Etymology and History of Cutlery
– The word cutler derives from the Middle English word cuteler and Old French coutelier.
– The word coutel means knife in modern French.
– The Latin word culter also means knife.
– The term cutler refers to a person who makes or sells cutlery.
– The city of Sheffield in England is famous for its cutlery production since the 17th century.
– Cutlery originated in ancient civilizations.
– The use of cutlery spread during the Middle Ages.
– Sheffield became a major center for cutlery production in the 18th century.
– Industrialization led to mass production of cutlery in the 19th century.
– Modern cutlery is made from various materials such as stainless steel and plastic.
Composition and Metallic Cutlery
– Sterling silver is traditionally used for good quality cutlery.
– Steel is commonly used for utilitarian knives.
– Pewter was used for cheaper items, especially spoons.
– Electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) was a cheaper substitute for sterling silver.
– Stainless steel, discovered in Sheffield in 1913, became the predominant material for cutlery.
– Sterling silver had the advantage of being less chemically reactive than other metals.
– Gold cutlery was reserved for the exceptionally wealthy.
Plastic Cutlery
– Plastic cutlery is commonly used for disposable purposes.
– It is frequently used outdoors for camping, excursions, and barbecues.
– Plastic cutlery is also used at fast-food or take-away outlets.
– It is provided with airline meals in economy class.
– Thicker and more durable plastic cutlery is used for children.
Wooden Cutlery
– Wooden cutlery is a popular biodegradable alternative to plastic.
– Bamboo and maple are commonly used for wooden cutlery.
– Some manufacturers coat wooden cutlery in food-safe plant oils and waxes.
– Wooden cutlery is cured for a few days before leaving the manufacturing plant.
– It is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly option.
Types of Cutlery and Cutlery Etiquette
– Knives: Used for cutting and slicing.
– Forks: Used for spearing and lifting food.
– Spoons: Used for scooping and stirring.
– Chopsticks: Traditional utensils in East Asian cuisine.
– Specialized cutlery: Includes cheese knives, oyster forks, and steak knives.
– Proper placement of cutlery on the table.
– Correct use of cutlery during a meal.
– Different customs and etiquette for using cutlery in various cultures.
– Basic table manners include not waving or pointing with cutlery.
– Cutlery should be placed parallel to each other when finished with a meal. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutlery
Cutlery (also referred to as silverware, flatware, or tableware), includes any hand implement used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food in Western culture. A person who makes or sells cutlery is called a cutler. The city of Sheffield in England has been famous for the production of cutlery since the 17th century and a train – the Master Cutler – running from Sheffield to London was named after the industry. Bringing affordable cutlery to the masses, stainless steel was developed in Sheffield in the early 20th century.
The major items of cutlery in Western culture are the knife, fork and spoon. These three implements first appeared together on tables in Britain in the Georgian era. In recent times, hybrid versions of cutlery have been made combining the functionality of different eating implements, including the spork (spoon / fork), spife (spoon / knife), and knork (knife / fork). The sporf or splade combines all three.
