What is an osthyvel?
Osthyvel means “cheese plane” in Swedish. The handheld tool uses a sharpened slot in a flat metal blade to shave one consistent slice at a time. It is an everyday breakfast-table object across Scandinavia and an unusually satisfying upgrade for American sandwich makers.
Choose the blade for your cheese
A shorter, firmer plane gives more control on aged cheddar and dense gouda. A slightly flexible blade glides well over young havarti and household sandwich cheeses. Wire slicers suit softer blocks but add a part that can loosen or break.
Handle and care
All-steel models are compact and often dishwasher safe. Wood handles feel warmer and look handsome on a cheese board, but should be hand washed and dried promptly.
