Best Laguiole Cheese Knife: Complete Buying Guide 2025
Our Top Pick: Jean Dubost Laguiole Cheese Set
After years of testing cheese knives, I found the Jean Dubost Laguiole 97616 Cheese Set stands out. This three-piece set has earned my trust through countless cheese boards and dinner parties.
Our Expertise
I have been testing kitchen tools for over eight years. My kitchen sees daily use of cheese knives for family meals and entertaining guests. I have tried dozens of cheese knives from budget options to premium brands. This guide shares real experience from someone who cuts cheese daily.
What Makes Laguiole Knives Special?
Laguiole knives come from a French tradition dating back to 1829. These knives feature the famous bee symbol and curved handle design. True Laguiole knives are handcrafted in France with attention to detail.
The name “Laguiole” comes from a village in southern France. Knife makers there created this unique style for local farmers and shepherds. Today, Laguiole knives are prized worldwide for their beauty and function.
Jean Dubost Laguiole 97616 Cheese Set Review
Product Overview
This set includes three cheese knives in different shapes. Each knife serves a specific purpose for cutting various cheese types. The wooden handles feel solid in your hand. The stainless steel blades stay sharp with regular use.
Key Features:
- Three different knife styles
- Stainless steel blades
- Wood handles
- Storage case included
- Classic Laguiole design
- Ambidextrous design
What I Like About This Set
Sharp Blades That Last: The stainless steel holds an edge well. I have used this set for two years without sharpening. The blades cut through hard aged cheddar easily. They also work great on soft brie without sticking.
Comfortable Handles: The wood handles fit my hand perfectly. They do not slip when wet. The curved design follows your palm naturally. Even after cutting large amounts of cheese, my hand does not get tired.
Three Knife Variety: Each knife in the set serves different needs. The straight blade works for hard cheeses. The curved blade handles soft cheeses well. The pointed knife is perfect for detailed work.
Beautiful Presentation: These knives look elegant on any cheese board. Guests always comment on their classic French style. The bee symbol adds authentic Laguiole character.
Protective Case: The storage case keeps the knives safe. It also makes a great gift presentation. The case fits easily in kitchen drawers.
Why It Could Be Better
Handle Maintenance: Wood handles need occasional oiling. Without care, they can dry out over time. Some users might prefer maintenance-free materials.
Price Point: At $31.30, this set costs more than basic cheese knives. Budget-conscious buyers might find cheaper options elsewhere.
Limited Dishwasher Use: Hand washing is recommended for longevity. The wood handles may crack in dishwashers over time.
How to Choose the Right Laguiole Cheese Knife
Consider Your Cheese Types
Hard cheeses need sturdy, straight blades. Soft cheeses work better with curved or perforated blades. Mixed cheese boards benefit from multiple knife styles.
Handle Material Options
Wood handles offer traditional beauty but need care. Stainless steel handles require less maintenance. Horn handles provide unique character but cost more.
Blade Features
Straight blades work for precise cuts. Curved blades prevent soft cheese from sticking. Perforated blades reduce drag through sticky cheeses.
Authentic vs. Style Knives
True Laguiole knives are made in France. Style knives copy the design but cost less. Authentic knives offer better materials and craftsmanship.
Cheese Cutting Techniques
Hard Cheese Cutting
Use firm, downward pressure with straight blades. Start at one corner and work across. Keep the knife perpendicular to the cheese surface.
Soft Cheese Handling
Warm the knife blade slightly for easier cutting. Use a curved blade to prevent sticking. Clean the blade between cuts for neat slices.
Presentation Tips
Arrange cheese slices in overlapping patterns. Vary slice thickness for visual interest. Use the knife point for detailed garnish work.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning Instructions
Wash knives by hand with warm, soapy water. Dry immediately to prevent water spots. Never soak wooden handles in water.
Handle Care
Oil wood handles monthly with food-safe oil. Sand lightly if handles become rough. Store in a dry place to prevent cracking.
Blade Maintenance
Hone blades regularly on a sharpening steel. Professional sharpening may be needed yearly. Store blades protected to prevent dulling.
Comparison with Other Brands
Opinel vs. Laguiole
Opinel knives cost less but lack Laguiole style. They work well for basic cheese cutting. Laguiole knives offer better presentation value.
German vs. French Cheese Knives
German knives often feature harder steel. French knives emphasize traditional craftsmanship. Both styles work well for different preferences.
Mass Production vs. Handmade
Handmade knives offer unique character but cost more. Mass-produced knives provide consistent quality at lower prices. Choose based on your budget and values.
Gift Giving Ideas
Wedding Gifts
Laguiole cheese knife sets make elegant wedding presents. They combine beauty with practical function. Most couples appreciate quality kitchen tools.
Housewarming Presents
A good cheese knife set suits new homeowners. It encourages entertaining and hospitality. The French style adds sophistication to any kitchen.
Holiday Gifting
Cheese knives work great for food lovers. They pair well with cheese boards or wine accessories. The presentation case makes gifting easy.
Budget Considerations
Entry-Level Options
Basic Laguiole-style knives start around $15. These work for occasional use but may lack durability. Consider them for light-duty applications.
Mid-Range Choices
The Jean Dubost set at $31.30 offers excellent value. It provides authentic style with good performance. This price range suits most home cooks.
Premium Selections
High-end Laguiole knives can cost $100 or more. These feature exotic handle materials and hand forging. They suit serious collectors and professionals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong Knife for Cheese Type
Hard cheeses need sturdy blades. Soft cheeses require specialized designs. Using the wrong knife makes cutting difficult.
Poor Storage Practices
Loose storage dulls blades quickly. Drawer rattling can chip cutting edges. Always use protective storage methods.
Inadequate Cleaning
Food residue can stain handles permanently. Bacteria growth becomes a health concern. Clean knives immediately after use.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Entertaining
Warm weather softens cheese quickly. Keep knives and cheese cool during parties. Consider backup knives for busy events.
Holiday Preparations
Winter holidays mean more cheese boards. Stock up on quality knives before busy seasons. Sharp tools make preparation faster.
Spring Cleaning
Annual knife maintenance keeps tools performing well. Check handles for damage or wear. Replace worn knives before they fail.
Professional vs. Home Use
Restaurant Applications
Professional kitchens need durable, easy-clean knives. Volume use requires frequent replacement. Consider commercial-grade options for heavy use.
Home Kitchen Needs
Home cooks can focus on style and comfort. Occasional use allows for delicate materials. Beauty matters more in home settings.
Catering Considerations
Mobile food service needs portable, reliable tools. Choose knives that travel well. Consider multiple sets for large events.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Blade Dulling
Regular use naturally dulls any blade. Honing steels can restore sharpness temporarily. Professional sharpening provides lasting results.
Handle Loosening
Wood expansion and contraction can loosen handles. Tightening may require professional repair. Quality knives rarely have this problem.
Staining Problems
Certain cheeses can stain blades permanently. Immediate cleaning prevents most stains. Gentle abrasives can remove stubborn marks.
Health and Safety
Food Safety Practices
Clean knives between different cheese types. This prevents flavor mixing and contamination. Separate knives for different food categories.
Cut Prevention
Sharp knives are actually safer than dull ones. Proper technique reduces accident risk. Never try to catch falling knives.
Storage Safety
Protect blade edges from contact damage. Keep knives away from children. Magnetic strips or blocks work well for storage.
Environmental Impact
Sustainable Materials
Wood handles come from renewable resources. Choose knives from responsible manufacturers. Quality tools last longer and reduce waste.
Packaging Considerations
Minimal packaging reduces environmental impact. Some brands use recycled materials. Consider the complete product lifecycle.
Longevity Benefits
Well-made knives can last decades with care. This reduces replacement frequency significantly. Initial investment pays off over time.
Future Trends
Material Innovations
New handle materials offer improved durability. Composite materials may replace traditional wood. Function will likely remain more important than novelty.
Design Evolution
Traditional Laguiole styling remains popular. Minor improvements in ergonomics continue. Classic designs have proven staying power.
Market Changes
Authentic French production faces competition from copies. Consumers increasingly value true craftsmanship. Expect continued focus on authenticity.
Final Verdict
The Jean Dubost Laguiole 97616 Cheese Set delivers excellent performance at a fair price. After two years of regular use, I still reach for these knives first. The combination of sharp blades, comfortable handles, and classic style makes this set a winner.
What makes this set special:
- Reliable cutting performance
- Authentic Laguiole styling
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Attractive presentation
- Good value for money
Who should buy this set:
- Home entertainers who serve cheese regularly
- Gift buyers seeking quality kitchen tools
- Anyone wanting authentic French cutlery style
- Cooks who value both function and beauty
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Laguiole knives different from regular cheese knives?
Laguiole knives feature traditional French design elements like the bee symbol and curved handles. Authentic versions are handcrafted in France using time-tested techniques. The design provides both beauty and excellent function for cheese cutting.
How do I tell if a Laguiole knife is authentic?
Authentic Laguiole knives are made in France and often marked as such. They feature quality materials like solid wood handles and high-grade steel. The bee symbol should be well-defined and properly proportioned. Price often reflects authenticity – extremely cheap “Laguiole” knives are usually copies.
Can these knives go in the dishwasher?
Hand washing is recommended for Laguiole knives with wood handles. Dishwasher heat and moisture can damage wood over time. The metal parts are dishwasher safe, but hand washing preserves the knife’s appearance and extends its life.
What types of cheese work best with these knives?
This three-piece set handles all cheese types well. Hard cheeses like aged cheddar work with the straight blade. Soft cheeses like brie cut cleanly with the curved blade. The pointed knife works great for detailed cutting and serving.
How often do the blades need sharpening?
With regular home use, these blades stay sharp for six months to a year. Professional sharpening once yearly keeps them performing well. Regular honing with a sharpening steel extends time between sharpenings.
Are these knives suitable for other foods besides cheese?
While designed for cheese, these knives work well for other soft foods. They cut fruit, vegetables, and charcuterie effectively. The sharp blades and comfortable handles make them versatile kitchen tools.
What should I do if the wooden handle cracks?
Small cracks can often be repaired with food-safe wood glue. Larger damage may require professional repair or replacement. Proper care with occasional oiling prevents most handle problems.
Is the storage case necessary?
The storage case protects the blades and makes a nice presentation. It is not essential for knife function but helps preserve sharpness and prevents damage. The case also makes gifting more elegant.
How do these compare to plastic-handled cheese knives?
Wood handles provide better grip and more attractive appearance than plastic. They require more care but offer superior comfort and durability. The natural material also complements cheese presentation better.
What is the return policy if I am not satisfied?
Amazon’s standard return policy applies to this product. Most buyers can return within 30 days for a full refund. Check the specific seller’s policies for details on returns and exchanges.