Scoring your dough isn’t just about creating a beautiful loaf - it’s essential for achieving a controlled rise in the oven and avoiding unexpected cracks or splits. At You Knead Sourdough, we offer three different bread lames (pronounced “lahm,” from the French word for “blade”), each designed to suit different skill levels and scoring styles.
In this post, we’ll walk you through our Wooden Bread Lame, UFO Bread Lame, and Long Handle Bread Lame, plus how to insert the blades and what each one is best used for.
1. Wooden Bread Lame (Included in the Complete Sourdough Starter Kit)
Best for: Classic scoring lines and beginners just getting started.
Our Wooden Bread Lame is the ideal first step into the world of sourdough scoring. Designed with a simple, straight blade that slices through dough with ease, this tool helps your loaf expand predictably in the oven while giving you room to get creative with basic scoring patterns like single slashes, crosses, or wheat stalks.
How to insert the blade:
- Carefully slide a razor blade into the metal prong so that it curves slightly.
💡 Tip: For the best results, score with quick, confident motions at a 30–45° angle.
Always store your lame with the leather blade cover or remove the blade when not in use. Razor blades are seriously sharp and can easily cause cuts if left exposed.
2. UFO Bread Lame
Best for: Intricate patterns and precision scoring.
If you want to take your sourdough artistry to the next level, the UFO Bread Lame is for you. Its compact, circular design fits comfortably in your hand and allows for fine, detailed scoring—perfect for leaf patterns, hearts, or custom creations that wow.
How to insert the blade:
- Unscrew the top disc to open the UFO.
- Place a razor blade inside, making sure it’s aligned with the edges of the wooden discs.
- Reattach the top and tighten securely.
- Only a small portion of the blade will be exposed for safe, precision scoring.
🔐 Safety bonus: The blade is fully enclosed when not in use, making it safe to store without needing a separate cover.
3. Long Handle Bread Lame
Best for: High control scoring and deep slashes on large loaves.
Like the UFO, this lame is all about control—but with a longer wooden handle for extra reach and leverage. It’s a great option for bakers who like a firm grip or are working with big loaves that need confident, deep cuts to open up during baking.
How to insert the blade:
- Unscrew the metal screws at the tip of the handle.
- Place the razor blade into the holder slot and screw the caps back on to secure it.
- The exposed blade angle is perfect for controlled, sweeping motions across the dough surface.
Whether you're scoring your very first boule or perfecting your signature design, the right lame can make all the difference. Sharp, safe, and thoughtfully designed, each of our lames gives you the power to shape your sourdough the way you want.
Ready to level up your loaf game?
Explore our Bread Lame Collection or grab the Complete Sourdough Starter Kit to get started with everything you knead.
Happy baking!