Thor Bjorklund Cheese Slicer Value Guide

The Thor Bjorklund cheese slicer is a quintessential piece of Norwegian design, invented in 1925 by a master carpenter who adapted the mechanics of a wood plane for culinary use. These vintage mid-century examples are highly collectible for their functional elegance and their status as the original 'cheese plane' that revolutionized kitchen tools.

What Is Thor Bjorklund Cheese Slicer Worth?

The typical price range for Thor Bjorklund Cheese Slicer is $25 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the embossed pattern, as heavy wear or polishing can diminish the aesthetic value.
• Presence of the original mid-century packaging or branding materials which can push prices toward the $40 mark.
• Structural integrity of the blade slit, ensuring it hasn't been bent or warped from improper use.
• Rarity of the specific handle design, with more intricate 1950s patterns often commanding a premium.

How to Identify Thor Bjorklund Cheese Slicer?

• Look for the 'Thor Bjorklund' or 'Bjorklund' name stamped clearly on the stainless steel neck or handle.
• Identify the specific embossed pattern on the handle, a hallmark of the 1940-1960 production era.
• Check for the 'Norway' or 'Made in Norway' origin mark typically located near the base of the blade.
• Verify the construction is high-quality stainless steel rather than modern chrome-plated alloys.

History of Thor Bjorklund Cheese Slicer

The cheese slicer, or cheese plane, was invented in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund in Norway. Frustrated with how difficult it was to get even slices of cheese with a knife, Bjørklund, a master carpenter, applied the principle of a carpenter's plane to create a tool that consistently produces thin, uniform slices of cheese. His invention quickly gained popularity, and his company, Thor Bjørklund & Sønner, has been producing cheese slicers ever since.