How To Cut a Cork

Cork is a material with exceptional properties, according to biologist Helena Pereira. These include an unusual surface, density and cellular structure. Cork's mechanical properties make it suitable for a range of specialized jobs, such as forming the seams of some woodwind instruments. The most well-known role for this product from the cork oak tree is as a wine bottle stopper, and it is also commonly used in flooring products and footwear.

Things You'll Need

• Oven glove
• Chopping board
• Kitchen knife (with fine serrations)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pull on an oven glove to protect your hand. Hold the cork down on a cutting board with the same hand.

   • 2

     Hold the knife in the other hand. Place the blade of the knife at the point where you wish to cut.

   • 3

     Cut with a sawing motion, keeping the knife as straight as possible for a precise cut. Notice how the fine serrations of the knife work easily through the cork's structure.

   • 4

     Continue sawing through the cork until the cut is complete.