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Simple Things: Cutlery

Simple Things:  Cutlery

There are many things we take for granted, knives and forks is just one. Home Depot has a massive selection of cutlery for every home. With a Home Depot Money Off coupon from We Are Coupons you can save money on every knife, fork and spoon you will ever need. In her essay "The History of Cutlery in the Home," Carolin Young discusses the political, social, and sexual histories of forks and knives. Young finds that in 1605, an anonymous allegorical novel portrayed hermaphrodites - a race characterized by theatricality and artifice - whose eating habits included using forks. While hermaphrodites spill far more food than they consume, they still use forks and spoons. Young traces this effeminate aura of forks and spoons until 1897, when British sailors were still eating without them.

 

Forks

The history of forks can be traced back to the 4th century BC in the Byzantine Empire. Later, they traveled to Persia, where they were known as barns. By the 10th century, they had become commonplace in eastern Europe and the Middle East. Despite this brief history, forks became an indispensable piece of eating equipment. In fact, the word "furca" is derived from the Latin word, "furca," meaning pitchfork.

 

Knives

The development of stainless steel as a material for knives was a significant advance. It could resist rusting and staining from acids and foods, which made it a popular choice for cutting. A major improvement was the ability to sharpen a knife. Once the blade was sharpened, it was necessary to make the handle as well. This was done using a special process that involved soldering two strips of metal together.

 

Chopsticks

In ancient China, the first use of chopsticks was for cooking and stirring fires. They weren't used for eating, but rather to carry food rolled in leaves and placed on fires. From China, chopsticks spread to Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, and each location produced its own unique styles. For example, in Japan, chopsticks are veneered with delightful designs to distinguish them from ordinary wooden sticks. This is in line with the aesthetic values of Japan.

 

 

Silverware

In ancient times, silverware was a luxury for the upper class. It was a costly raw material and the cost of commissioning skilled silversmiths was considerable. Today, however, silverware is widely available and is valued as a decorative object. Learn more about the history of silverware in the home and how it is used. Here are a few examples of traditional silverware. Throughout history, silver has been used to make everything from drinking glasses to teapots. Knives and forks made from silver are still considered very elegant and upmarket. 

 
 
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