Guide to Choosing the Perfect Cheese Knife Set for Your Entertaining Needs
In Mzansi, we don’t need much of an excuse to throw a laidback gathering with friends — just a bottle of red, a lekker cheeseboard, and some good tunes. But if you’re serious about impressing your guests (and not massacring that wheel of Camembert), having the right cheese knife set makes all the difference. Let’s slice into the details on these unsung heroes of home entertaining — and how they fit into your stylish kitchen or patio setup.
Key Takeaways
- A typical cheese knife set includes 3–6 knives tailored to different cheese types.
- Soft cheese knives prevent sticking, while hard cheese blades provide extra strength.
- Materials like stainless or carbon steel ensure durability and longevity.
- Larger sets include forks and chisel knives — ideal for entertainers.
- They make stunning, functional gifts for weddings or housewarmings.
- Proper care includes handwashing and full drying to avoid rusting.
Boost your hosting skills with our handy tool below — match your serving style to the perfect cheese board combo!
What’s Inside a Cheese Knife Set?
Cheese knives aren’t just “fancy extras” — they’re purpose-built tools. A standard 3-piece set typically includes:
- Soft cheese knife: Wide with a non-stick surface, ideal for Brie or French Neufchâtel.
- Hard cheese knife: Strong, slim, and sharp — think mature cheddar or parmesan.
- Spreader: For style-forward serving of cream cheese or blue cheese softies.
Bigger 6-piece sets (like the ones gaining popularity in Cape Town’s cheese and wine circles) often include a chisel knife for slicing wedges, a pronged knife to serve chunks, and a cheese fork to anchor and plate.
In Jozi’s bustling food scene, cheese boards are becoming *visual centrepieces* of rooftop gatherings — and that’s where matching knives complete the look.
Blade Materials That Matter
Quality counts. Most cheese knives are made of stainless steel for its rust-resistance and sleek finish. For chefs who love flash, some premium sets also include titanium-plated tools — adding both edge retention and gorgeous colour tones (gold, black, even rose options).
Hot tip for Gauteng humidity: always dry your cheese knives thoroughly after washing — even stainless steel ones can corrode if left damp overnight.
Choosing the Right Set for Your Spread
If you’re just getting into the world of cheese, a 3-piece starter set will serve you well. If you're aiming for tapas evening vibes or want to impress at your next book club in Pretoria, go with a 5- or 6-piece set. Look for curated boards and coordinated accessories — check out our platters collection to elevate your table.
Can Cheese Knives Be Used Elsewhere?
Yes — but with caveats. While these knives can cut washed meats or slice ripe fruit, they’re not replacements for chef’s knives, parers, or general kitchen tools. They’re best kept for cheese and its entourage of olives, grapes, and crackers.
Perfect Host or Gift Idea
A beautiful cheese knife set makes a thoughtful gift — ideal for weddings, housewarmings or a thank-you to your Saffa braai host. Just make sure to check its packaging: some sets (like our customer-favourite blue bamboo board combo) even come with a stylish box, perfect for wrapping!
Cheese Knife Styles at a Glance
| Knife Type | Best For | Common Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Cheese Knife | Brie, Camembert | Wide blade with holes |
| Hard Cheese Knife | Gouda, Cheddar | Narrow blade with pointed tip |
| Spreader | Cream cheese, Blue | Rounded paddle shape |
| Pronged Knife | Firm blocks | Duo-tipped blade |
| Chisel Knife | Slicing wedges | Short, rectangular |
Want to Keep Styling?
- Explore all our latest décor collections
- Find our handpicked gifting must-haves
- Dive deeper into hosting trends with this helpful SA shopping guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What knives are included in a cheese knife set?
A typical set includes a soft cheese knife, hard cheese knife, and a spreading knife. More extensive sets often feature a pronged knife, cheese fork, and chisel knife.
Why do cheese knives have different blade shapes?
Each blade is shaped to suit a specific cheese type — soft cheese knives are broad and perforated to prevent sticking, while hard cheese knives are sharp and durable.
What materials should I look for in cheese knives?
High-quality options are made from stainless steel or carbon steel, and some even feature titanium plating for added durability and a stylish finish.
Can I use cheese knives for other foods?
Some cheese knives can be used for soft fruits or charcuterie, but they’re not replacements for all-purpose kitchen knives.
How do I clean and store cheese knives?
Wash them by hand or on a low-temp dishwasher cycle, and dry thoroughly to avoid rusting — especially for steel blades.
Are cheese knife sets suitable for gifting?
Yes! They make elegant gifts for weddings, birthdays, or housewarmings — just look for sets with lovely packaging.
Do I need a full 6-piece knife set?
Not necessarily. If you serve a wide variety of cheeses often, a 6-piece set is great. For casual use, a 3-piece set is more than enough.
