For beekeepers with up to 10 supers, I'd recommend trying an uncapping fork, instead of any of the knives or planes. Get one of the metal forks with tines with an offset or double jog half way along. Mine has a wooden handle. I find it works better than the plastic ones with straight tines (capping scratchers). Cappings are removed by sliding the tines into the airspace under capped cells. Ideally, the wax comes off nearly without honey. No electric power required, no heat. It may not be quite as fast as a heated knife in experienced hands, but the cleanup is quicker. With some practice, it might keep up with a knife. Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET [log in to unmask]