Cheese knives are one of those kitchen tools that are easy to lose at the back of a drawer. You may not know exactly what they are or even if they're sharp. Understandably, there is anonymity surrounding these tools, given their often unique shapes. However, we have done some extensive research to give you a reason to dig out those cheese knives from your drawers and start using them!
Whether a cheese knife is sharp or not depends on which type it is. Several different kinds of cheese knives have different intended purposes. Some are sharp, and some are not. Here are some different types of cheese knives that have different shapes and edges:
- Pronged cheese knife - sharp
- Soft cheese knife - sharp
- Cheese spreader - dull
- Cheese cleaver - sharp
- Flat cheese knife - sharp
- Plane knife - sharp
- Parmesan knife - sharp
It can be tempting to grab whatever knife is available to cut your cheese every time. While this is convenient, it may just cause you a headache. Cheese knives are made so perfectly for this job that you may be upset that you didn't do it sooner once you start using one. Make sure to keep reading below to learn the ins and outs of each kind of cheese knife!
1. Pronged Cheese Knife
This type is probably what pops into your head when you think of a cheese knife. It has a relatively standard knife-shaped blade, but the tip is pronged, like a small fork. They also typically have holes in the blade, which minimizes the cheese sticking as you cut it.
These cheese knives have a sharp edge and are suitable for most types of cheese. They can handle hard to soft cheese, which is why they might be the best kind to have all around.
Click here to shop for pronged cheese knives on Amazon!
Why Do Cheese Knives Have Two Points?
Pronged cheese knives have two points to help with serving. They're made to put out at a party or gathering, and you can cut a slice of cheese then use the pronged end to pick up the cheese slice easily. This makes serving cheese much easier.
2. Soft Cheese Knife
These cheese knives are pretty similar to pronged cheese knives. The main difference is that these knives don't have prongs. Soft cheese knives have a sharp edge and holes in the blade to ease the cutting of cheeses. It can also be used effectively for semi-hard cheeses because of its sharp edge.
Shop for soft cheese knives on Amazon here!
3. Cheese Spreader
These cheese knives are meant for spreading the cheese and not cutting it. They have short, wide, and rounded blades that make them perfect for the job. The blades are dull as it's not necessary for sharp edges with very soft cheeses and spreads. They are also great for cream cheese and other spreadable dips!
Check out cheese spreaders on Amazon!
4. Cheese Cleaver
As the name implies, these tools are basically miniature cleavers. They have the same shape and sharp edge as a standard cleaver. Their smaller shape is perfect for cutting cheeses. Cheese cleavers are excellent for harder cheeses like cheddar because the shape adds to the ability to cut through.
Click here to shop for cheese cleavers on Amazon!
5. Flat Cheese Knife
These cheese knives are also known as chisel knives. They have a flat design like a serving tool with a sharp bottom edge. Flat cheese knives are used by holding it vertical and pushing down on the cheese with their sharp edge. They are perfect for aged cheeses.
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6. Plane Knife
These cheese knives are very similar to flat cheese knives, but they have a slightly different shape. They are thinner and more square, very much like a word working plane. The other difference in this knife is that while the end of it is generally sharp, one or both sides are usually sharp. It is meant for easily chipping away and a large block of cheese.
Look for plane cheese knives on Amazon!
7. Parmesan Knife
This knife is made especially for cutting those tricky chunks of parmesan. It has a small, short blade that starts of fat and comes to a point at the end. One side of the blade is sharp to cut through the hard rind of the parmesan. It usually resembles an arrowhead and sometimes has a serrated edge. Its design also makes it good for cutting through other hard and aged cheeses.
Click here to shop for parmesan knives on Amazon!
More Cheese Knife Questions
As you can see, there are many different kinds of cheese knives! Each one has its uniqueness that makes it suitable for a specific job or type of cheese. However, there are other things to consider about this situation than just which type of cheese knife to pick. Here are some other things that may cross your mind when choosing the perfect knife for you!
What Is Special About A Cheese Knife?
This question really depends on which type of knife you are talking about. In general, cheese knives are better than a standard knife because of their different designs. Cheese knives with holes in the blade are great because the lessened surface area means that the cheese won't stick as badly.
The pronged cheese knife has the added purpose of being a great serving tool! What's the most special about cheese knives are the unique shapes that make each of them great at their job.
What Is The Best Knife For Cheese?
If your looking for just one cheese knife to do the job of all of them, then the pronged knife is probably your best bet. For added versatility, make sure to get one with holes in the blade! These knives are great for effectively cutting soft and hard cheeses.
You can also spread soft cheeses and creams with them, but it won't be as effective as a cheese spreader's side flat blade with the holes. The best way to pick the best cheese knife for you is to think about what kind of cheeses you need it for the most. Then just pick the best knife for that type of cheese!
Does Cutting Cheese Dull Knives?
As long as you have a good knife for the job and use it properly, cheese shouldn't dull it. Using the correct knife for the type of cheese your cutting is the best way to ensure that the blade won't become dull.
However, if you use the wrong knife, it may damage it. Trying to cut a thick and hard cheese like cheddar with a bread knife, for example, will dull it eventually. Aside from using the proper knife, the best practice is always to do routine maintenance on your knives and sharpen them regularly.
Can You Use Any Knife To Cut Cheese?
While you may be able to get away with one type of cheese knife, can you use any kind of knife? It's convenient to just grab a steak knife or chef's knife and use that for cheese. You can cut cheese with these types of knives, but you may find yourself putting in more effort than necessary.
The cheese will most likely stick to the blade, hindering the process. It may also be harder to make even, clean slices in harder cheeses. For the best cheese cutting process, it's good to have at least one knife that's meant for that job.
Finishing Touches
There are many different kinds and varieties of cheese knives. Most of them have at least one sharp edge, but some do not. The job that you need the knife to do is what should determine the type that you choose.
There are tons of different kinds of cheeses with different textures, firmness, and thickness. So it makes sense that there would be different tools to match the range of cheeses. When thinking about which cheese knife is perfect for you, just think about the cheese that you want to use it on most!
Click on the links below to learn more about how to handle cheese in your kitchen!
What Oil Do You Put On A Wooden Cheese Board? [For Maintenance]
Can You Grate Cheese In A Blender?
Can You Microwave Brie Cheese?
What Size Should A Cheese Board Be?
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