Prodyne KM-4-W Froma Marble Cheese Knife Set, 4-Piece

The next time you slice cheese, think twice before grabbing the same knife you use for cutting other foods. The right cheese knife can make a big difference in how clean and effortless each cut is. Traditionally, etiquette experts have said you need to have a full set, using a different cheese knife for each type you serve. However, there are now multipurpose cheese knives that can handle every type of cheese, along with other foods like vegetables and even sausage.

Before you start shopping for a cheese knife, it can help to know the different purposes each blade type serves. For soft cheeses, the ideal knife will have holes in the blade, along with a sharp edge. This helps prevent sticking. For very soft, spreadable cheeses, though, you’ll need a cheese spreader, which has a dull edge and rounded blade.

Creamy cheeses like gorgonzola need the same rounded blade but also a sharp blade to tackle those rinds. A hard cheese like cheddar needs a more substantial knife, though, with a rectangular blade and a sharp, long edge. Excessively hard cheeses like asiago and provolone need a long, straight blade with a sharp edge.

It may seem hard to believe one knife could tackle all those tasks, but you’ll find multipurpose knives are built so that you use different areas of the blade depending on the type of cheese you prefer. You likely already know the most common cheeses you’ll serve, though, so if you choose a multipurpose option, take a look at the blade and make sure it will be the right tool for the job.

Lastly, there’s storage. You probably won’t be using your cheese knives every day, so consider purchasing a knife block or box to keep them in. Some cheese boards come with drawers that provide great storage for your knives.

• With knives, durability is always a consideration. Stainless steel is usually a safe bet, providing rust and corrosion resistance. Although some knives are heat resistant, as well, you’ll get the best results if you hand wash your knives rather than running them through the dishwasher.
• Unless you’ve used cheese knives before, you may want to put some time into studying various cheese types and the best knives for cutting them. This type of research can also help introduce you to new types of cheese you haven’t yet tried.
• Handles are very important with knives. An ergonomic design will keep you comfortable, but design can also help with control, preventing slips that lead to injury.
• Some knives come in boxes that you can also use for storage. Since storage is always an issue with extra utensils, this could come in handy, but you may find you get a more lasting storage case by buying it separately.
• For storage, another consideration is whether your knife will be safe where you keep it. If you’re sliding it into the drawer with your other utensils, a protective sleeve could help with safety while also giving you an easy storage option.
• Keep in mind that some cheese knives can be very small. If you have larger hands, this could be a problem, making a multipurpose knife with a long handle and blade a better option.
• If you opt for a multipurpose cheese knife, take a look at the layout and make sure you’ll be able to easily use it to cut the types of cheese you like.
• Some types of knives have blades built to also handle food like fruits, vegetables and sausage. This can come in handy when you’re preparing finger foods for entertaining.
• Even the best knife can lose its edge over time. You may want to invest in a knife sharpener to keep everything in tiptop shape.