Easy Cheese Cutting: Get the Right Knife for Every Cheese

Cheese is a beloved food item enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you're a gourmet cheese connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a good snack, proper cheese cutting can greatly enhance your culinary experience. Many people underestimate the importance of using the right knife for different types of cheese, but it can make a significant difference in how the cheese tastes and handles.

Soft Cheese
Soft cheese varieties such as brie, camembert, and goat cheese have a creamy texture and delicate rind. These cheeses require a knife that can cut through their soft interior without squishing or sticking. A cheese wire or cheese slicer is the ideal tool for soft cheeses, as it allows for clean and precise cuts. For spreading soft cheese, a cheese spreader or butter knife works perfectly.

Semi-Soft Cheese
Semi-soft cheese like cheddar, gouda, and havarti have a slightly firmer texture compared to the soft varieties. A sturdy cheese knife with a sharp, wide blade is ideal for cutting through these cheeses. The sharpness allows for smooth slices, while the wide blade provides enough leverage to cut through the cheese without it crumbling. This type of knife is also great for cubing or slicing semi-soft cheese for charcuterie boards or sandwiches.

Hard Cheese
Hard cheese, such as Parmesan, pecorino, and aged cheddar, is known for its dense and firm texture. To handle these types of cheese, you'll need a cheese knife with a strong and sturdy blade. A cheese plane or a cheese cleaver works best as they can easily cut through the hard surface and create thin slices or chunks. A cheese plane is also great for shaving thin layers of hard cheese to add to salads or pastas.

Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a category of cheese known for its distinct and pungent flavor. It has a crumbly texture with veins of blue mold running through it. To cut blue cheese, a cheese knife with a narrow, pointed blade is ideal. The narrow blade allows for precise cuts, while the pointed tip helps in avoiding the moldy veins if desired. If you're a fan of blue cheese, consider investing in a cheese knife specifically designed for this type of cheese.

Fresh Cheese
Fresh cheese varieties like ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are soft and moist. These cheeses don't require any specific knives for cutting, as they can easily be scooped or spread. A spoon, spatula, or butter knife will work perfectly for these cheeses.


Having the right knife for every type of cheese can significantly enhance your cheese tasting experience. From soft and creamy to hard and crumbly, each cheese requires a different tool to achieve the perfect cut. So, next time you're preparing a cheese platter or making a delicious sandwich, make sure to have the right knife on hand. Your taste buds will thank you!