Vintage Cheese Slicer Value Guide

The vintage Norwegian cheese slicer, or ostehøvel, is a masterpiece of functional design invented by master carpenter Thor Bjørklund in 1925. These mid-century examples from 1950-1970 are highly collectible for their ergonomic wooden handles and the precision of their stainless steel blades, which were famously inspired by a carpenter's plane.

What affects the value of Vintage Cheese Slicer?

• Condition of the wooden handle, specifically the absence of cracks or water damage from modern dishwashers.
• The sharpness and lack of pitting or deep scratches on the stainless steel slicing surface.
• Presence of original maker marks or branding that link the piece directly to Thor Bjørklund's factory.
• Overall aesthetic appeal and the patina of the wood, with well-maintained examples reaching the $25 range.

How to Identify Vintage Cheese Slicer?

• Look for the 'Norway' or 'Bjørklund' stamp on the stainless steel blade to confirm authentic Norwegian origin.
• Examine the handle for genuine mid-century wood types like teak or rosewood, which were common during the 1950-1970 era.
• Check the blade construction for a seamless transition between the slicing slot and the handle mount, characteristic of high-quality vintage manufacturing.
• Verify the 'Stainless Steel' or 'Rustfritt Stål' engraving often found on the underside of the metal head.

History of Vintage Cheese Slicer

The cheese slicer, or ostehøvel, was invented in 1925 by Thor Bjørklund in Norway. Frustrated by imperfect slices of cheese, Bjørklund, a master carpenter, developed a tool inspired by the carpenter's plane. His invention revolutionized cheese consumption, making it easier to achieve uniform slices and quickly gaining popularity throughout Scandinavia and beyond.