Cheese Knives Explained: Which Blade for Which Cheese

By Robert Welch® Designs | Stainless-steel cutlery, knives & cookware | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: Buying Guides

Match the blade to the cheese: soft, hard, or blue. Learn which cheese knife to use and what to look for in a cheese knife set.

Quick answer

For soft cheeses like Brie, use a knife with holes or a thin blade to prevent sticking. For hard cheeses like Parmesan, choose a short, sturdy blade with a sharp edge to crack off chunks. For blue cheese, a narrow, pointed knife lets you break off pieces without crushing the veins. If you buy only one, a medium-length serrated or holes blade covers most soft and semi-soft cheeses.

Why cheese knives are shaped differently

Cheese knives are not just smaller versions of kitchen knives. Their shapes solve specific problems: soft cheese clings to flat blades, hard cheese can chip a thin edge, and blue cheese crumbles if cut with a broad blade. A knife with holes reduces surface contact so soft cheese releases cleanly. A short, rigid blade gives you leverage to break hard cheese along its natural fissures. A narrow blade lets you slice into blue cheese without compressing the paste.

Matching blade to cheese type

Use a holes or thin-blade knife for soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese. The holes or a very thin profile stop the cheese from sticking. For semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda, a short, slightly curved blade with a sharp edge works well; it cuts cleanly without needing a sawing motion. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino need a short, thick blade that can be used to crack off pieces; a thin blade may bend or chip. Blue cheeses are best with a narrow, pointed knife that lets you break off chunks while preserving the blue veins.

What to look for in a cheese knife set

A basic set covers three or four functions: a soft-cheese knife (often with holes), a hard-cheese knife (short and sturdy), and a narrow blue-cheese knife. Some sets include a cheese fork for serving. Look for stainless steel blades and handles that feel balanced in your hand. If you already own a Robert Welch Professional bread knife, its serrated blade can handle semi-hard cheeses, but a dedicated cheese knife will give you better control. For serving, a set of cheese knives plus a salad serving spoon like the Iona Bright can round out a cheese course without needing separate utensils.

Care and maintenance

Most cheese knives are dishwasher safe, but hand washing preserves the edge and finish longer. Dry immediately after washing to avoid water spots, especially on mirror-polished stainless steel. Store them in a drawer organizer or on a magnetic strip so the blades do not knock against other tools. If you use a knife with holes, rinse the holes promptly; cheese can dry inside and become difficult to remove.

Decision rules for buying cheese knives

If you mostly serve soft cheeses: Choose a knife with holes or a very thin blade. The holes prevent sticking, and a thin blade glides through without tearing the rind. Look for a soft-cheese knife with a forked tip for serving.
If you often serve hard cheeses: Choose a short, sturdy blade with a sharp edge. You need leverage to crack off chunks without bending the blade. Avoid long, flexible blades that can chip on hard cheese.
If you want one knife for everything: A medium-length serrated or holes blade handles soft and semi-hard cheeses, but it will struggle with very hard cheeses and may crush blue cheese. Accept that a single knife is a compromise; add a second knife when you can.
If you are buying a set: Look for at least three knives: soft, hard, and blue. Check that handles feel balanced and blades are stainless steel. A set with a cheese fork is a bonus for serving.

Product facts

Professional Essential Knife Set: The Professional 22cm/8.5" bread knife features a pointed tip and serrated blade, which will easily cut through crusty bread and can also handle semi-hard cheeses. A serrated blade gives you a versatile tool for both bread and cheese, but it is not a replacement for a dedicated soft-cheese knife.
Signature Book Oak Chef's Set with Knife Sharpener: The Signature Book Oak Chef's Set with Knife Sharpener includes a total saving of £59.00 compared to buying pieces individually, and the knives are made from specially hardened German stainless steel. If you are building a cheese board and also need kitchen knives, this set offers durable blades and a sharpener to keep edges ready for hard cheeses.
Iona Bright Salad Serving Spoon: Iona Bright Salad Serving Spoon is made from 18/10 stainless steel, has a mirror finish, is dishwasher safe, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. A serving spoon is a useful addition to a cheese course for chutneys or preserves, and the 18/10 steel resists staining from acidic foods.
Aston Bright Cutlery Place Set, 7 Piece: Aston Bright Cutlery Place Set, 7 Piece includes a table knife, table fork, soup spoon, and other pieces made from 18/10 stainless steel with a mirror finish, dishwasher safe, and lifetime guarantee. This set provides everyday cutlery that can complement a cheese board when you need extra forks or spoons for serving.

Who this guide is for

Best for

Home cooks who want to serve a cheese board without struggling with the wrong knife
Shoppers looking for a practical cheese knife set buying guide
Anyone who wants to know which cheese knife to use for soft, hard, or blue cheese