If you’ve ever found yourself pondering why Brie spreads so smoothly or why a block of Parmesan crumbles under the pressure of your knife, the answer may lie in the type of cheese knife you’re using. Cheese knives, much like the cheeses they are designed to cut, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each tailored to a specific type of cheese.
For instance, if your cheese knife is broad and short, like a cheese spreader, it’s likely designed for soft cheeses. These knives are adept at slicing through creamy, spreadable cheeses like Camembert or Roquefort without causing them to stick to the blade. On the other hand, if your cheese knife is thin and sharp, like a Parmesan knife, it’s probably meant for hard cheeses. These knives can easily cut through dense, aged cheeses like Gouda or Cheddar without causing them to crumble.
If your cheese knife falls somewhere in between, like a cheese plane, it’s likely a versatile tool meant for medium-firm cheeses. These knives are designed to handle a variety of cheeses, from semi-soft like Havarti to semi-hard varieties like Gruyère, making them a great all-around tool for any cheese lover.
Understanding the types of cheese knives and their specific uses can greatly enhance your cheese tasting experience. It can help you appreciate the texture and integrity of different cheeses, and ensure that you’re serving and enjoying your cheese in the best possible way. So, let’s delve into the world of cheese knives, their types, and their uses.
Types of cheese knives
Cheese knives come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. Here is a detailed description of different types of cheese knives and their functions:
Cheese cleaver
Modeled after a traditional meat cleaver, a cheese cleaver features a broad, straight-edged blade typically measuring between 5 to 7 inches in length. This hefty tool provides the necessary weight to cut cleanly through hard, dense cheeses such as cheddar or Gouda without applying excessive pressure. For example, if you’re preparing a charcuterie board, a cheese cleaver can easily cut through a hard block of cheddar, helping you make uniform slices without fracturing the cheese.
Gorgonzola knife
If you’re dealing with soft, crumbly cheeses like gorgonzola or Roquefort, then the gorgonzola knife is for you. It’s specifically crafted with a narrow, thin, and flexible blade around 5 to 6 inches long. The blade often ends in a forked tip, which helps lift and serve the cheese after cutting. You’ll find the gorgonzola knife particularly useful when serving delicate gorgonzola or similar cheeses, as it ensures minimal disturbance to the soft texture, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your cheese platter.
Cheese spreader
Measuring around 4 to 6 inches in length, a cheese spreader has a rounded, somewhat spatula-shaped blade. Primarily designed for spreading soft cheeses or cheese spreads onto crackers, bread, or other surfaces, the cheese spreader provides an easier and more elegant way to serve these types of cheese. For instance, when you’re hosting a cocktail party, a cheese spreader can be used to apply soft, spreadable cheeses like Boursin or cream cheese onto crackers in a smooth, visually pleasing manner.
Chisel knife
A distinctive tool in the realm of cheese knives, the chisel knife is around 5 to 8 inches long and is characterized by a wide, flat blade. It is used upright and pushed straight down to cut and serve thin slices of hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. During a wine and cheese tasting event, for example, a chisel knife could be used to cleanly chip off thin, delectable slices from a large block of hard cheese, enhancing the overall experience.
Soft cheese knife
Measuring approximately 5 to 9 inches, a soft cheese knife features a thin, narrow blade with cut-outs or holes along the blade to reduce surface area and prevent the cheese from sticking. It’s expertly designed to slice through soft, sticky cheeses like Brie and Camembert without squashing or deforming them. During a dinner party, guests can easily slice through a wheel of Brie using a soft cheese knife, ensuring that the cheese does not stick to the knife or lose its shape.
Parmesan knife
With a short, thick, and stubby blade around 3 to 5 inches long, a Parmesan knife is specifically designed to handle very hard, crumbly cheeses such as Parmesan or Grana Padano. It allows you to chip away pieces from a block or wheel of cheese without damaging the knife or the cheese. For instance, when serving pasta at a dinner party, a Parmesan knife can be used to chip off fresh chunks of Parmesan to be grated or directly added to the dish.
Offset cheese knife
An offset cheese knife, typically around 5 to 7 inches long, has a blade that’s set lower than the handle. This unique design allows for easy cutting of cheese blocks without your hand hitting the cutting board. It’s particularly ideal for semi-hard to hard cheeses like Jarlsberg or Swiss. For example, when slicing cheese for sandwiches, the offset cheese knife allows for easy and even cuts without disturbing the cheese’s structure.
Pronged cheese knife
Ranging from 7 to 9 inches in length, a pronged cheese knife features a narrow, straight blade with a forked tip that allows users to cut and then serve slices without needing to switch utensils. It’s usually used for semi-soft to semi-hard cheeses like Havarti or Gouda. In a cheese-tasting event, guests can use a pronged cheese knife to slice and serve themselves pieces of cheese, facilitating a more seamless experience.
Other tools you need for cutting cheese
Cheese plane
A cheese plane is a flat, wide tool with a sharp-edged slit in the center. Cheese plane designed to slice thin, even pieces from semi-hard and hard cheeses. The cheese plane is like a fixed version of a carpenter’s plane. It’s used to slice a very hard cheese called Berner Alpkäse, also known as Hobelkäse, which has been aged for two years or more.
The cheese plane’s design allows for a smooth glide over the cheese, creating uniform slices that are perfect for sandwiches or cheese platters. An example of a cheese that would benefit from a cheese plane is Gouda, known for its firm yet creamy texture. The cheese plane allows you to fully appreciate the texture and flavor of the cheese by providing thin, even slices that melt in your mouth. The cheese plane’s design is straightforward, but its impact on your cheese experience is significant.
Cheese wire
The cheese wire is a versatile tool that uses a thin wire to cut through both soft and hard cheeses. The thin wire cuts cleanly through the cheese without altering its form or texture. This tool is particularly useful for soft, creamy cheeses that might stick to the blade of a regular knife, such as Camembert or Brie. The cheese wire allows you to cut perfect slices of these soft cheeses, preserving their creamy texture and ensuring that every slice is just as good as the last. The cheese wire’s simplicity belies its effectiveness, and it’s a tool that can significantly enhance your cheese experience.
Cheese grater
The cheese grater is a kitchen staple, with a surface covered in sharp-edged holes. It’s used to shred hard and semi-hard cheeses into fine pieces. This is particularly useful when you need to melt cheese or add it to sauces, as the small, thin pieces melt quickly and evenly. Cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar are often grated for use in cooking. The cheese grater allows you to easily incorporate cheese into your dishes, enhancing the flavor and texture of your food. The cheese grater’s design is simple, but its impact on your cooking and cheese experience is profound.
Cheese shaver
The cheese shaver is a specialized tool that’s designed to cut very thin, even slices from hard cheeses. It’s similar to a cheese plane, but it’s specifically designed for hard cheeses that can be difficult to slice with other tools. A cheese shaver would be ideal for cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. The cheese shaver allows you to fully appreciate the rich, complex flavors of these hard cheeses by providing thin slices that can be savored slowly. The cheese shaver’s design is straightforward, but its impact on your cheese experience is significant.
Small spade
The small spade, or cheese spade, is a tool with a flat, triangular blade. It’s designed to cut and serve portions from crumbly, hard cheeses. The shape of the spade makes it easy to cut into the cheese and lift out a portion without the cheese falling apart. A small spade is perfect for cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort, which are known for their crumbly texture. The small spade allows you to serve these cheeses in a way that preserves their texture and enhances their flavor. The small spade’s design is simple, but its impact on your cheese experience is profound.
Do I need a whole set of cheese knives?
A complete set of cheese knives isn’t a necessity for everyone, but for those who frequently enjoy a variety of cheeses, it can certainly enhance the experience. If you’re just starting out, you might begin with a few essential knives. For instance, a cheese plane is great for hard cheeses, a cheese wire works well for soft cheeses, and a small spade is ideal for crumbly cheeses. As your cheese-tasting journey evolves, you can gradually add to your collection.
The need for a whole set of cheese knives largely depends on your personal preferences, the types of cheese you typically consume, and how often you serve cheese. Here are a few factors to consider:
Variety of Cheeses: If you frequently enjoy a wide variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly, a set of specialized cheese knives could enhance your experience. Different knives are designed to handle different types of cheese, and using the right tool can make a noticeable difference in the ease of cutting and the presentation of the cheese.
Frequency of Consumption: If you’re an occasional cheese eater who mostly sticks to one or two types, a single, versatile cheese knife might be sufficient. However, if you’re a cheese aficionado who regularly hosts cheese and wine parties, a full set of cheese knives would not only be practical but could also add a touch of sophistication to your gatherings.
Presentation: If you care about the presentation of your cheese platters, a set of cheese knives can help. Different knives are designed to create different types of cuts, and using the right knife can help maintain the integrity and aesthetic appeal of the cheese.
Appreciation of Cheese: Just like wine enthusiasts who invest in different types of glasses to enhance the tasting experience, cheese enthusiasts often find that having a variety of cheese knives enhances their appreciation of different cheeses. The right knife can help you control the thickness of your slices, which can impact the taste and texture of the cheese.
Essential cheese knives
- Cheese Plane: This tool is like a fixed version of a woodworker’s tool. It’s used to slice a very hard cheese called Berner Alpkäse, also known as Hobelkäse, which has been aged for two years or more. But it’s also great for firm and creamy cheeses like Gouda.
- Cheese Wire: This versatile tool uses a thin wire to cut through both soft and hard cheeses. It’s particularly useful for soft, creamy cheeses like Camembert or Brie that might stick to a regular knife.
- Cheese Grater: This kitchen staple is used to shred hard and semi-hard cheeses into fine pieces. It’s particularly useful when you need to melt cheese or add it to sauces.
- Cheese Shaver: This specialized tool is designed to cut very thin, even slices from hard cheeses. It’s ideal for cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Small Spade: This tool with a flat, triangular blade is designed to cut and serve portions from crumbly, hard cheeses like Stilton or Roquefort.
FAQs about cheese knives
How to make a cheese plate
Begin by selecting a variety of cheeses, ideally from different families: a soft cheese like brie, a hard cheese like cheddar, a blue cheese, and a unique option such as goat cheese. Pair these with accompaniments that complement their flavors: fruits like grapes or sliced apples, a variety of nuts, and a selection of crackers or a baguette. Finally, arrange the cheeses on a board or plate, making sure each cheese is accessible and has its own knife for serving.
Why do cheese knives have holes?
Cheese knives have holes to prevent softer cheeses from sticking to the blade. The holes reduce the surface area that the cheese can stick to, allowing for cleaner and easier cuts. This feature is particularly helpful when dealing with moist, sticky cheeses, ensuring that the slices come off the knife smoothly and retain their shape.
What knife do you use for brie?
For brie, a soft cheese knife is typically used. This type of knife has a thin, narrow blade with a pointed tip, and sometimes includes holes to prevent the cheese from sticking. The design allows it to easily cut through the creamy texture of the brie without causing the cheese to crumble or stick to the blade. A cheese wire cutter can also be used for a very clean cut.
