The Ultimate Cheese Cleaver Knife Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Top Cheese Cleavers Knife at a Glance

Cleaver	Price	Best For	Key Feature	Rating
Swissmar Cheese Cleaver	$19.95	All-around use	18/10 stainless steel	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MATTSTONE HILL Cleaver	$8.98	Budget buyers	Full-tang design	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dalstrong Knife Set	$149.00	Luxury sets	Premium German steel	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Swissmar Bavaria	$7.64	Basic needs	Best value	⭐⭐⭐½
Swissmar BARCELONA	$14.95	Style-focused	Modern look	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Introduction

Love cheese? Then you need the right tools! A cheese cleaver can make your cheese time much better. Most people know about kitchen knives. But many don’t think about cheese tools. A good cheese cleaver can turn a plain cheese plate into a work of art.

This guide will show you all you need to know about cheese cleavers. We’ll look at their design, why they help, and the best ones to buy. By the end, you’ll know how to pick the right cheese cleaver for your needs and what you like to spend.

What Is a Cheese Cleaver?

A cheese cleaver is a tool made just for cutting hard cheese. It has a short, wide blade with a square tip. This shape helps it cut through dense cheese with clean cuts. The blade won’t smash the cheese or make it fall apart.

Cheese cleavers work best with firm cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and Havarti. You can press down with the blade to cut through hard cheese. You don’t need to saw back and forth, which could ruin the cheese.

Why Buy a Cheese Cleaver?

You might think, “I have knives. Why do I need one more?” Here’s why a cheese cleaver is worth it:

1. Clean Cuts

Cheese cleavers are made for hard cheese. They cut with clean lines and don’t crush the cheese. This keeps the cheese’s look and feel just right.

2. Looks Better

If you like to share cheese with friends, how it looks matters. A cheese cleaver makes neat, clean cuts that make your cheese board look great.

3. Works Better

The right tool makes the job easy. A cheese cleaver works much better on hard cheese than a normal knife.

4. Keeps Flavor

When you cut cheese with the wrong tool, you can smash it. This can change how it tastes. A cheese cleaver makes clean cuts that keep the real taste.

5. Does More

Many cheese cleavers can also cut firm fruits, foods, and meats. They can do more than just cut cheese.

What to Look for When Buying a Cheese Cleaver

Before we talk about top picks, here’s what makes a good cheese cleaver:

1. Blade Type

The blade is the most key part:

• Stainless Steel: Most cheese cleavers use this. It won’t rust and it’s easy to care for. Look for “18/10 stainless steel” for the best kind.
• High-Carbon Steel: This mix gives the best of both worlds – it stays sharp and won’t rust. It costs more, though.
• Damascus Steel: This top-end choice has wavy patterns. It’s very strong and stays sharp, but costs much more.

2. Blade Shape

The blade’s shape changes how it works:

• How Thick: Thin blades cut soft cheese well. Thick blades work best on hard cheese.
• Edge Type: Smooth edges make clean cuts on hard cheese. Wavy edges can help with cheese that has a rind.
• Size: Most blades are 3-5 inches long. This size gives you good grip and can cut most cheese.

3. Handle Design

The handle affects how the knife feels and lasts:

• What It’s Made Of: Handles can be wood, hard plastic, steel, or a mix.
• Full Tang: This means the metal goes all the way through the handle. This makes it strong and well-balanced.
• Good Grip: The handle should feel good in your hand. It needs to be easy to hold, even if your hands get a bit slick from cheese.

4. Weight and Balance

A good cheese cleaver feels right in your hand and makes cutting easy:

• How It’s Balanced: The knife should feel like the weight is spread just right from blade to handle.
• How Heavy: Heavy cleavers help with hard cheese. Light ones give you more skill for small cuts.

5. How Much Care It Needs

Think about how much work you want to do to keep it nice:

• Can It Go in the Dish Washer: Some can, some can’t.
• Stays Sharp: Good steel stays sharp longer but may need a special tool when you do need to hone it.
• Won’t Rust: This is key if you work with wet or salty cheese.

6. How It Looks

Since you’ll use the cleaver at the table:

• Style: Pick one that goes with your other table tools and fits what you like.
• How It’s Boxed: Some come in nice boxes or with stands. These are good for gifts.

Top 5 Cheese Cleavers to Buy

Let’s look at the five best cheese cleavers you can buy now:

1. Swissmar Cheese Cleaver

Price: $19.95+

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

What’s Good:

• Made from top 18/10 stainless steel
• One-piece build with hollow handle
• Safe to put in dish washer
• Made for hard cheese
• Comes in a gift box

Pros:

• Great balance with its hollow handle
• High grade steel that won’t rust
• Sleek, new look that’s nice on cheese boards
• Built to last for years
• Good worth for the price

Cons:

• May feel too heavy for some
• Best for hard cheese, not soft types

Best For: Those who want a good, long-last cheese cleaver for hard cheese. It works well and looks nice too.

2. MATTSTONE HILL Cheese Cleaver

Price: $8.98 (down from $9.98)

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

What’s Good:

• Full-tang 420J2 stainless steel
• Hard plastic handle with three pins for strength
• Safe to put in dish washer
• Low price
• Comes in 3″ and 4″ sizes

Pros:

• Great bang for your buck
• Handle fits well in your hand
• Stays sharp for a long time
• Works with many types of cheese
• Full-tang build means it’s strong

Cons:

• Plastic handle may feel less nice than other types
• May not last as long as the high-price ones

Best For: Those who don’t want to spend much or who are new to cheese cleavers. It’s a good, sound tool at a low price.

3. Dalstrong Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set

Price: $149.00 (for all four pieces)

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

What’s Good:

• Made with high-grade German steel
• G-10 “army grade” handles
• Hand-sharp to a fine edge
• Safe for food prep use
• Comes with four knives: Mini Cleaver plus three more cheese knives
• Life-time promise to fix if it breaks

Pros:

• Top-grade parts and build
• Full set for all types of cheese
• Very sharp and stays that way
• Made like tools for pros
• Comes in a nice gift box
• Great promise to back it up

Cons:

• Much higher price
• May be more than most home cooks need

Best For: Food fans, pro chefs, or those who want to give a great gift that can cut all types of cheese with top skill.

4. Swissmar Cheese Knife | Cleaver | Bavaria

Price: $7.64

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

What’s Good:

• Stainless steel build
• 7.1″ long
• Made for hard cheese
• Comes in a gift box
• Clean, plain design

Pros:

• Most low-cost choice on the list
• Small size that’s easy to store
• Good first-time choice
• Gift box adds worth for gifts
• Works well for what it does

Cons:

• May not last as long as high-cost ones
• Does just the basic job
• May not feel as nice as others

Best For: Those who want a low-cost, plain choice for now and then use or as a first cheese cleaver.

5. Swissmar BARCELONA CHEESE CLEAVER

Price: $14.95

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

What’s Good:

• All stainless steel
• 7.7″ long
• Made for hard cheese
• Sleek, new look
• Mix of good use and nice looks

Pros:

• Good mid-range price
• Sleek look that’s nice for guests
• Strong all-metal build
• Good size for most cheese
• Easy to keep clean

Cons:

• All-metal grip may slip if your hands are wet
• Less good grip than those with shaped handles

Best For: Those who want both fair price and style, most of all for guests or for show on cheese boards.

How to Choose the Right Cheese Cleaver for You

When you pick from what’s out there, think about:

1. How Much You’ll Use It

• Now and Then: If you only use cheese boards a few times a year, a low-cost choice like the Swissmar Bavaria or MATTSTONE HILL cleaver will work fine.
• Each Week: For cheese each week, think about the plain Swissmar Cheese Cleaver or Barcelona model for more long life.
• Each Day or Pro Use: The Dalstrong set or a like high-end choice would be worth it for use all the time. They give you the life and skill you need.

2. The Types of Cheese You Serve

• Hard Cheese: Any of the cleavers here will work well. The Swissmar Cheese Cleaver is a great fit.
• Lots of Cheese Types: Think about the Dalstrong set. It can work with all kinds of cheese.
• Rare or Craft Cheese: High-end tools will best keep the true taste of top cheese.

3. What Looks You Like

• New, Clean: The Swissmar Barcelona or plain Swissmar Cleaver with their sleek looks.
• Old-Style: The MATTSTONE HILL with its old knife look.
• High-End Look: The Dalstrong set with its nice look and G-10 handles.

4. What You Want to Spend

• Less than $10: Swissmar Bavaria ($7.64) or MATTSTONE HILL on sale ($8.98)
• $10-20: Swissmar Barcelona ($14.95) or plain Swissmar Cleaver ($19.95)
• High-End: Dalstrong set ($149.00)

5. For Gift Giving

All these come in gift boxes, but the how nice they look does change:

• Plain Gift: Swissmar Bavaria or MATTSTONE HILL
• Nice Home Gift: Swissmar Barcelona or plain Swissmar Cleaver
• Lux Gift: Dalstrong set

How to Care for Your Cheese Cleaver

To keep your cheese cleaver nice and make it last, do these things:

1. Clean It Well

• Clean Fast: Clean your cleaver right when you’re done to stop cheese from getting hard on it.
• Right Way: Even if it can go in the dish washer, hand wash is best. Use warm soap and a soft rag.
• Don’t Soak: Long times in water can hurt handles, most of all wood or mix types.

2. Dry and Store It

• Dry Well: Dry your cleaver all the way before you put it away. This stops spots or rust.
• Store It Right: Keep it in a knife block, on a wall strip, or in a drawer that keeps it safe.
• Blade Guards: Think about blade guards if you keep it in drawers with other tools.

3. Keep the Edge Sharp

• Hone It: Use a steel rod now and then to keep the blade edge straight.
• Sharpen It: When the blade gets dull, use a good tool or have a pro do it.
• How Much: Most home users will need to sharpen their cheese cleavers just once or twice a year with use all the time.

4. Use It Right

• Right Cut: Use a straight down move, not a saw, for most hard cheese.
• Right Base: Cut on wood or plastic boards. Not on stone, metal, or glass that can hurt the blade.
• Think of Heat: Let cold cleavers warm up a bit before use. This stops wet build-up, which can hurt your grip and may lead to rust in time.

Make Your Cheese Time Even Better: More Than the Cleaver

A good cheese cleaver is key, but think about these things too:

1. Full Cheese Knife Set

For true cheese fans, think about more than just a cleaver:

• Soft Cheese Knife: With holes to stop it from sticking when you cut Brie and other soft cheese.
• Cheese Fork: For breaking old cheese and to serve small bits.
• Cheese Plane: For thin, same slices from half-hard cheese.
• Spreader: For soft cheese you can spread and things that go with it.

2. Nice Serve Boards

A nice base makes it look great:

• Wood Boards: Old style with germ-stop traits.
• Slate Boards: Let you write with chalk and give stark dark/light look.
• Stone Boards: Good for keeping cheese cool while you serve.

3. Heat Care

Cheese at the right heat tastes much better:

• Cheese Domes: Help keep right heat and wet.
• Heat/Cold Plates: Plates that can be hot or cold.

4. Learn More

Know more about cheese:

• What Goes with What: Books or apps that tell what tastes good with what.
• Cheese Maps: Pics that show cheese types by where they’re from.
• Notes: Write down what cheese you try and what you think.

Learn Cheese Types and How to Cut Them Right

To use your cheese cleaver the best, know cheese types and how to cut them:

Hard Cheese (Best for Cleavers)

Kinds: Old Cheddar, Parmesan, Pecorino, Old Gouda

How to Cut: Put the cleaver blade on the cheese and press down firm and flat. For very hard cheese, a small rock move may help start the cut.

Half-Hard Cheese

Kinds: Young Cheddar, Gouda, Gruyère, Manchego

How to Cut: Clean, firm down cuts with your cleaver. These cheese types cut well but the cleaver helps make it smooth.

Half-Soft Cheese

Kinds: Havarti, Young Gouda, Fontina, Raclette

How to Cut: Light press with your cleaver. Let the blade’s weight do much of the work.

Soft and Fresh Cheese

Kinds: Brie, Camembert, Fresh Mozzarella, Chèvre

How to Cut: A cheese cleaver isn’t best for these kinds. If you must, make sure your cleaver is very sharp. Use very light press. Best to use a soft cheese knife from a full set.

Green and Fair Ideas

For the earth-mind buyer, think about:

1. Earth-Kind Stuff

• Used Metals: Some firms use used stainless steel.
• Green Handle Stuff: Look for handles made from safe wood or used mix stuff.

2. How They’re Made

• Made Near You: Tools made near you may use less gas and oil to ship.
• Fair Work Rules: Look into brands’ pledge to fair work rules.

3. Long Life and Fix-It

• Life-Long Promise: Things like the Dalstrong set have life-long pledge. This makes less waste when they break.
• Fix Help: Some top brands give sharp and fix help to make their tools last.

4. Box and Wrap

• Less Wrap: Think about types with less or use-more wrap.
• Multi-Use Wrap: Gift boxes that can be used to store them cut waste.

Last Thoughts: Make Your Choice

To pick the best cheese cleaver, weigh what you need, how much you’ll use it, what look you like, and how much you want to spend. Here’s a guide:

For the Now-and-Then Cheese Fan

If you like cheese now and then and want a tool that works with no big cost, the Swissmar Bavaria ($7.64) or the MATTSTONE HILL Cheese Cleaver ($8.98) give great worth. These work well for now-and-then use with no big cost.

For Those Who Share Food With Friends A Lot

If you have friends over a lot and serve cheese, think about the plain Swissmar Cheese Cleaver ($19.95) or the Swissmar Barcelona ($14.95). These mid-range picks give a mix of long life, good work, and nice looks. They’ll serve you well for use all the time and look great when you have guests.

For the Big Cheese Fan

If cheese is your love and you like the best tools, the Dalstrong Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set ($149.00) is worth it. This full set works with all cheese types with top craft and stuff.

No matter which you pick, a true cheese cleaver will make your cheese time much better than if you use plain knives. The right tool makes clean cuts that keep the taste and look of your cheese. It makes your plate look great too.

If you’re just now making your first cheese board or want to trade up from what you have, the right cheese cleaver is out there. It will change your cheese time for the best, one clean cut at a time.

Most-Asked Things

Q: Can I use my cheese cleaver for more foods?
A: Yes, most cheese cleavers work well for firm fruits, foods, and some meats. Just don’t use them on very hard things like nuts or ice-cold foods. That could hurt the blade.

Q: How much should I sharpen my cheese cleaver?
A: With use at home, most cheese cleavers need to be sharp just once or twice a year. You can use a steel rod now and then to keep the edge true.

Q: Are high-cost cheese cleavers worth it?
A: Tools that cost more have better stuff, build, edge life, and last longer. For those who use them a lot or who like top tools, the cost is worth it. They work better and last more time.

Q: What’s not the same with a cheese cleaver and a meat cleaver?
A: Cheese cleavers are small, light, and have a blade shape made for cheese, not meat. Meat cleavers are big and thick. They’re made to break bones and cut tough meat.

Q: Can I put my cheese cleaver in the dish washer?
A: While most cheese cleavers (all the ones we’ve talked about) say they can go in the dish washer, it’s best to wash by hand. This keeps the edge nice and the handle from harm. If you want ease most of all, check if it can go in the dish washer before you buy.