A knife for cheese and dairy products is a specialised tool because cheese as a product is extremely diverse — from the softest cream cheese to the hardest Parmesan, and each type of cheese requires a different cutting approach and various knife shapes. A high-quality, proper cheese knife ensures a clean cut without crumbling, even portions and an attractive cheese platter presentation, which is important in hotel buffets and restaurant cheese platters.
Types of cheese knives
Professional cheese knives are available in specialised types for different cheeses. Hard cheese knife — a strong, thick blade or rod with a handle; for cutting cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan. Perforated cheese knife — holes in the blade surface; cheese does not stick to the blade; for soft and semi-hard cheeses. Rod or narrow cheese knife — a thin, firm blade for narrow slices; for Italian hard cheeses. Small dairy product knife — a versatile small knife; for cutting small cheese pieces at the buffet. Cheese platter knife — special knives for serving cheese directly on the platter are included in several sets. Also see vegetable knives.
Meaning of the white handle HACCP for dairy products
The white handle in the HACCP system designates dairy products and bread. The dairy product category includes cheeses, butter, cream, yoghurt and other dairy products; only white-handled tools are used for processing. Bread and bakery products — some systems also include bread in the white category; varies by system. Contamination risk — dairy products are allergens (lactose); the colour system helps separate allergen groups. Visual separation — a white knife magnet or box for storing cheese knives; must be separated from other categories. Also see poultry knives.
Cheese cutting principles
The correct technique and knife ensure optimal cheese cutting. For hard cheeses — a firm, strong blade; a single-motion cut without sawing; for Parmesan, a special cheese cleaver is used. For soft cheeses — a perforated or thin blade; start cutting from the side; cheese is often cut with a wire instead of a knife. Slice thickness — uniform thickness for each slice; hold the knife parallel; a well-practised technique. Buffet display — large pieces are cut in the middle; a visually appealing cheese platter with various cheeses. Temperature — cheese is best cut at room temperature; cold cheese crumbles and breaks. BHS advises on choosing cheese knives according to the cheese assortment.
Cheese serving in hotels and restaurants
Serving cheese in high-class dining establishments requires specialised tools. Cheese trolley or platter — several types of cheese on one display; each cheese has its own knife; a visual element. Dessert serving — cheese with fruit or jam as a dessert; a serving set. Hotel buffet — pre-cut cheese pieces; uniform portions using the appropriate cheese knife. Tasting platters — small pieces of each type of cheese; presentation value, a thin, clean cut. Also see meat knives.
HoReCa usage scenarios
A restaurant with a cheese platter — a set of cheese knives for different types of cheese; the white HACCP handle system; impressive cheese platter serving. Hotel breakfast — a cheese-cutting knife at the buffet; preparing uniform portions; the white colour indicates safe use. A cheese shop with a tasting station — specialised cheese knives for each cheese category; HACCP compliance in retail.
Frequently asked questions
Why are cheese knives perforated? Holes reduce the contact surface between the cheese and the blade; cheese sticks less; a cleaner cut for soft cheeses. See the HACCP knife range.
Does a white handle also mean a bread knife? Some HACCP systems include bread in the white category; the exact standard depends on the establishment’s internal HACCP procedure. Also see fish knives.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.
