If you take an interest in cheese, a cheese knife set is a must. A typical cheese set contains a hard cheese knife for cheeses like cheddar, a cheese plane or shaver, a fork-tipped knife, and a spreader that works not only for soft cheeses but spreads, pates or cheese accompaniments.  The soft cheese knife typically has a very thin blade that is sometimes perforated with holes to prevent cheeses like Camembert from sticking.

Cheese knife sets range in price from about 20 dollars to as much as several hundred dollars for a 4-piece Wusthof cheese set. You'll find some sets come with a case or cutting board, typically bamboo.  While the cutting board is a nice feature, they are typically not big enough to serve a selection of several cheeses. However, they work beautifully if you were to bring out a wedge of cheese and some grapes after dinner. You may also find cheese sets bundled with picnic or wine baskets that may include additional tools such as a corkscrew for cheese-lovers who double as wine-lovers.  You may also find multi-purpose cheese knives that are like several tools in one.  For example, Global makes a single stainless steel knife that is suited both for hard and soft cheeses for around 70 dollars.

When shopping for a cheese set, look for stainless steel blades that are designed to keep their edge and have a lifetime warranty.   If you have the opportunity to try out different knives, take note of the knife's balance and weight.  Make sure it has a non-slip grip that feels comfortable in your hand.  Many cheese knives have very small handles which are ideal for some hands, but not for others.  If you're serving a lot of different cheeses to a group, it's important that you don't get hand fatigue from an uncomfortable cheese knife. Also, note that some cheese sets are dishwasher safe, but many allow only handwashing so read the accompanying instructions carefully.

A must for any cheese lover, as well as a great gift, your cheese knife set will be enjoyed with friends and family for years to come.