A bread lame is a specialized tool used to score the surface of bread dough before baking. It consists of a sharp, double-edged blade attached to a handle, which is typically made of wood or metal.
Scoring the dough with a bread lame serves several important purposes. Firstly, it allows the bread to expand properly in the oven, preventing it from bursting or tearing. Secondly, it creates a more attractive and professional-looking loaf. Thirdly, it can help to control the direction of the bread’s expansion, resulting in a more even bake. Additionally, scoring the dough can help to release steam, which can contribute to a crispier crust.