Cheese Knife Guide: Types and Uses
By Guy Degrenne - The tableware specialist | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to choose and use the right cheese knife for every cheese type, from soft brie to hard parmesan, with practical tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
A cheese knife is not one-size-fits-all: the blade shape and edge determine which cheese it cuts best, so matching the knife to the cheese texture is the key to clean slices and intact presentation.
Why the right cheese knife matters
Using the wrong knife can crush soft cheeses or make hard cheeses splinter. Each cheese type has a different structure, and the blade is designed to work with that structure rather than against it.
A good cheese knife also protects the cheese board surface and keeps your serving pieces in better condition over time.
What to look for in a cheese knife
Blade material matters: stainless steel resists corrosion and is easy to clean. The Verlaine collection from Guy Degrenne offers classic polished stainless steel with a discreet border that provides a precise grip, suitable for formal table settings.
Handle comfort and balance affect control. A well-balanced knife makes cutting through dense or sticky cheeses safer and more consistent.
How to choose and use a cheese knife in 4 steps
- Identify the cheese texture: Soft cheeses like brie or camembert need a thin, wide blade with holes or a cleft to prevent sticking. Semi-hard cheeses like gouda work with a curved blade. Hard cheeses like parmesan require a short, stubby blade with a pointed tip to break into shards. Check the cheese firmness before picking a knife; a soft cheese cut with a hard cheese knife will smear.
- Match the blade edge to the cut: A straight edge slices cleanly through semi-hard and hard cheeses. A forked tip helps transfer the slice from board to plate. A serrated edge grips soft rinds and prevents the blade from sliding. If the cheese has a natural rind, use a serrated blade to saw through it without crushing the interior.
- Hold the knife at the correct angle: For soft cheeses, use a gentle sawing motion with the blade nearly flat. For hard cheeses, press straight down with the tip first. For crumbly cheeses, use a rocking motion with a curved blade. Avoid twisting the blade while cutting hard cheese — it can cause the cheese to crack unpredictably.
- Clean and store the knife properly: Wash stainless steel cheese knives by hand with mild soap and dry immediately to prevent water spots. Store in a drawer with a blade guard or in a cutlery tray to protect the edge. Never put a cheese knife in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is dishwasher-safe.
Product facts
- Cheese Knife: The Verlaine collection offers classic stainless steel cutlery with a polished finish and a discreet border for a precise grip. This gives you a reliable, balanced cheese knife that works well for semi-hard to hard cheeses and fits a formal table setting.
Cheese Knife
