The Basics of Cheese Knives and Cheese Planes
Cheese is a delicacy enjoyed by many around the world. It comes in various types and textures, which means that different cheese knives and cheese planes are required to cut and serve them. Two of the most popular tools for cutting cheese are cheese knives and cheese planes. While they may look similar on the surface, they are quite different in their construction, usage and functionality. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between cheese knives and cheese planes.
Cheese Knives – What Are They?
A cheese knife, as the name suggests, is specifically designed for cutting cheese. It has a wide and sharp blade, generally curved and with a pointed end, which allows you to cut through soft and hard cheeses with ease. It is typically made of high-quality stainless steel, and some may have a serrated edge for cutting through harder cheeses or a fork tip for serving. Cheese knives may come in various shapes and sizes, such as a spreading knife, a cleaver knife or a hatchet knife, depending on the type of cheese.
Cheese Planes – What Are They?
Cheese planes, on the other hand, are primarily used for slicing cheese into thin, even slices. They consist of a blade placed vertically on a handle, which can be adjusted to control the thickness of the cheese slice. The blade of a cheese plane is thin and slightly curved, allowing for an effortless back-and-forth motion while slicing the cheese. Cheese planes are usually made of thin stainless steel, and their blade is sharp enough to slice through softer cheeses without crushing them. They can be found in various sizes and styles, but they are usually compact and easy to store.
The Main Differences Between Cheese Knives and Cheese Planes
There are several primary differences between cheese knives and cheese planes:
- Cheese knives have a wide blade and pointed tip, while cheese planes have a thin and curved blade
- Cheese knives are used for cutting cheese into different shapes and sizes, while cheese planes are primarily used for slicing cheese into thin, even slices
- Cheese knives come in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of cheese, while cheese planes are usually compact and easy to store
- Cheese knives are made of higher quality stainless steel, usually with a serrated edge for hard cheese or fork tip for serving, while cheese planes are thinner and made for softer cheeses
The Bottom Line – Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between a cheese knife and a cheese plane, it all comes down to personal preference and the type of cheese you will be serving. If you’re serving softer cheeses and want to create thin slices, then a cheese plane might be a better option for you. However, if you’re serving a variety of cheeses and want to cut them into different shapes, then investing in a good quality cheese knife set would be a more appropriate choice. Either way, investing in a high-quality cheese cutlery set will make your cheese-serving experience more enjoyable, efficient, and stylish.
