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Best Cheese Knife Sets

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Icosa Living Premium 6-Piece Cheese Knife Set
Icosa Living
Premium 6-Piece Cheese Knife Set
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Wear-proof and rust-proof set that comes with all the vital knives.

Pros

A 6-piece set of stainless steel cheese knives that also comes with an easy-to-read cheese guide. Included pieces are a pronged soft cheese knife, a heart-shaped cheese knife, a hard cheese knife, and a cheese chisel, plus a fork and spreader.

Cons

Does not come with any other accessories.

Best Bang for the Buck
Freehawk 4-Piece Cheese Knife Set
Freehawk
4-Piece Cheese Knife Set
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Simple, stylish cheese knife set that comes with only the essentials.

Pros

This 4-piece knife set comes with a cheese fork, shovel, and 2 knives, all with comfortable and sturdy bamboo handles. Stainless steel construction is long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Blades are sharp and can work with any cheese.

Cons

Bamboo handles require extra care.

Cuisine Wonders Large Slate Cheese Board & Knife Set
Cuisine Wonders
Large Slate Cheese Board & Knife Set
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Photo-ready Presentation
Bottom Line

A roomy cheese board and knife set for parties and events.

Pros

This large slate cheese board sports rustic flaked edges serves and displays a cheese plate stylishly, and the handles can be removed for cleaning. Four stainless steel pieces include three knives and a cheese fork. Also comes with two soapstone chalks for writing on the slate.

Cons

Cheeses may stain the slate if it isn’t sealed with food-safe oils first. The edges can be rough.

Boska Copenhagen Mini Knife Set
Boska
Copenhagen Mini Knife Set
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Small and Light
Bottom Line

A European-style set of mini cheese knives.

Pros

From a popular Dutch brand known for its cheese tools, this four-piece set includes prongs on both its hard and soft cheese knives and cutouts in the soft cheese knife for ease of slicing. All the knives are lightweight hollow stainless steel and dishwasher-safe. Backed by a 10-year guarantee.

Cons

As “mini” knives, they can be quite small for some users.

Slice of Goodness Cheese Knife Set for Charcuterie
Slice of Goodness
Cheese Knife Set for Charcuterie
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Magnetic Design
Bottom Line

A magnetized display base makes this set stand out.

Pros

The acacia-wood base contains embedded magnets for displaying all four pieces in an eye-catching and sanitary fashion. The one-piece stainless steel knives have thick, rounded handles for comfortable grip. Includes three knives and a cheese fork.

Cons

Some users wish the magnets could be more powerful to hold the knives more firmly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best cheese knife sets

If you want to serve some quick, easy, and delicious hors d'oeuvres, it’s hard to top a perfectly selected cheese board. When serving this mouth-watering delight, don’t forget the knife (or better yet, a cheese knife set) for cutting and spreading.

A cheese knife set includes a variety of knives designed specifically for cutting cheese. Most sets feature four to eight knives, some of which are for hard cheese and some of which are for soft cheese. When purchasing a set like this, you might receive some other cheese-serving tools as well.

Since most people have limited drawer space, it’s a good idea to put thought into your purchase before selecting a cheese knife set. In this buying guide, we sink our teeth into the particulars: types of cheese knives, other tools you might like to own, prices, frequently asked questions, and more. 

cheese knife set
Make sure you have a different knife for each type of cheese on your cheese board to prevent the mixing of flavors.

Key considerations

Knife types

Cheese knife sets can feature many different types of knives, so it’s essential to understand each type to determine what you need.

Hard cheese knife: As the name implies, this knife works well for cutting aged, hard cheese without crumbling. It features a short, thick blade.

Soft cheese knife: This knife is designed for cutting soft cheeses without the cheese sticking to the blade. The blade is usually curved so you can also use it to spread the cheese.

Cheese spreader: This knife is used for spreading soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or Boursin.

Pronged cheese knife: This knife is similar to a soft cheese knife and works well for cutting soft to semi-hard cheeses.

Cheese plane: This knife is used to cut slices of semi-soft to semi-hard cheeses like Muenster.

Cheese cleaver: This knife has a large, rectangular blade that works well for cutting hard or semi-hard cheese like cheddar.

Chisel knife: This knife is ideal for cutting soft, crumbly cheese like blue cheese. Its wide, flat blade allows you to spread the cheese too. It also works well for cutting thicker, semi-soft cheeses into small pieces.

Parm knife: This knife may also be known as a spade knife or bell knife and features a sharp tip to cut hard cheeses like Parmesan.

Materials

Cheese knife sets can feature knives made of various materials. When it comes to the blades, stainless steel is the best option because it doesn’t rust easily and is easy to wash. Porcelain blades can also work well, though you’ll usually pay more for a set that features them.

Consider the handle material too. Wooden handles generally feel the most comfortable in the hand because they’re softer and lighter than metal handles. Metal handles usually offer a better grip, though, so you may want to look for a cheese knife set with handles that features wooden handles with metal grips.

Dyk1
Did You Know?
A soft cheese knife usually has holes in the blade to prevent the cheese from sticking to it.
Staff
BestReviews

Features

Number of knives

Cheese knife sets usually contain four to eight knives. If you’re new to making cheese boards or platters, a basic set with four knives should provide the essentials you need. However, if you enjoy an array of cheeses, you may prefer a set with six different knives to cover even more options. When gifting a cheese knife set to a friend or relative, a set with four or six pieces is typically the safest choice.

A cheese knife set with eight knives is usually best for true cheese aficionados. It will offer a knife for nearly every type of cheese you might serve, including rare varieties.

Other cheese tools

Some cheese knife sets include other tools for handling cheese in addition to the knives. You can find sets that include:

  • A cheese fork for semi-soft to hard cheeses
  • A cheese wire for soft to semi-soft cheeses
  • A cheese grater for semi-hard to hard cheeses

Storage case

Some high-end cheese knife sets include a storage container to keep the knives safe when not in use. A storage box or set can help keep the blades sharp and damage-free while ensuring you don’t accidentally cut yourself when storing them in a drawer.

Board

Most cheese knife sets don’t include a cheese board, but some high-end options come with a decorative cheese platter. The board is typically made of wood, though some more expensive sets may feature a marble cheese board.

Some cheese knife sets include a rind cutter, making it easier to cut the rind on semi-hard to hard cheeses like Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

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BestReviews

Accessories

Cheese board: Dragonn Bamboo Cheese Board Set
If you opt for a cheese knife set that doesn’t include a board, you’ll definitely want to purchase a separate cheese board. We’re big fans of this option from Dragonn because it’s made of eco-friendly bamboo that’s as attractive as it is functional.

White wine: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé
White wine and cheese is a classic combination, and you can’t go wrong with this rich and charming bottle from Louis Jadot. Pair it with your cheese board at your next get-together or serve it with pasta at your next dinner party.

Cheese knife set prices

Inexpensive: The most affordable cheese knife sets usually contain four basic knives for $6 to $25. The knives may be completely stainless steel, or they may be stainless blades with wooden handles. You are unlikely to get a holder or cheese board with your purchase in this price range.

Mid-range: Mid-range cheese knife sets typically contain six knives for $22 to $55. The knives may be entirely stainless or stainless with wooden handles. Some sets in the price range include a cheese board or some type of holder.

Expensive: For $55 to $100, you will find the priciest cheese knife sets. These sets usually contain eight knives. They are typically made entirely of stainless steel, though some sets still feature wooden handles. Most options in this price range also come with a cheese board and knife holder.

Dyk2
Did You Know?
If you don’t have a specialty cheese board on which to arrange your cheese, your favorite cutting board can work well in a pinch. Oil the surface of a wooden board before setting out the cheese to prevent sticking.
Staff
BestReviews

Tips

  • If soft cheese sticks to your knives, dip the blades in hot water and dry them off before each cut.
  • Thin slices of cheese render the best flavor and texture.
  • When preparing a cheese board, stick to about five different cheeses. Look for variety in size, shape, texture, and flavor. Try for a mix of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses.
  • Take your cheese out of the refrigerator 1 1/2 to 2 hours before serving, but keep it wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
  • When arranging cheese on your cheese board, check that there’s enough room for slicing and scooping.
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In addition to the cheese itself, you’ll want to add crackers, bread, and small foods like grapes, olives, pickles, and nuts to serve on your cheese board. Jam or honey often pair well with cheese too.

FAQ

Q. Could I slice cheese with a regular kitchen knife?

A. Yes, you could. However, if you regularly make cheese boards for parties and gatherings, a specialty set is usually worth the investment. Cheese knives are designed to work with the textures of different cheeses to help maintain their flavor.

Q. How should I clean my cheese knives?

A. Run your knives under hot water and use a mild dish soap on a sponge to wipe away any residue. Allow the knives to dry thoroughly before storing them.

Q. Can I sharpen my cheese knives at home?

A. Cheese knives with stainless steel blades can usually be sharpened at home. Look for a knife sharpener designed for stainless steel blades. If you are worried about damaging your knives or have a set of cheese knives with porcelain or other delicate blades, you may prefer taking the set to a professional knife sharpener.