Dominic T. wrote:
I have seen and read about using various implements to break apart
Pu-Erh for brewing but would like to hear what the preferred tool and
method are from some of the pros around here. I have seen sharp metal
letter openers, oyster knives, paring knives, smaller metal skewers,
etc. I am brewing some Xiaguan Green Pu-Erh right now that I bought in
my recent trip to NY and I thought of asking this question. I used a
pair of sharp pointed scissors since here at work my only other option
would be plastic silverware

- Dominic

Hehe, whatever works, works....

Sharp instruments like scissors and kitchen knives make me nervous. The
stuff can be really hard and the chances for slippage are high.

I like the oyster knife aproach for bingcha and bricks, where you can
attack the sides with a twisting motion and flake off layers of tea. I
like to use a pair of gooseneck pliers (channelocks) for tuocha.
Another method that works is to wrap the tuocha in a cloth and whack it
with a hammer right on the top of the dome. Once you make the first
break the rest is usually easier.

Mike
http://www.pu-erh.net