Cheese Knife Types: Which One Do You Need?
By Grunwerg | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: Buying Guides
Not all cheese knives are the same. Learn the differences between a universal cheese knife, parmesan knife, and cheese cleaver to pick the right tool for your cheese board.
Quick answer
Choose a universal cheese knife for everyday soft to semi-hard cheeses, a parmesan knife for hard, crumbly wedges, and a cheese cleaver for cutting through dense blocks or presenting a dramatic board.
Why shape and blade matter for different cheeses
Soft cheeses like brie or camembert need a thin, wide blade that can slice without crushing. Hard cheeses such as parmesan or aged gouda require a sturdier, pointed blade to break into chunks. A cheese cleaver is designed for dense blocks and also works as a serving piece.
Trade-off: specialty vs. versatility
A universal cheese knife handles most cheese types well but may not excel with very hard wedges. A parmesan knife is purpose-built for hard cheeses but is less useful for soft ones. A cheese cleaver is versatile for dense cheeses and looks impressive, but its wide blade can be overkill for small portions.
How to choose your cheese knife
- Universal cheese knife: Best for soft to semi-hard cheeses (brie, cheddar, gouda). Its medium-length blade and slight curve let you slice and serve without sticking.
- Parmesan knife: Designed for hard, crumbly cheeses. The short, sturdy blade with a pointed end lets you break off chunks rather than slice.
- Cheese cleaver: Ideal for dense blocks (aged gouda, manchego) and for cutting through wedges in one clean motion. Its wide blade can also be used to transfer cheese to a plate. If you serve only soft cheeses, skip the cleaver and stick with a universal knife.
Product facts
- RF 8000 Universal Cheese Knife: 18/10 stainless steel blades of remarkable quality that will remain sharp, with 420J2 steel for great corrosion resistance. You get a blade that stays sharp through frequent use and resists rust, even after washing cheese residue off.
RF 8000 Universal Cheese Knife - RF 8000 Parmesan Knife: Part of Rockingham Forge's collection offering an elegant blend of tradition and luxury, with a pointed blade suited for hard cheeses. The pointed tip lets you chip off pieces of parmesan or other hard cheeses cleanly without the blade bending.
RF 8000 Parmesan Knife
Which knife fits your cheese board?
Best for
- Everyday cheese eaters who want one knife for most cheeses
- Hosts who serve a variety of soft and semi-hard cheeses
Not for
- Anyone who regularly serves hard cheeses like parmesan or aged gouda (add a parmesan knife or cleaver)
- Minimalists who want a single tool for all cheese types (a universal knife is the closest option but still imperfect for hard cheeses)
