FoodBanter.com - View Single Post

9/21/04

snip

> Would a Japanese box lathe for dried bonito work? The blades on some
> can be adjusted, so you're not limited to producing only paper thin
> shavings. A drawer under the blade collects the shavings and slides out
> for easy retrieval. A lovely artifact for all object fetishists.

If the knife shreads and tears, it's not a good instrument to pry at the
Pu-erh, IMO. The idea is to wedge, wriggle, and wiggle from an edge so as
not to harm the leaves. That's the best case scenario. However, my Hong Kong
back to China commemorative requires a hacksaw, a hammer, and super strength
to get a workable piece.
>
> I'm compelled to ask, though: If drinking Puerh demands brute strength
> and hand tools, is it really something to be exalted? Seriously.

It doesn't usually. Bricks might, but cakes definitely shouldn't. The idea,
again, is the get at the leaves so as not to mutilate them, as far as
possible. That's what I think, at any rate. Yak horn or treated bear claw
both work equally well.

Michael