Like the forked tip, these three holes are not mandatory, and many manufacturers overlook them. Most commonly, tomato knives will be used for other activities, including cutting cheese. These holes are made with this purpose – they can reduce the surface contact of sticky foods (such as cheese) with the blade. Therefore, the cheese is less likely to stick. The harder the cheese is, the sharper your knife should be. Tomatoes also require a very sharp edge. After all, their skin is known for being prone to tearing.