Do you know what cheese knives are and how to use them properly? Cheese knives are an indispensable tool for any cheese enthusiast, allowing you to precisely cut portions of your favorite cheeses with ease.
From hard Parmesan to soft Brie, having a selection of appropriate knives can make all the difference when it comes to transforming a hunk of dairy into delicious slices or wedges suitable for appetizers and other presentations.
With a better understanding of these tools’ design features and uses, you’ll be able to expertly wield a cheese knife in no time. In this blog post, we’ll look at the types of cheese knives available on the market today as well as provide insight on which ones best suit different kinds of cheese—so that you can perfect your own customizable set.
Read on as we explore what makes the perfect cheese knife and how to use cheese knives to make your next meal even tastier!?
What Are Cheese Knives?
Cheese knives are specifically designed for cutting cheese, which comes with a variety of consistencies and textures. As with any specialized tool, the design features of each knife is tailored to a specific purpose—from slicing delicate slices of Brie to crumbly slivers of Parmesan.
Different Types of Cheese Knives
When it comes to cutting cheese, there are several types of specialized knives designed to do the job. From traditional blades and pronged spreaders to cleverly crafted curved tools and wheel cutters, here’s an overview of some common varieties of cheese knives:
- Traditional knife—This type looks like a regular kitchen knife but has a slightly more tapered blade. Great for slicing hard cheese or cutting wedges.
- Pronged spreader—This knife has several tines (or prongs) along the blade, which make it easier to cut small cubes while preventing cheese from sticking to the knife.
- Curved knife—Similar in shape to a traditional kitchen knife but with a curved profile that can be used to cut large wedges or slices effortlessly.
- Wheel cutter—This one looks like a pizza cutter but is designed specifically for cutting soft and crumbly cheese into uniform portions.
The Features of Cheese Knives
When picking out the right cheese knife for your needs, look for one that has the following features:
- A long blade—This allows you to cut larger portions of cheese more easily.
- A thin and sharp blade—Look for a blade that’s made from high-quality stainless steel, as this will make cutting through even tough hard cheeses easier.
- An ergonomic handle—Look for a comfortable grip that allows you to easily maneuver the knife without slipping.
Required Items for Using Cheese Knives
When using a cheese knife, make sure to have the following items on hand:
- Cheese board—This will provide you with a sturdy surface to cut your cheese on.
- Paring knife—You may want to use this for smaller pieces of cheese that require precision cutting.
- Cutting board—Having a separate cutting board will keep your cheese from sticking to the same surface you use for other foods.
8 Instructions on How to Use Cheese Knives
Now that you know more about cheese knives and their features, let’s look at how to use them properly. Here are the steps for using a traditional knife:
1. Place the Cheese
Place the cheese you’re putting on a clean, flat surface such as a cheese board. If you place it on a cutting board, make sure it’s a separate one from the one you use for other foods. The cheese board will provide a stable surface for precise and even slicing.
2. Select the Knife
Choose the right knife from your set for the type of cheese you’re cutting. If you need to cut small cubes, opt for a pronged spreader; if you want thick wedges or slices, reach for a traditional kitchen knife with a curved blade.
3. Position the Knife
Position the knife in the direction of your cut, holding it firmly with one hand and using your other hand to guide it. If you’re left-handed, hold the knife in your right hand and use your left to direct it.
4. Cut the Cheese
Cut through the cheese slowly and evenly, using a gentle sawing motion. Depending on the type of cheese, you may need to apply more or less pressure. Harder cheeses will require more effort, while softer varieties should be cut with a lighter hand.
5. Repeat
Continue cutting until you reach your desired size and shape. If needed, use a paring knife to get precise pieces that are too small for a regular-sized cheese knife.
6. Serve
Carefully transfer the cut pieces of cheese to your serving board or platter, and enjoy! While serving, be sure to use a separate knife from the one you used for cutting so that each piece is presented as cleanly as possible.
7. Clean & Store
When you’re done using your cheese knife, make sure to wash it thoroughly with warm water and soap—but not in the dishwasher! Cheese knives should be dried immediately after washing and stored in a cool, dry place.
8. Repeat
With practice and experience, you’ll learn to quickly and accurately cut perfect pieces of cheese every time!
With knowledge of the different types of cheese knives and insight into their design features, you’re now ready to use them like a pro. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying an evening snack, having the right tools for the job will mean that every bite of cheese is as delicious as can be. Now get out there and start slicing!
8 Maintenance Tips
Cheese knives should be treated with care in order to get the most out of them. Here are 8 tips for proper maintenance of your cheese knife set:
1. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe off any particles from the blade and handle after each use. Damp cloth is preferable because it won’t dull the cutting edge of the blade. Also, try to avoid using abrasive products or cleaners, as these can damage the blade and handle.
2. Use food-grade mineral oil on the handles of wooden cheese knives every once in a while to keep them looking and feeling their best. Oil will also help to prevent the wood from drying out or cracking.
3. Store your cheese knife set separately from other kitchen knives. This will make sure that the blades are not accidentally damaged by being in contact with other utensils.
4. If you’re washing your cheese knives in a dishwasher, pay attention to which rack they’re being placed in. Make sure the blades are not near other utensils that could be nick or scratched during the washing cycle.
5. Avoid using cheese knives to cut through hard or tough materials like bones, frozen foods, or nuts. Cheese knives are specifically designed for cutting soft cheeses and should not be used on any other food item.
6. Keep your cheese knives in a case or pouch when not in use, and store them away from sunlight. The blades can discolor if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
7. Sharpen the blades of your cheese knives periodically with a honing steel. This will help them keep their cutting edge and last longer.
8. If possible, avoid soaking your cheese knives for long periods of time. This can cause the wooden handles to swell or the blades to rust. If you must soak them, make sure they’re thoroughly dried before putting them away.
Following these simple maintenance tips will help keep your cheese knife set in top condition for many years to come. Enjoy your cheese-cutting adventures!
4 Safety Precautions to Follow While Using Cheese Knives
When using cheese knives, it is important to take certain safety precautions. Many types of cheese knives have sharp blades and can cause serious injury if used improperly. To ensure the safe use of your knife, here are four safety tips to follow when using your cheese knife:
1. Make sure that the blade is sharp enough for cutting your cheese. A dull blade can be dangerous to use and can cause serious cuts.
2. Hold the cheese securely to prevent it from slipping out of your hand during cutting. Otherwise, you could end up cutting yourself with the knife. Keep in mind that firmer cheeses may require a bit more pressure when cutting.
3. Keep your other hand away from the knife blade and out of harm’s way while cutting cheese. Remember to hold the knife handle firmly to avoid slips.
4. Always keep your knife blade in a downward direction when cutting cheese. This will minimize the risk of injury to yourself and others.
Following these four safety tips while using cheese knives will help ensure that you can enjoy eating your favorite cheeses without any mishaps!
Frequently Asked Question
How Often Do You Need to Change the Blade?
The blade on a cheese knife is usually made of stainless steel, so it will not need to be changed frequently. However, if you notice that the blade has become dull or it is having difficulty slicing through the cheese, then it may be time for a replacement. Be sure to properly store and care for your cheese knives in order to extend their lifespan.
It is also a good idea to clean your cheese knives after each use. This will help keep them in top condition and ensure that the blades remain sharp for longer.
Conclusion
After reading through this article, you can now confidently select the right cheese knife for your plate. Use a long-bladed knife for soft cheeses or a short-bladed cutter to break up aged hard cheese.
If you are unsure, it is best to use something smaller like an individual spreading or cutting knife. There are so many options if you choose to experiment with different knives and cheese varieties – have fun!
Learning the basics of using the correct cheese knives will come in handy when hosting a party or an intimate dinner, but remember that if all else fails, you can always just grab some crackers and cut into your favorite block of cheese – nothing wrong with that!
Follow the maintenance tips on how to use cheese knives, mentioned in this article to ensure your knives work properly for many years. Lastly, always prioritize safety and be mindful of the four precautions while using cheese knives. Bon appetite!