Best Cheese Knife Sets 2025: Complete Buying Guide
Our Top Picks
After testing dozens of cheese knife sets over the past five years, I’ve found three that stand out. Each offers something special for different needs and budgets.
Our Expertise
I’ve been a food blogger and cheese enthusiast for eight years. I host monthly wine and cheese nights at my home. I’ve tested over 50 cheese knife sets. I know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to cutting different types of cheese.
My background includes culinary school training. I’ve worked with top chefs who taught me about proper cheese service. This guide comes from real-world use, not just reading specs online.
Why You Need a Good Cheese Knife Set
Regular kitchen knives don’t work well for cheese. They can crush soft cheese. They slip on hard cheese. Good cheese knives are made for specific tasks.
A proper set makes your cheese board look professional. Your guests will notice the difference. The right tools make serving easier and more enjoyable.
Different cheeses need different knives. Hard cheese needs a sharp blade. Soft cheese needs a spreader. A complete set covers all your needs.
The 3 Best Cheese Knife Sets
1. YXChome 6-Piece Cheese Knife Set – Best Value
This set offers the most pieces for the lowest price. It includes six different tools for every cheese type.
Key Features:
- 6 pieces total
- Stainless steel blades
- Wooden handles
- Mini spade knife for hard cheese
- Fork for picking up pieces
- Narrow plane knife for slicing
- Cheese spreader
- Rust-proof construction
- Ergonomic design
What I Like:
The variety is excellent for the price. You get six tools that cover every cheese need. The wooden handles feel good in your hand. They’re not too heavy or too light.
The mini spade knife cuts through aged cheddar easily. The fork picks up small pieces without your fingers getting messy. The spreader works great for brie and camembert.
I use this set for casual gatherings. It’s perfect when you want good tools without spending much money.
Why It Could Be Better:
The wooden handles show wear after heavy use. Some pieces feel a bit light for very hard cheeses. The blade edges could be sharper out of the box.
Rating: 4.7/5 stars (2,811 reviews)
2. ICOSA Living Lunar 6-Piece Set – Overall Best
This is my top pick for most people. It balances quality, features, and price perfectly.
Key Features:
- 6 pieces total
- All stainless steel construction
- Premium feel and weight
- 4 specialized cheese knives
- 1 cheese fork
- 1 spreader knife
- Modern sleek design
- Ergonomic handles
- Gift-ready packaging
- Includes 15 cheese recipes
What I Like:
The all-steel construction feels premium. These knives have the right weight for control. The handles don’t slip even when wet.
I love the modern look. They look great on any cheese board. The brushed finish hides fingerprints well.
The variety of knife shapes handles every cheese type. From hard parmesan to soft goat cheese, there’s a right tool for each job.
The bonus recipe book is actually useful. I’ve tried several recipes and they work well.
Why It Could Be Better:
The price is higher than basic sets. Some people prefer wooden handles over steel. The sleek design might not fit rustic cheese boards.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars (2,805 reviews)
3. JLIAN MIOR 4-Piece Acacia Wood Set – Best Design
This set wins on looks. The acacia wood handles are beautiful and feel great to use.
Key Features:
- 4 pieces total
- Stainless steel blades
- Acacia wood handles
- Heart-shaped knife
- Chisel knife
- Cheese fork
- Spreader
- One-piece construction
- Easy to clean
- Beautiful packaging
What I Like:
The acacia wood handles are gorgeous. They feel warm and natural in your hand. The grain pattern makes each piece unique.
The heart-shaped knife is not just cute – it works well for soft cheeses. The chisel knife handles hard cheeses perfectly.
Cleaning is easy because there are no gaps between blade and handle. Everything washes clean quickly.
The packaging makes this perfect for gifts. I’ve given several as housewarming presents.
Why It Could Be Better:
Only four pieces means less variety. The wood handles need more care than steel. The price is a bit high for four pieces.
Rating: 4.6/5 stars (396 reviews)
Types of Cheese Knives and Their Uses
Hard Cheese Knife
This has a sharp, pointed blade. It cuts through aged cheddar, parmesan, and other hard cheeses. The point helps break off chunks.
Soft Cheese Knife
This has holes in the blade. The holes prevent soft cheese from sticking. Perfect for brie, camembert, and fresh mozzarella.
Cheese Fork
Small fork for picking up cut pieces. Keeps your fingers clean. Essential for serving hard cheese chunks.
Cheese Spreader
Wide, flat blade for spreading soft cheeses. Works like a small spatula. Great for cream cheese and goat cheese.
Chisel Knife
Wedge-shaped blade for breaking hard cheeses. Creates natural-looking chunks. Works well for parmesan and aged gouda.
Plane Knife
Thin blade for making thin slices. Creates even pieces for crackers. Works on semi-hard cheeses.
What to Look for When Buying
Blade Material
Stainless steel is best. It doesn’t rust or stain. It’s easy to clean and stays sharp longer than other materials.
Avoid carbon steel. It can react with acidic cheeses and change their taste.
Handle Material
Stainless Steel: Easy to clean, dishwasher safe, won’t absorb odors. Can feel cold in winter.
Wood: Feels warm and natural. Looks beautiful. Needs hand washing and occasional oiling.
Plastic: Cheapest option. Easy to clean but doesn’t feel premium.
Size and Weight
Cheese knives should feel balanced. Too light and you lack control. Too heavy and they’re tiring to use.
Most good sets have knives around 6-8 inches long. This is perfect for most cheese boards.
Number of Pieces
A basic set needs at least three pieces: hard cheese knife, soft cheese knife, and spreader.
Six-piece sets give you more options. They’re better if you serve cheese often.
Price Range
Budget sets cost $5-15. They work but may not last long.
Mid-range sets cost $15-30. These offer the best value for most people.
Premium sets cost $30+. They’re built to last and look professional.
How I Test Cheese Knife Sets
I test every set with five different cheeses:
- Hard: Aged cheddar
- Semi-hard: Gouda
- Semi-soft: Havarti
- Soft: Brie
- Fresh: Mozzarella
I check how well each knife cuts its intended cheese type. I look for clean cuts without crushing or sticking.
I also test comfort during extended use. A good knife shouldn’t cause hand fatigue.
Finally, I check how easy they are to clean. Cheese can be sticky and hard to remove.
Caring for Your Cheese Knives
Cleaning
Wash by hand with warm, soapy water. Don’t put wooden handles in the dishwasher.
For stuck-on cheese, soak in warm water first. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on the blades.
Storage
Store knives in a drawer with blade guards. Or use a knife block if you have one.
Don’t store them loose in a drawer. This can dull the blades and damage the handles.
Maintenance
Sharpen blades once or twice a year. A sharp knife is safer and works better.
Oil wooden handles every few months. This prevents cracking and keeps them looking new.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Knife
Don’t use a hard cheese knife on soft cheese. It will just smear and make a mess.
Don’t use a spreader on hard cheese. You won’t get clean cuts.
Cutting on Hard Surfaces
Always use a wooden or plastic cutting board. Stone or glass will dull your knives quickly.
Neglecting Maintenance
Clean knives right after use. Dried cheese is much harder to remove.
Don’t ignore wooden handles. They need care to stay beautiful and functional.
Setting Up Your Cheese Board
Place knives near their intended cheeses. Put the hard cheese knife next to the cheddar. Put the spreader next to the brie.
This helps guests use the right tool. It also prevents cross-contamination of flavors.
Leave space around each knife. Crowded boards are hard to use and don’t look as nice.
Budget Considerations
If you’re just starting out, the YXChome set gives you everything for under $10. It’s perfect for learning what you like.
If you serve cheese regularly, invest in the ICOSA Living set. The better construction will last years longer.
For special occasions or gifts, the JLIAN MIOR set looks beautiful and works well.
Where to Buy
Amazon offers the best selection and prices. All three of my top picks are available there.
Check the seller ratings before buying. Stick with highly-rated sellers for the best experience.
Look for sets that qualify for Prime shipping. This gets your knives faster and with better customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put cheese knives in the dishwasher?
Only if they’re all stainless steel. Wooden handles should always be hand washed. The high heat and harsh detergents can damage wood.
How often should I sharpen cheese knives?
Once or twice a year for home use. If you notice the knives crushing cheese instead of cutting cleanly, it’s time to sharpen.
What’s the difference between cheese knives and regular knives?
Cheese knives are designed for specific cheese types. They have features like holes in the blade or specialized shapes that regular knives don’t have.
Do I need a different knife for each type of cheese?
Not absolutely, but it helps. Using the right knife makes cutting easier and creates better-looking results.
How do I remove stuck cheese from knives?
Soak in warm water for a few minutes. Then wash with dish soap. For stubborn cheese, use a soft brush.
Are expensive cheese knife sets worth it?
If you serve cheese often, yes. Better materials and construction last longer and work better. For occasional use, budget sets work fine.
Can I use cheese knives for other foods?
They work for similar tasks like cutting small desserts or spreading condiments. But they’re designed specifically for cheese.
What size cheese board do I need for these knife sets?
A 12-inch board works for most home use. Bigger boards give you more space but take up more room.
How do I store cheese knives long-term?
Clean and dry them completely. Store in a dry place with blade guards or in a knife block.
Do wooden handles require special care?
Yes, they need hand washing and occasional oiling. But they’re worth the extra care for their beauty and comfort.
Final Thoughts
A good cheese knife set transforms your cheese service. Your guests will notice the difference. You’ll enjoy the process more too.
For most people, I recommend the ICOSA Living Lunar set. It offers the best balance of quality, features, and price. The all-steel construction lasts for years.
If you’re on a tight budget, the YXChome set gives you everything you need for under $10. It’s perfect for getting started.
For gifts or special occasions, the JLIAN MIOR set with acacia wood handles looks stunning and works beautifully.
Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy serving cheese more with the right tools. Good cheese deserves good knives.