Types of Cheese Knives: All You Need to Know

Types of Cheese Knives: All You Need to Know

When it comes to cheese, there are several ways to slice, dice, and serve it. From soft brie to hard cheddar, different types of cheese require different types of knives. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of cheese knives, how to use them, and which cheeses they work best with.

1. The Cheese Plane

The cheese plane, also known as a cheese slicer, is a flat tool with a sharp blade used to slice thin, even pieces of cheese. The blade is positioned on a slight angle to help guide the plane through the cheese. This type of knife is best suited for medium to hard cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss.

When using a cheese plane, start by placing the blade at the edge of the cheese, perpendicular to the rind. Hold the cheese with one hand and firmly press the cheese plane down with the other while making a smooth, even motion across the cheese. Repeat until you have the desired amount of cheese.

2. The Cheese Knife

A cheese knife is a versatile tool with a sharp, curved blade that works well on soft or semi-soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat cheese. The curved blade allows for easy cutting and scooping of the cheese.

To use a cheese knife, place the blade at the edge of the cheese and slowly press down while dragging the blade towards you. This motion will cut the cheese without causing it to crumble. Then, use the curved portion of the blade to scoop up a slice and place it on a plate or board.

3. The Cheese Cleaver

A cheese cleaver, also known as a cheese hatchet, is a heavy-duty tool with a wide, flat blade used to cut hard cheeses like Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano. The sharp blade easily cuts through the hard rind and breaks apart the cheese.

When using a cheese cleaver, position the blade at the edge of the cheese and firmly press down while using a rocking motion. This motion will break the cheese apart into smaller, manageable pieces.

4. The Cheese Fork

A cheese fork, also known as a cheese pick, is a small tool with two or three prongs used to pick up pieces of cheese and transfer them to a plate or board. This type of knife is best suited for softer cheeses like feta, blue cheese, and Roquefort.

When using a cheese fork, insert the prongs into the cheese and gently lift it up. Avoid applying too much pressure to the cheese, as this can cause it to crumble.

5. The Parmesan Knife

A parmesan knife, also known as a cheese plane or cheese shaver, is a unique tool used specifically for shaving thin slices of Parmesan cheese. The blade is long, flat, and serrated to help create thin, delicate slices of the hard cheese.

To use a parmesan knife, hold the cheese in one hand and the knife in the other. Place the knife at a slight angle on the edge of the cheese and gently shave off a thin slice. Repeat until you have the desired amount of cheese.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cheese knife can make all the difference in your cheese-serving experience. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a simple snack, knowing which type of knife to use for each cheese will help you achieve the perfect slice every time. Remember to always use a clean, sharp knife to ensure the best results, and experiment with different types of knives and cheeses to discover your favorites.