Cheese Knife Types and What Each Shape Is For

Cheese knife types suit different textures: a thin or perforated blade slices sticky Brie, while a sturdy straight blade portions cheddar. A short Parmesan knife breaks brittle cheese into chunks, and a blunt spreader handles creamy cheese.

If you already have a cheese set, use the shapes below to identify each piece. The plane, wire and fork are included because they often sit alongside the knives.

What are the different cheese knife types used for?

Match the blade to the cheese's texture and the portion you want to serve.

A forked tip and a perforated blade can appear on the same knife. An offset handle sits above the cutting edge to give your knuckles room as you finish a cut. These features can overlap, so count the jobs a set covers before counting its pieces.

Which knife is best for Brie and soft cheese?

Use a thin blade for neat Brie wedges, or a spreader when the cheese is soft enough to spread.

Holes reduce the metal touching sticky cheese. A solid blade can still work: wipe away cheese residue between cuts so it does not drag through the next slice. Holes pass through the blade, while shallow scallops are indentations. The hollow edge guide explains how scallops differ from a hollow grind.

For a small Brie or Camembert wheel, cut wedges through the centre so each portion includes rind and the softer middle. With a blue cheese that falls apart under a blade, try a cheese wire. Very runny cheese can be served with a small spoon.

Which knife should you use for cheddar or Parmesan?

Use a straight cutting blade for cheddar slices and a Parmesan knife for chunks of very hard aged cheese.

A small cheese cleaver suits a firm cheddar block. Use a plane if you want thin sandwich slices instead. Support the cheese on a stable board and keep your fingers clear of the cut.

The thick point of a Parmesan knife enters the cheese and helps separate a chunk along its natural breaks. Use it on a small, stable wedge and keep your other hand away from the point. Save thin kitchen blades for slicing.

What is a cheese spreader for?

A cheese spreader carries and spreads creamy cheese onto bread or crackers.

The Ji Series butter knife has a rounded tip and a spreading blade for butter or soft cheese.

Do you need special cheese knives?

A sharp kitchen knife is enough for many firm cheeses, so try your existing knives before buying a set.

For small cheddar portions, a kitchen utility knife is a practical substitute. Kitchen utility knives also cover other food preparation jobs, and the utility knife guide explains their size and uses.

Start with one cutting knife and a spreader. Add a wire if delicate cheese keeps breaking, or a Parmesan knife if you regularly serve aged chunks. A large matching set makes sense only when its pieces suit your board.

Xinzuo's cheese knife collection includes knives for slicing and serving cheese. The Supreme Series 6 inch cheese knife is designed for portioning firm and soft cheeses at the board. Xinzuo does not currently list dedicated cheese wires or planes, and there is no Parmesan knife in the range.

How do you get cleaner cheese portions?

Use a clean blade and choose a cut that suits the cheese's shape.

Glass cutting boards are one of the mistakes I see customers make. Slate, glass and marble platters dull knife edges. Cut portions on wood or food-safe plastic, then transfer the cheese to the platter.

Cut small rounds into wedges and cheese logs across into discs. For a rectangular block, make slices or manageable pieces before portioning further. Arizona Culinary Institute's cheese cutting advice explains how shape affects the cut and confirms that a chef's knife can handle firm cheeses.

Put a separate utensil beside each cheese when serving guests, especially a strong blue beside a mild cheese. This helps keep flavours separate. After serving, hand wash the knives and dry them promptly. Follow the daily knife care guide for storage and edge care.

Frequently asked questions

Why is a cheese knife shaped like that?

The shape helps with cutting or serving a particular texture. A narrow blade limits contact with sticky cheese, while a short, thick Parmesan blade helps break firm chunks.

Why do cheese knives have holes?

The openings reduce the blade surface touching the cheese, which helps slices release. They are useful with sticky cheese, but a clean solid blade can also slice it.

What is a flat cheese knife used for?

The small paddle shaped knife in a cheese set is usually a chisel for separating portions of firm cheese with its bottom edge. A rounded, blunt paddle is a spreader, so check the edge before using it.

What are the different types of Australian cheese?

Australian makers produce cheddar, soft white-mould styles such as Brie and Camembert, blue cheese and fresh cheeses such as feta and ricotta. Match the knife to texture: a local soft white-mould cheese suits a thin blade, while firm cheddar suits a straight cutting blade.

Should you buy one cheese knife or a set?

Start with one knife if you mostly serve the same cheese. Choose a set when its different tools solve jobs you actually have, and check that it includes a spreader if creamy cheese is a regular choice.

I recommend a good knife as a gift because it's a luxury people rarely buy for themselves. For a cheese lover, choose the shape for the cheese they serve before considering a matching set or personalisation.

Before guests arrive, cut the first portion of each cheese and leave its utensil beside it. That gives everyone a useful guide to the next cut.