Buying guide
Cheese Knives for a Christmas Cheese Board
Soft cheese sticks to an ordinary knife and hard cheese crumbles. The three cheese knives that cover every board.
Ad: this guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you (how we make money).
A cheese board is the easiest Christmas course to put together, and the right knives make serving it far tidier.
Our shortlist
Shortlist in progress
We only list products once their specifications have been checked against the manufacturer or retailer. Until then, use the criteria in this guide to compare what's available.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
The three knives that matter
| Knife | Shape | For |
|---|---|---|
| Soft cheese knife | Holes in the blade so cheese does not stick | Brie, Camembert, soft goat's cheese |
| Hard cheese knife (or cleaver) | Strong, often with a forked tip | Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester |
| Parmesan knife | Short, spade-shaped point | Breaking very hard cheese into chunks |
A cheese plane shaves thin slices from semi-hard cheese, and a spreader serves soft and blue cheeses.
Putting the board together
- Three to five cheeses: something soft, something hard, a blue and a goat's cheese.
- Give each cheese its own knife so flavours do not mix.
- Take cheese out of the fridge an hour before serving.
Serve with Scottish oatcakes, chutney and grapes.
Frequently asked questions
Why do cheese knives have holes?
The holes reduce the surface area touching soft cheese, so it does not stick to the blade.
How many cheeses should be on a cheese board?
Three to five is plenty: a mix of soft, hard, blue and goat's cheese.
When should cheese come out of the fridge?
About an hour before serving, so the flavour and texture come through.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
