A tea knife (also known as a tea pick or pu-erh knife) is a specialized, blunt-edged tool used to pry apart compressed tea cakes, bricks, and tuocha without crumbling the leaves. It typically features a sturdy stainless steel blade and a wood or metal handle, providing safe leverage to separate tea leaves for brewing.
- Purpose: Primarily used for prying rather than cutting; it allows you to break off specific portions of pu-erh or black tea cakes.
- Structure: Comprises a relatively thick blade (compared to a thin, sharp tea needle) and a handle, often measuring around 15-16cm in total length.
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Blade Material: Usually made from high-quality, durable stainless steel to prevent rust and ensure longevity.
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Handle Design: Commonly crafted from wood (like ebony or rosewood) or metal. designed for a comfortable, secure grip, sometimes in a "cigar" or sealed shape for safety.
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Functionality: Unlike a sharp kitchen knife, the tea knife is typically designed not to be sharp to the touch, ensuring safety when prying tightly packed tea.
Usually made from high-quality, durable stainless steel to prevent rust and ensure longevity.