Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or assembling a casual charcuterie board, the right cheese knife transforms how you slice, serve, and experience cheese. A proper cheese cutting knife prevents soft varieties from sticking to the blade while giving you clean cuts through hard aged blocks, preserving both texture and presentation. With dozens of specialized designs available—from pronged knives to cleavers—understanding which cheese knife suits your needs ensures every slice looks as good as it tastes.
Types of Cheese Knives & Their Uses
The structure and moisture content of cheese dictate which knife works best, with soft cheeses requiring different blade designs than hard varieties. Choosing the appropriate cheese knife types for each variety on your board ensures clean cuts without crushing delicate textures or requiring excessive force.
Soft Cheese Knives (The “Holey” Knife)
Soft cheese knives feature narrow, perforated blades with holes that prevent sticky cheeses like Brie and Camembert from adhering to the surface. The pronged or fork-tipped design allows you to both cut and serve the cheese, with the pointed end functioning as a spear to transfer slices directly to plates or crackers. This versatile soft cheese knife works beautifully with Boursin, goat cheese, and creamy blue cheeses where traditional blades would create a messy, smeared appearance.
The slim blade knife represents another essential tool for soft varieties, featuring a raised handle that keeps your knuckles away from the cutting board while the narrow profile minimizes surface contact. For spreadable cheeses like fresh cream cheese, a dedicated spreader with a flexible blade bends slightly during use, making it perfect for slathering goat cheese or Boursin onto crackers.
Hard Cheese Knives (Cleavers and Spades)
Hard cheese varieties require robust blades that can push through dense textures without breaking or requiring excessive sawing motions. The cheddar cheese knife, resembling a mini cleaver with its wide rectangular blade and sharp edge, delivers enough force to cut cleanly through semi-hard blocks like cheddar, pepper jack, and aged Gouda. The broad blade also works well for cubing cheese into bite-sized portions for serving.
For extremely hard cheeses like Parmesan and Grana Padano, specialized parmesan knives feature stubby, triangular blades with sharp-pointed tips designed to break through tough rinds. The bell-shaped parmesan knife has an arrowhead blade strong enough to cut old, stiff cheese that would damage standard knives. Spade knives combine a pointed end for chunking off bites with a short blade that handles hard varieties efficiently.
Spreaders and Forks
Cheese spreaders excel at their namesake task—smoothly applying soft, creamy cheeses to crackers, bread, or vegetables without tearing delicate surfaces. The flexible blade bends with pressure, conforming to the contours of crackers and allowing even distribution. These knives work equally well with pâté, herb butter, and pesto, making them versatile additions to any cheese knife set.
The gorgonzola knife features a flat, curved blade with one sharp edge and a pointed tip, specifically designed for precise cuts through creamy blue cheeses while preventing mashing or smearing. Narrow plane knives with long, flat surfaces cut delicate cheeses like Jarlsberg without crushing their texture, preserving both appearance and flavor integrity.
Best Cheese Knives by Category
Selecting the best cheese knife depends on your primary use case, whether you need an all-purpose blade or specialized tools for specific varieties. Quality construction, blade material, and ergonomic design separate exceptional knives from mediocre options.
Best Overall Stainless Steel Cheese Knife
Stainless steel cheese knives offer durability, corrosion resistance, and easy maintenance, making them ideal for both casual use and frequent entertaining. High-carbon stainless steel blades hold their edges longer while resisting the acids and moisture present in many cheeses. The best cheese knife in stainless steel typically features a full tang construction where the blade extends through the handle, providing superior balance and strength.
Look for knives with ergonomic handles that provide comfortable grip during extended use, especially when working with harder cheese varieties that require more pressure. Premium stainless steel options often include hollow-ground edges or precision-forged blades that maintain sharpness through repeated use.
Best for Charcuterie Boards
Charcuterie boards demand versatile cheese knife sets that handle multiple textures and serving needs within a single presentation. The ideal knife cheese set for charcuterie includes a pronged soft cheese knife for Brie, a narrow plane knife for semi-soft varieties, and a small cleaver or spade for hard cheeses. This combination ensures you can properly cut and serve every cheese on your board without cross-contamination of flavors.
Many premium cheese knife sets designed for charcuterie include matching handles that create visual cohesion on your serving board. Compact knives with 3-5 inch blades work best for charcuterie presentations where space is limited and guests need easy access. Some sets incorporate specialty forks for spearing and serving, eliminating the need for separate serving utensils.
Top Picks
After evaluating construction quality, blade design, and real-world performance across different cheese varieties, these knives represent the best options for specific use cases.
BOSKA Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer
- Multifunctional – suitable for grating semi-hard and hard cheese, citrus fruits, carrots and other hard vegetables
- Features a hollow handle design for lightweight handling and easy use
- Fully dishwasher safe with durable blade that maintains sharpness even after multiple dishwasher cycles
What We Like
- ■ Lightweight, hollow-handle design that’s meant to feel easy in the hand
- ■ Built for semi-hard and aged cheeses, with the listing also calling it useful on harder veggies like cucumber and carrot
- ■ Dishwasher safe, with BOSKA positioning the blade as durable and long-lasting
What We Don’t Like
- ■ The ultra-light build may feel a bit minimal if you prefer a heavier, more substantial tool
- ■ A slicer like this is purpose-built for thin slices; it’s not the tool for cubes, wedges, or super-soft cheeses that tend to smear
Best for: Anyone who builds cheese boards (or cooks with cheese often) and wants a lightweight slicer that’s designed to glide through semi-hard and aged cheeses with minimal cleanup hassle.
A cheese board can go from effortless to annoying fast when the only tool available is a sad table knife that squashes everything into a paste. This Copenhagen slicer is a handheld, manual stainless-steel tool with a hollow handle designed to stay lightweight. The BOSKA listing frames it as a slicer for semi-hard and aged cheeses, with a durable blade and full dishwasher-safe construction.
In practical terms, it should be at its best when you want consistent, thin slices—think mature Gouda-style cheeses, aged cheddar, or any semi-hard block that benefits from clean, even sheets. Because it’s a manual slicer, thickness and speed will depend on your pressure and angle, but the point of this design is smooth, controlled passes rather than brute force.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 210 x 73 x 10.1 mm | Weight: 0.057 kg | Care: Dishwasher safe
Global 5.5 inch Japanese Cheese Knife
- Curved blade with holes slips through cheese without blade sticking
- Blade made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel
What We Like
- ■ Perforated blade and fork tip are designed to reduce sticking and make serving easier
- ■ CROMOVA 18 stainless steel and Global’s thin, acute edge geometry are built around staying sharp and cutting smoothly
- ■ Lightweight, balanced all-stainless construction with Global’s signature dimpled grip
What We Don’t Like
- ■ Not dishwasher safe, and hand-washing is recommended to protect the edge
- ■ The perforations and serration can make cleanup a little fussier than a straight, solid blade
Best for: Hosts who want clean slices (and easy serving) from soft-to-firm cheeses, thanks to the perforated blade and fork-tipped point that help prevent sticking.
There’s always that one cheese board moment where the regular knife hits a sticky wedge and suddenly you’re sawing, squashing, and apologizing to the Brie. This GS-10 is built to avoid that exact vibe, focusing on clean slicing and tidy serving instead of brute force.
The key design feature is the curved, perforated blade—Global specifically calls out the holes as a way to keep soft cheeses from sticking by reducing surface area. Add the fork-tipped point and a slightly serrated edge, and it’s clearly meant to do double duty: slice through rinds and then pick up pieces for plating. The knife is made with Global’s CROMOVA 18 stainless steel, which the brand describes as a chromium/molybdenum/vanadium blend developed to balance edge retention with sharpenability.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 9.9 inches length | Blade: 5.5 inches, CROMOVA 18 stainless steel | Care: Hand-wash only
Prodyne Multi-Use Cheese Knife
- Premium Cheese Knife – Specially designed stainless steel cheese knife with an open-surface blade that reduces friction …
- Razor-Sharp Serrated Edge – Serrated blade ensures perfect slices of soft cheese, hard cheese, fruits, and vegetables ev…
- Multi-Purpose Slicer – Ideal as a cheese slicer, fruit knife, or vegetable knife; great for entertaining, charcuterie bo…
What We Like
- ■ Open-surface stainless steel blade is designed to reduce friction and keep food from sticking
- ■ Serrated edge is positioned as razor-sharp for slicing soft and hard cheese, plus fruits and vegetables
- ■ Long, comfortable handle and a generous overall length for easier board-to-plate slicing
What We Don’t Like
- ■ Care guidance is mixed: the knife is often listed as dishwasher safe, but hand-washing is also recommended to preserve sharpness
- ■ The longer profile can feel a bit unwieldy if you prefer a compact cheese knife for tight boards
Best for: Anyone who wants one serrated knife that can handle cheese-board duty and then pivot to slicing fruits and vegetables without constant sticking.
A cheese knife that sticks mid-slice is the fastest way to turn “casual hosting” into a tiny, public struggle. The CK-300 leans into a very specific fix: more air and less blade surface area, so the food has fewer places to cling.
This is a stainless steel, serrated, multi-use knife with an open-surface blade and a Bakelite handle. Prodyne positions it as equally at home on a charcuterie board and at the cutting board, meant for cheese as well as fruits and vegetables. The serration is the main “do-it-all” feature: it’s meant to bite cleanly through softer cheeses (and their rinds) while still having enough traction for firmer blocks.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 10 inches overall | Blade: 5.5 inches, serrated, open-surface | Weight: 4.8 oz
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 5 Spreader Knife
- WÜSTHOF GOURMET SERIES – 5″ Spreader Knife with triple riveted synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, disco…
- MULTI-PURPOSE – High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, precisely cut with the latest state of the art technology for incredi…
- WÜSTHOF SPREADER KNIFE – 5″ Spreader Knife smoothly cuts and spreads butter and other condiments such as jam, peanut but…
What We Like
- ■ True hybrid design: a spreader profile with a serrated section meant for cutting bread, cheese, and fruit
- ■ Triple-riveted synthetic handle is positioned as durable and resistant to fading, discoloration, heat, and impact
- ■ Part of WÜSTHOF’s value-oriented Gourmet line, which the brand describes as laser-cut and lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- ■ Not dishwasher safe; hand-washing is the safer call for longevity
- ■ If you only need a cheese tool, the spreader shape is less “precision slicer” and more “make lunch easier”
Best for: Anyone who wants one tool that can spread butter or mayo smoothly, then switch to a small serrated cut for bread, cheese, and fruit without changing knives.
Some knives are for cooking, and some are for the ten minutes when you’re assembling lunch and everything needs to work on the first try. This spreader is firmly in the second category—made for butter, jam, and mayo first, with just enough serration to keep you from tearing your bread to shreds.
WÜSTHOF’s Gourmet 5″ Spreader is a stamped, laser-cut stainless steel knife with a black synthetic handle that’s triple riveted. The blade is designed to spread smoothly, and it includes a serrated section intended to cut through bread, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
Material: Stainless steel | Blade: 5 inches with serrated section | Care: Hand-wash only
BOSKA Cheese Knife
- NON-STICK CHEESE KNIFE: the narrow blade prevents soft cheese from sticking when cutting
- LIGHTWEIGHT: the handle of cheese knife is hollow
- DISHWASHER SAFE: the cheese knife will stay sharp even after repeatedly being washed in the dishwasher.
What We Like
- ■ Extra-narrow, non-stick-style blade design meant to reduce sticking with soft cheeses
- ■ Hollow handle keeps it lightweight and easy to maneuver on a crowded cheese board
- ■ Dishwasher safe, plus BOSKA backs it with a long warranty
What We Don’t Like
- ■ The narrow blade is purpose-built for soft cheese, so it’s less satisfying for dense, rock-hard cheeses where you want more heft
- ■ A minimalist, all-stainless design can feel slippery if hands are wet or greasy
Best for: Cutting sticky soft cheeses like Brie or mozzarella when you want clean slices without the “everything clings to the blade” struggle.
Soft cheese is the fastest way to make a normal knife look bad. One minute you’re trying to slice Brie for a board, and the next you’re basically frosting the blade while your slice turns into a smear. This Copenhagen No.1 is built around preventing that mess in the first place.
The design leans on two simple ideas: less contact and less weight. BOSKA describes the blade as narrow to minimize sticking, and the handle is hollow to keep the knife lightweight in use. It’s also an all-stainless tool, which is why the brand markets it as dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 230 x 25 x 13 mm | Care: Dishwasher safe
BOSKA Stainless Steel Cheese Slicer
- Multifunctional – suitable for grating semi-hard and hard cheese, citrus fruits, carrots and other hard vegetables
- Features a hollow handle design for lightweight handling and easy use
- Fully dishwasher safe with durable blade that maintains sharpness even after multiple dishwasher cycles
What We Like
- ■ Designed to glide through semi-hard and aged cheeses, with BOSKA also noting it works for cucumbers, carrots, and other hard vegetables
- ■ Hollow handle keeps it impressively lightweight while staying all-stainless and seamless
- ■ Dishwasher safe, with BOSKA pitching it as durable and long-lasting in sharpness
What We Don’t Like
- ■ If you mostly buy very soft cheeses, a slicer like this can be less satisfying than a dedicated soft-cheese knife
- ■ The ultra-thin slicing style isn’t always what you want for cubes, chunks, or thicker snacking cuts
Best for: Anyone who eats semi-hard or aged cheese regularly and wants thin, consistent slices with a lightweight, dishwasher-safe slicer.
There’s a specific kind of kitchen annoyance that only shows up once you’ve bought a really good cheese: you go to slice it, and the tool either sticks, crumbles, or takes half the block with it. The Copenhagen slicer is aiming for the opposite experience—quick, tidy, repeatable slices you can make without thinking.
This is a manual, handheld cheese slicer made from stainless steel, and BOSKA highlights its lightweight feel as a core feature. It’s designed primarily for semi-hard and aged cheeses, but the brand also calls it useful for hard vegetables like cucumbers and carrots.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 210 x 73 x 10.1 mm | Weight: 0.057 kg | Care: Dishwasher safe
BOSKA Roquefort Bow Cheese Cutter
- Roquefort bow cheese cutter; cutting surface measures 9.45 inches
What We Like
- ■ Wire cutting edge helps reduce sticking and is designed for straighter, cleaner portions on soft cheeses
- ■ Made with a stainless steel frame and stainless cutting wire, with the cutting surface listed at 9.45 inches
- ■ Dishwasher safe, which makes it an easy “use it at the party, clean it later” tool
What We Don’t Like
- ■ You’ll eventually need replacement wires (it’s the nature of wire cutters), so it’s not quite as “one-and-done” as a solid blade
- ■ It’s a specialist tool: fantastic for soft/crumble cheeses, but less useful if your boards skew hard and aged
Best for: Straight, clean cuts through sticky or crumbly soft cheeses (think Roquefort-style blues), plus cream cheese and even butter, without the usual blade drag.
If you’ve ever tried to slice a crumbly blue with a regular knife, you know the end result is usually more rubble than slices. A bow-style wire cutter is the quiet fix for that problem, because it portions without tearing and doesn’t give soft cheese a big flat surface to cling to.
This BOSKA cutter uses a stainless frame and a taut cutting wire instead of a traditional blade, with a cutting surface listed at 9.45 inches. The product description positions it as ideal for soft or crumble-type cheeses, and it even calls out fresh cream cheese and butter as use cases.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 9.45-inch cutting surface | Weight: 0.19 kg | Care: Dishwasher safe
BOSKA Monaco+ Cheese Knife Set
- THE RIGHT KNIFE FOR EVERY CHEESE: This cheese knife set includes three knives specially designed for soft, semi-hard, an…
- EYE-CATCHING ON ANY CHEESE BOARD: With its sleek black design, these knives are not only functional but also a stylish c…
- INCLUDES LUXURIOUS LEATHER CASE: Comes in a stylish brown leather storage case. Since leather is a natural material, sma…
What We Like
- ■ Three dedicated knives designed around soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses, so you’re not forcing one blade to do everything
- ■ Non-stick approach: BOSKA pairs a waffle pattern with a special anti-resistance treatment/coating to help cheese release more easily
- ■ Gift-ready presentation with a leather storage case, which also helps protect edges and keep the set together
What We Don’t Like
- ■ Care guidance can be confusing: some descriptions emphasize hand-washing, while BOSKA also lists Monaco+ sets as dishwasher safe
- ■ The black-coated look is stylish, but coated blades can show cosmetic wear over time if they’re knocked around in drawers
Best for: Hosts (or serious cheese-board people) who want a good-looking, all-in-one set that covers soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses—and stores neatly in a case between uses.
A cheese board is supposed to look effortless—even if you’re quietly doing logistics behind the scenes. This set is the kind of purchase that makes hosting feel smoother because the right tool is already there for every cheese texture, and it actually looks good sitting out.
The Monaco+ Black set focuses on “match the knife to the cheese.” BOSKA describes three knives built for soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses, and leans on a waffle-pattern blade plus a low-resistance surface treatment to reduce sticking while slicing. The all-stainless build and sleek black finish are clearly meant to be as much presentation as performance.
Material: Stainless steel with leather case | Blade: Plain edges, waffle pattern + low-resistance treatment | Care: Dishwasher safe (hand wash recommended)
Opinel Stainless Steel Corkscrew Folding Knife
- THE ULTIMATE PICNIC PAL, UPDATED: corkscrew is smartly placed to fold out of the comfortably profiled handle, leaving pl…
- TRADITIONAL + TIMELESS: The Number 10 is a fitting size for a range of outdoor activities as well as more difficult task…
- BEECHWOOD HANDLE: The ergonomic shape of the traditional wooden handle has remained unchanged since its design in 1890. …
What We Like
- ■ Integrated corkscrew and bottle opener make it genuinely useful for picnics and charcuterie-on-the-go
- ■ 10 cm (3.9″) stainless blade is positioned for cutting food like sausage and cheese, not just pocket knife tasks
- ■ Virobloc locking ring is designed to lock the blade open for use and closed for transport/storage
What We Don’t Like
- ■ Beechwood handle means no dishwasher (and you’ll want to hand-wash and air-dry to avoid swelling)
- ■ It’s a larger folding knife, so it may feel bulky if you’re expecting a tiny cheese knife rather than a multi-purpose picnic blade
Best for: Picnics and travel snacks where you want one compact tool that can slice bread/cheese and also open wine and bottles, without packing a full kit.
There’s a particular kind of outdoor meal chaos where someone shows up with great cheese and a bottle of wine… and then you realize nobody brought a corkscrew. This Opinel is built for exactly that moment: one tool that covers slicing and opening duties, so the picnic doesn’t stall out.
The No.10 pairs a beechwood handle with a 10 cm stainless steel blade, plus a fold-out corkscrew and a bottle opener integrated into the handle hardware. Opinel positions it as part of its nomad/picnic-friendly lineup, emphasizing practical eating tasks like cutting sausage and cheese.
Material: Beechwood + stainless steel | Dimensions: 10 cm blade, approx. 22.9 cm open length | Weight: 2 oz | Care: Hand-wash, air-dry; not dishwasher safe
Cheese Knife Sets vs. Individual Knives
Deciding between a complete knife cheese set or curating individual pieces depends on your budget, storage space, and how frequently you serve different cheese varieties.
When to Buy a Full Set
- CHEESE KNIFE SET: With this complete cheese knife set you are ready for any occasion. From soft brie to hard parmigiano:…
- BOSKA MINI: The BOSKA MINI collection consists of full-fledged knives in a small format. Especially for use at the table…
- Stainless steel: The Copenhagen cheese knives are completely made of stainless steel and are extremely strong. Do not be…
A cheese knife set offers significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual pieces, with the per-knife price typically 30-50% lower when bought as a collection. Sets provide immediate convenience, delivering all essential blade types in one purchase without requiring research into which individual knives you need. For beginners or those outfitting a kitchen from scratch, a curated cheese knife set ensures you have appropriate tools for soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses right away.
Full sets often include coordinated storage solutions like wooden boxes or knife blocks that protect blades and keep your collection organized. The matching aesthetic of a complete cutco cheese knife set or similar branded collection creates visual appeal when displayed on serving boards. Budget-conscious buyers benefit most from sets, as acquiring four to six specialized cheese knives individually would cost significantly more.
Building Your Own Collection
Experienced cheese enthusiasts who know their preferences often achieve better results by selecting individual cheese knives tailored to their specific needs. This approach allows you to invest in premium materials and superior craftsmanship for the knives you use most frequently. Rather than settling for the blade styles included in a pre-packaged set, you can choose exactly the knife types that match your entertaining style and favorite cheese varieties.
Building a custom collection gives you flexibility in handle materials, blade geometry, and brand selection, letting you mix a cutco knife cheese tool with a specialized parmesan knife from another manufacturer. This strategy proves particularly valuable for those with limited storage who prefer owning three exceptional knives rather than six mediocre ones. You can gradually expand your collection over time, adding specialty knives as you discover new cheese varieties or hosting needs.
Top Brands Reviewed
Cutco knife
Cutco knives feature their distinctive Double-D edge, which provides three cutting surfaces that maintain sharpness longer than traditional blades. This recessed edge design allows cutting at any angle—straight down, forward, or backward—making cutco cheese knife tools versatile for various cheese textures. The ergonomic handles offer comfortable grip, though Cutco uses stamped blade construction which makes them less durable than forged alternatives.
Wüsthof Cheese Knife
- WÜSTHOF GOURMET SERIES – 5″ Spreader Knife with triple riveted synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, disco…
- MULTI-PURPOSE – High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, precisely cut with the latest state of the art technology for incredi…
- WÜSTHOF SPREADER KNIFE – 5″ Spreader Knife smoothly cuts and spreads butter and other condiments such as jam, peanut but…
Wüsthof produces forged knives sharpened at a 28-degree angle, slightly sharper than Cutco’s 30-degree edge, with superior edge retention due to their manufacturing process. The German manufacturer offers seven different handle designs in both synthetic materials and natural wood, providing options to match any kitchen aesthetic. Wüsthof knives deliver exceptional durability and hold their edges longer than stamped competitors, though they command premium prices.
Pampered Chef Cheese Knife
Pampered Chef cheese knives receive mixed reviews, with recent versions criticized for being too small to effectively cut full cheese blocks compared to their older designs. Users report disappointment with the current Pampered Chef cheese knife, suggesting alternative brands may offer better value and functionality.
Care and Maintenance
Sharpening and Washing Tips
Never place cheese knives in the dishwasher, as the harsh environment and contact with other utensils dulls blades and can damage handles. Hand wash your cheese knife immediately after use with soap and warm water, as dairy residues can create unpleasant odors if left to accumulate. Soap won’t harm quality knife blades—thorough cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing flavor transfer between uses.
Store cheese knives using magnetic strips or blade covers to prevent dulling from contact with other objects in drawers. Sharp cheese knives require regular evaluation and sharpening to maintain their cutting performance. High-quality sharpening stones or preset knife sharpeners with appropriate grinding angles (typically 15 degrees) work best for maintaining your antique cheese knife or modern stainless steel models. A well-sharpened cheese knife produces cleaner cuts that preserve the cheese’s texture and release its full flavor profile.
Proper maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of your cheese knife collection, ensuring decades of reliable service when you follow consistent care practices.
FAQ
What is the best knife for cutting cheese?
The best cheese knife depends on the cheese variety—soft cheeses require perforated blades to prevent sticking, while hard cheeses need sturdy cleavers or spade knives.
Can you use regular kitchen knives for cheese?
While possible, regular knives lack the specialized blade designs that prevent soft cheese from sticking and provide appropriate leverage for hard varieties.
How do you clean cheese knives properly?
Always hand wash cheese knives with soap and warm water immediately after use, never placing them in dishwashers which can dull blades.
What’s the difference between a cheese knife and cheese spreader?
A cheese spreader has a flexible, broad blade designed specifically for spreading soft cheeses, while cheese knives focus on slicing and cutting.
Are expensive cheese knife sets worth it?
Premium cheese knife sets offer better materials, superior edge retention, and longer lifespans, making them worthwhile investments for frequent entertainers.
How often should you sharpen cheese knives?
Sharpen cheese knives when you notice they require more pressure to cut cleanly or begin crushing cheese rather than slicing it.
