Cheese is sticky, crumbly or hard depending on the type, so the best knife to cut cheese depends on what is on the board. Soft cheeses want a thin blade with holes or a wire slicer, and hard cheeses benefit from a sturdy blade or a plane that makes even slices.
The six tools below cover cheese knives, wire slicers and a cheese plane. Whether you build cheese boards for guests or slice cheddar for lunch, one of these will fit the way you eat. They are chosen for different cheese types, and sizes vary by listing, so measurements are described in general terms. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Blade shape | Holes or a forked tip help stop soft cheese from sticking |
| Wire slicer | A wire cuts even slices of semi-hard cheese |
| Cheese plane | A flat plane shaves thin slices from hard cheese |
| Handle | A comfortable grip makes hard cheese easier to cut |
Specs at a Glance
| Tool | Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boska Monaco+ Cheese Knife Set | Cheese knife set | Stainless steel and wood | Different shapes for different cheeses |
| OXO Good Grips Cheese Slicer | Plane or wire | Stainless steel | Non-slip handle |
| Westmark Cheese Slicer | Plane | Stainless steel | German-made design |
| Bellemain Wire Cheese Slicer | Wire slicer | Stainless steel | Adjustable thickness |
| Wusthof Classic Cheese Knife | Cheese knife | Forged stainless steel | Holes in the blade |
| Zyliss Cheese Plane | Plane | Stainless steel | Comfortable handle |
The 6 Best Knives and Slicers to Cut Cheese
1. Boska Monaco+ Cheese Knife Set
Boska is a Dutch cheese-tool specialist, and this set includes several blade shapes for soft, semi-hard and hard cheeses, with a handsome wooden handle.
Suits: variety on a cheese board. Strengths: specialist blade shapes. Weaknesses: more pieces to store. Skip it if you only want one tool.
View Boska Monaco+ Cheese Knife Set on Amazon
2. OXO Good Grips Cheese Slicer
A cheese slicer from OXO with a comfortable non-slip handle designed to produce even slices from semi-hard cheeses.
Suits: everyday sandwich slices. Strengths: an easy grip. Weaknesses: struggles with very hard cheese. Skip it if you need to cut crumbly blue cheese.
View OXO Good Grips Cheese Slicer on Amazon
3. Westmark Cheese Slicer
A classic cheese plane from a German brand, known for even slices with a simple one-piece design.
Suits: thin slices of hard cheese. Strengths: a classic design. Weaknesses: not for soft cheese. Skip it if you want a knife.
View Westmark Cheese Slicer on Amazon
4. Bellemain Wire Cheese Slicer
A wire cheese slicer with a roller that glides across a block of cheese, giving even slices for sandwiches and snacks.
Suits: even slices of semi-hard cheese. Strengths: simple, quick slicing. Weaknesses: wires can break with very hard cheese. Skip it if you need a knife for crumbly cheese.
View Bellemain Wire Cheese Slicer on Amazon
5. Wusthof Classic Cheese Knife
A forged cheese knife from Wusthof with holes in the blade that reduce sticking, built for soft and semi-soft cheeses.
Suits: soft and semi-soft cheeses. Strengths: a sturdy forged blade. Weaknesses: a heavier feel than stamped knives. Skip it if you only cut hard cheese.
View Wusthof Classic Cheese Knife on Amazon
6. Zyliss Cheese Plane
A cheese plane with an ergonomic handle, designed to shave ribbons or slices from firm cheese.
Suits: shaving firm cheese. Strengths: an easy-to-hold handle. Weaknesses: only works on firm cheeses. Skip it if you cut soft cheese.
View Zyliss Cheese Plane on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash cheese tools by hand with warm soapy water.
- Dry wire slicers and replace the wire if it frays.
- Rinse blades quickly so soft cheese does not harden on them.
- Store planes and slicers flat in a drawer. Keep wooden handles away from long soaks so they do not crack.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a plain thick knife on soft cheese.
- Forcing a wire through very hard cheese.
- Cutting cheese straight from the freezer.
- Washing wooden handles in the dishwasher.
Cheese Knife FAQ
Why do cheese knives have holes?
Holes reduce the surface area that touches the cheese, so soft cheese is less likely to stick to the blade.
What is the best tool for hard cheese?
A sturdy knife or a plane works well. Cut with firm, steady pressure.
Can I cut cheese with a regular chef knife?
Yes, but a thin, sharp blade or a dedicated tool usually gives cleaner slices. A bit of oil or a quick wipe between slices also helps sticky varieties.
Should I chill cheese before cutting?
Slightly cool cheese cuts more cleanly, but very cold cheese can crumble, so let it rest for a few minutes.
The Short Version
Match the tool to the cheese. A knife with holes suits soft wedges, a wire or plane suits firm blocks, and a set covers a whole board for guests. For a full cheese board set, the Boska Monaco+ Cheese Knife Set. For a plane for sandwiches, the OXO Good Grips Cheese Slicer. For a classic cheese plane, the Westmark Cheese Slicer. For a wire slicer, the Bellemain Wire Cheese Slicer. For a forged cheese knife, the Wusthof Classic Cheese Knife. For a shaving plane, the Zyliss Cheese Plane.