Cake Breaker: What is it and How Is It Used?

I remember opening my Grandmother's box of silver and seeing this when I was a kid. I just KNEW it was a comb for my baby doll's hair. As I grew older, I figured a comb probably wasn't hanging out next to the butter knives in a box of silver.  As a young adult, I assumed it was for serving pasta because of the tongs. 

Well, it is not for my baby dolls or for noodles.  Called a cake breaker, this special tool is used to cut incredibly delicate and soft cakes (think angel food cake). 

According to Jessica Reed at ByReed.com, the cake breaker was invented by Ohio man named Cale J. Schneider in 1932.  She even included the patent information....look how cool his drawing is!

Here is all the information on the patent. It's actually pretty interesting to see. 

Here are some of my favorite ones I found on Etsy.  I love all the different handles they have!

Green Bakelite Handle

Progressus Cake Breaker

Sterling Silver Cake Breaker

In my search for some on Etsy, I came across this too!  It's another slicer from good ole C.J. Schneider...this is called the "CheeSliceR".  It is designed to help cut a block of cheese easily. 

Have you ever used a cake breaker? Do you find it to be any different than using a regular cake server? I'd love to know!