Chefs have a way of making cheese preparation a seamless art form. They know how to slice, cube, and grate the cheese perfectly for every dish they create. To achieve the same level of mastery, you need to equip yourself with the right tools.
Cheese knife is a special category among all the kitchen knives. A cheese knife is crucial for any home cook who wants to make delicious cheese dishes. The different types of cheese knives come in varied shapes, sizes, and styles, but all have diverse functionalities. Among these knives, we have the Gorgonzola knife, a chisel knife, cheese spreader, narrow plane, rind cutter, and grater, and many others.
Creating the perfect cheese dish requires more than just a cheese knife. Knowing how the knives differ will help you choose the right blade for the job. This article looks at the different cheese knives and their various functions, among other tools you need to create the perfect cheese dish.
Table of contents
Types of cheese knives
Below is a detailed description of the different types of cheese knives and their functions.
Cheese cleaver
It’s easy to confuse a cheese cleaver with a Chinese meat cleaver, but there is a big difference. While the two knives look somewhat similar, a cheese cleaver is smaller and lighter. The design of the knife makes it perfect for cutting through semi-hard cheese without crushing or tearing it.
Examples of such cheeses are the gouda or the brick cheese. The cheese cleaver blade curves gently towards the blunt end, which helps in slicing the cheese without applying too much pressure. The wide rectangular blade also allows for efficient cubing, slicing, and dicing of the cheese.
Gorgonzola knife
As the name suggests, this knife is specifically designed for cutting Gorgonzola cheese. It features a narrow but long blade with an extremely sharp edge perfect for delicate slicing. It stands out as a unique cheese knife with a curved blade that balls out at the tip.
The gorgonzola cheese knife is perfect for slicing soft cheese without tearing or mashing them. It’s easy to confuse it with a cheese spreader but the former is better for slicing into small pieces while the latter is ideal for spreading cheese on bread or crackers.
Cheese spreader
If you are still using a butter knife to spread cheese on your bread, then it’s time to upgrade to a real cheese spreader. This knife has a blunt ended blade specially designed for spreading cheese on bread, crackers, or even pizza. The curvy design of the blade helps in getting the cheese to every nook and cranny for a perfect spread.
Some people would refer to it as a spatula knife because of its wide and flat blade. While it can’t cut slices of cheese like a cheese cleaver, it is perfect for spreading soft and semi-soft cheese like brie or ricotta. By having a designated cheese spreader in your knife set, you’ll be able to produce restaurant-quality cheese spreads at home.
Chisel knife
The chisel knife also known as the flat cheese knife is an everyday workhorse in any cheese lover’s kitchen. It features a paddle-like blade that is perfect for slicing semi-hard to semi soft cheese. The blade is short and flat with a sharpened edge that makes it easy to cut through cheese without mashing it.
To use the knife, hold it vertically above the cheese and gently slice downwards. An added advantage of the chisel knife is that the blade is easy to clean and does not require specialized sharpening. By having a chisel knife in your knife set, you’ll be able to tackle a wide variety of cheese dishes.
Soft cheese knife
If you are a cheese fanatic, then you’ve experienced a situation where when cutting your cheese some of it sticks to the knife and falls off in big chunks. This is a common occurrence when slicing soft cheese with a hard cheese knife. The solution to this problem is to use a soft cheese knife.
A soft cheese knife is specially designed with a smaller surface area so that it can easily cut through soft cheese with minimal sticking. Some designs are extremely thin while others have holes in the blade. With the reduced surface area comes a lightweight design that makes it easy for slicing soft cheese without applying too much pressure. Whether you are onto mozzarella or brie, a soft cheese knife is a must-have in your knife set.
Parmesan knife
A parmesan cheese knife is a specialized knife used for cutting parmesan cheese. It has a sharp and thin blade that is pointed towards the tip. Parmesan knives feature a drone-like blade that helps in getting the cheese out of the container.
The knife has a simple design with a comfortable grip. As an added bonus, the knife can also be used for slicing other hard cheeses. If you are looking for a specialized cheese knife, the parmesan knife is a great option.
Offset cheese knife
The offset cheese knife is a multi-purpose knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks. It features a sturdy blade long and thin enough to handle most cheese slicing tasks. The blade is also offset from the handle, which gives the user more control when slicing.
Users can leverage the design to maximize their slicing power and get clean even slices. The thin blade minimizes sticking while the sturdy nature ensures that the knife doesn’t bend or flex when slicing through hard cheese. In addition to slicing cheese, the offset knife can also be used for cutting fruits and vegetables.
Pronged cheese knife
A pronged cheese knife is the perfect tool for removing cheese from a wheel or block. However, it’s also a multipurpose cheese knife best suited for cutting any type of cheese from semi hard to soft. It has a sharp blade with two prongs that curve towards the blade. The prongs help in securely picking the cheese and plating it.
The knife also features a sharp blade that ensures clean cuts with each slice. Its narrow size also makes it easy to handle and control. The pronged cheese knife is a great addition to any cheese lover’s kitchen and can be used for a variety of tasks.
Other tools you need for cutting cheese
The perfect cheese slicing experience doesn’t stop with the right knife. There are a few other tools you need to make sure your cheese slices are neat and accurate. Below are a few of the most important ones.
Cheese plane
A cheese plane is a handheld tool used for shaving thin slices of cheese off a block or wheel. It is a great option for getting clean and accurate slices without crushing the cheese. The plane features a sharpened blade used to shave the cheese and a flat surface for resting your hand.
While some blades are flat some are serrated, which helps in cutting through harder cheeses. The angle of the blade determines the size of the slice. To use the plane, hold it at a slight angle and gently shave the cheese. Make sure to hold the cheese tight as you shave to avoid it from slipping.
Cheese wire
A cheese wire is a thin wire with a handle used for slicing semi-hard to hard cheeses. It is the best option for slicing through cheese without smashing or mashing it. The wire is also easy to clean and does not require specialized sharpening.
The wire allows you to determine the thickness of the slice and is great for both large and small chunks of cheese. In addition to slicing, the wire can also be used for breaking off chunks of cheese. Its simple design gives users complete control when slicing.
Cheese grater
A cheese grater is a handheld tool with a series of sharp blades used for grating cheese. It is the perfect tool for grating hard and semi-hard cheeses. The grater comes with different size holes that allow you to grate the cheese to the desired thickness.
Most cheese graters are made of stainless steel and are easy to clean. In addition to grating cheese, the grater can also be used for grating other kitchen items such as carrots, potatoes and onions. The basic design of a cheese grater makes it a great tool for any kitchen.
Cheese shaver
A cheese shaver is a handheld tool used for shaving thin slices of cheese off a block or wheel. It’s perfect for cutting hard and semi hard cheeses. The shaver is perfect for preparing sandwiches, salads and other dishes that require thin cheese slices.
Using a shaver is a simple process. First, find the area on the cheese you want to shave and then apply pressure while moving the shaver in a downward motion. Shave until you reach the desired thickness. Make sure to apply pressure evenly or you will end up with an uneven slice.
Small spade
A small spade is a handy tool used for scooping soft cheese out of a container. It is perfect for transferring cheese to a plate or cutting board. The small spade is also great for serving cheese at parties or gatherings. You can use it to cut chunk wedges of cheese or to serve soft cheese spreads.
The small spade is a simple tool with a sharp blade and a comfortable handle. It is perfect for any kitchen and can be used for a variety of tasks. With its small size, the spade is easy to store and transport.
Do I need a whole set of cheese knives?
The need for a set of cheese knives depends on your culinary needs. If you are an avid cheese lover, then a set of specialized knives is a must have. However, if you only occasionally cook with cheese, then a few basic knives will do the trick.
No matter what your needs are, a good quality set of cheese knives is a valuable addition to any kitchen. With the right knives, you can easily slice, grate or shave any type of cheese. However, note that a set of cheese knives won’t always include every knife you might need.
Some manufacturers will have a specific knife for each type of cheese, while others will have a few general knives that can be used for multiple types of cheeses. In the end, it’s up to you to decide which knives work best for your needs.
Essential cheese knives
For occasional cheese cooks, some essential kitchen knives alongside a cheese grater or a wire cheese slicer can do the job for most hard cheeses, whereas a soft cheese spade might be the best option for transferring and serving soft types. Consider other cheese utensils such as a spatula knife for fondue or a wire whisk for sauces, if needed.
Other essential cheese knives include:
- Cheese cleaver
- Chisel knife
- Cheese spreader
- Gorgonzola knife
Having these knives in your set will give you the ability to work with a wide variety of cheeses without having to purchase specialty knives.
FAQs about cheese knives
How to make a cheese plate
To make a cheese plate, start by selecting a variety of cheeses. Use blue cheese, brie, sharp white cheddar cheese and goat cheese. Then, add some fruit such as grapes, apples and pears. Finally, top it off with a few nuts such as almonds or walnuts. Some people prefer adding sliced salami and prosciutto to their cheese plates as well.
Why do cheese knives have holes?
Holes on cheese knives reduce the surface area that comes into contact with the cheese, which helps to prevent sticking. By ensuring less contact with the cheese, the knife will move more easily through the cheese and create a neater cut. Additionally, the holes help to release moisture and keep the knife from slipping.
Closing
A good collection of different types of cheese knives is an invaluable addition to any kitchen. With the right knives, you can easily slice, grate or shave any type of cheese. Whether you are a professional chef or an occasional cook, having the right tools is essential. By understanding how to use each knife, you can create delicious and elegant cheese plates that will impress your friends and family.
Visit our blog for more information on cheese knives and other cheese utensils. You can also check out our store for high quality handmade kitchen knives that will change the way you cook.
