The knives used to crack a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The wedge shaped knife that is pressed into the center of the wheel to help open the center of the cheese.

This marking is branded into the side of a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The markings on the side of a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Scoring the rind of the wheel to prepare it for cracking.

This type of knife is driven into the score at opposite ends of the wheel to start the cheese cracking.

As the crack opens, the knives at the sides are moved down the sides of the cheese to open the crack wider.

Time for tasting.