Breaking into a Tuo Cha?

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

I am a beginner but you can steam them apart also, the tea seller in
Texas, Hou De has a good description on his website.

Hey Dominic, my intro to pu-erh was the lower end mini tuos.
I liked them so much that it can only get better!
Now I have maybe 10K off stuff laid in and it's a fun journey.

Tom

I agree with Mydnight, if you do it incorrectly, you'll end up with a pile
of rotten leaves instead of dried ones. Another thing, after you steam open
the cakes or tuochas, you cannot sun it under direct sunlight, that will
kill the leaves further.

It is much easier to find a long lazy afternoon, put on some good music, get
a good letter opener, sit down in a cozy chair with a large sheet of paper
spread out on the table and experience the joy of prying these things open.

Mike and others might have noticed the elation on my face when I pried open
a cake...haha

Danny

Two words: Cold Chisel. Nothing better, two sharp points on corners,
beveled edge allows for good prying angle digging into cakes or tuos,
and almost no chance of ever bending or warping the tool.

tea junkie wrote:
> Two words: Cold Chisel. Nothing better, two sharp points on corners,
> beveled edge allows for good prying angle digging into cakes or tuos,
> and almost no chance of ever bending or warping the tool.

A very good idea... I do have a realy nice small chisel at home that is
unused due to its size, but it would be perfect for tea. Unfortunately
though, I definitely can't have that at work. I'm starting to get good
with my little pointy scissors and I've only lost three fingers and a
few serious puncture wounds! :)

- Dominic