A dough lame helps control where your loaf opens in the oven, improving oven spring, crust appearance and the finish of your scoring. The best choice depends on how you like to score, whether you want a fixed or replaceable blade, and whether you prefer a simple functional tool or a more tactile wooden lame.
If you want a straightforward ready-to-use option, choose a fixed-blade scoring knife or lame. If you want easy blade changes and more traditional artisan-style scoring, choose a replaceable-blade grignette such as the Landaise, Bordelaise or Boulange. If you want a more tactile or giftable option, choose one of the wooden lames. Spare blades and protective cases are also available for compatible models.
A dough lame is a tool used to score or slash bread dough just before baking.
The cut helps control how the loaf opens in the oven, improving oven spring
and reducing random bursting.
What is the difference between a lame and a grignette?
The terms are often used interchangeably. In bakery usage, a grignette usually
refers to the holder or handled tool, while lame can refer to the blade or the
scoring tool as a whole.
Which dough lame is best for beginners?
A simple fixed-blade scoring knife or an easy-to-use grignette is usually best
for beginners. These give good control without adding too much complication,
while still helping you make cleaner, more confident cuts.
Do I need a curved blade to get an ear on my loaf?
A curved blade can help with undercutting and encourage a more pronounced ear,
especially on sourdough loaves. A straight or flatter blade is still very
useful for general-purpose scoring and decorative cuts.
Do all dough lames use the same spare blades?
No. Some lames use replaceable standard razor blades, while others have fixed
or permanent blades. Always check the individual product page to see whether
spare blades are needed and which models they fit.
Should I choose a left-handed or right-handed wooden lame?
If you are choosing one of the handed wooden lames, select the version that
matches your dominant hand. These are shaped for handed use, so choosing the
correct version will feel more natural and give better control.
Do I need a protective case for my lame?
A protective case is not essential, but it is a useful accessory if you want
to store or carry your lame more safely, especially for wooden puck-style lames.
