Uncapping Knifes & Tools
Expose the Honey With An Uncapping Knife
What is an uncapping knife? It is simply a special double-edged knife for cutting away the capping on the comb cells in preparation for removing the honey. However, emphasis is on the special part, as an excellent uncapping knife is designed for the task. The blade is long enough to float on the comb frame, and the handle is offset for better control. Let's look at uncapping knives and the various options available to bee-keepers.
Why Quality Matters With A Honey Uncapping Knife
Uncapping honeycombs soon becomes a routine task that you can do efficiently, almost automatically, if you use quality tools and frames. A knife that struggles to cut through the wax is frustrating and will either not cut off the caps or cut too deep.
The design of the traditional uncapping knife is as simple as the function it performs and has been perfected over centuries of use in harvesting honey. The sharp edge can be straight or flatly serrated to assist with the sawing action and is bevelled on the underside to control the angle. The handle is set on an offset shaft, making it easier to apply even pressure across the whole length of the blade.
A warm or hot knife works best, which is why electrically heated uncapping knives have been available for several decades now. It is also common to heat the blade (of a non-electrical knife) in some hot water before use, and it’s often recommended that you keep one knife in the warming water while using the other, switching when necessary.
Keeping the knives clean is imperative for continued use and hygiene. The traditional knife can be washed, but the electrically heated version should just be wiped clean while the wax is still soft.
Why Buy Your Bee Uncapping Knife From Buzzbee
The reason is simply that we carry the most extensive range in Australia of the highest quality designs and build. Also, we provide excellent after-sales support and advice.
We have the following uncapping tools available for prompt delivery:
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Heated electric uncapping knife. The blade is made from stainless steel and has a variable temperature setting. This feature makes it easy to set the correct temperature to melt the capping wax but not burn the honey.
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Standard uncapping knife. The traditional tool to prepare capped frames for the extraction of honey. The stainless-steel blade is either smooth or serrated; choose the type which works best for you.
- Various other bee uncapping tools, including forks, scrapers and trays.
About Buzzbee in Australia
We are all about bees and helping bee-keepers of all levels to enjoy this most rewarding hobby. We supply the highest quality equipment and queens and "bee-packs" of the best locally bred bees in Australia.
Contact us if you need any assistance choosing and using an electric uncapping knife in Australia.
