheese fork for semi-soft to hard cheeses
- A cheese wire for soft to semi-soft cheeses
- A cheese grater for semi-hard to hard cheeses
Storage case
Some high-end cheese knife sets include a storage container to keep the knives safe when not in use. A storage box or set can help keep the blades sharp and damage-free while ensuring you don’t accidentally cut yourself when storing them in a drawer.
Board
Most cheese knife sets don’t include a cheese board, but some high-end options come with a decorative cheese platter. The board is typically made of wood, though some more expensive sets may feature a marble cheese board.
Some cheese knife sets include a rind cutter, making it easier to cut the rind on semi-hard to hard cheeses like Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
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Accessories
Cheese board: Dragonn Bamboo Cheese Board Set
If you opt for a cheese knife set that doesn’t include a board, you’ll definitely want to purchase a separate cheese board. We’re big fans of this option from Dragonn because it’s made of eco-friendly bamboo that’s as attractive as it is functional.
White wine: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé
White wine and cheese is a classic combination, and you can’t go wrong with this rich and charming bottle from Louis Jadot. Pair it with your cheese board at your next get-together or serve it with pasta at your next dinner party.
Cheese knife set prices
Inexpensive: The most affordable cheese knife sets usually contain four basic knives for $6 to $25. The knives may be completely stainless steel, or they may be stainless blades with wooden handles. You are unlikely to get a holder or cheese board with your purchase in this price range.
Mid-range: Mid-range cheese knife sets typically contain six knives for $22 to $55. The knives may be entirely stainless or stainless with wooden handles. Some sets in the price range include a cheese board or some type of holder.
Expensive: For $55 to $100, you will find the priciest cheese knife sets. These sets usually contain eight knives. They are typically made entirely of stainless steel, though some sets still feature wooden handles. Most options in this price range also come with a cheese board and knife holder.
Did You Know?
If you don’t have a specialty cheese board on which to arrange your cheese, your favorite cutting board can work well in a pinch. Oil the surface of a wooden board before setting out the cheese to prevent sticking.
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Tips
- If soft cheese sticks to your knives, dip the blades in hot water and dry them off before each cut.
- Thin slices of cheese render the best flavor and texture.
- When preparing a cheese board, stick to about five different cheeses. Look for variety in size, shape, texture, and flavor. Try for a mix of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses.
- Take your cheese out of the refrigerator 1 1/2 to 2 hours before serving, but keep it wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
- When arranging cheese on your cheese board, check that there’s enough room for slicing and scooping.
FAQ
Q. Could I slice cheese with a regular kitchen knife?
A. Yes, you could. However, if you regularly make cheese boards for parties and gatherings, a specialty set is usually worth the investment. Cheese knives are designed to work with the textures of different cheeses to help maintain their flavor.
Q. How should I clean my cheese knives?
A. Run your knives under hot water and use a mild dish soap on a sponge to wipe away any residue. Allow the knives to dry thoroughly before storing them.
Q. Can I sharpen my cheese knives at home?
A. Cheese knives with stainless steel blades can usually be sharpened at home. Look for a knife sharpener designed for stainless steel blades. If you are worried about damaging your knives or have a set of cheese knives with porcelain or other delicate blades, you may prefer taking the set to a professional knife sharpener.
