Splayd

A Splayd is an eating utensil combining the functions of spoon, knife and fork. It was created by William McArthur in the 1940s in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[1] There are several manufacturers.

Splayds (or Splades) are sporves, a combination of fork, knife and spoon in one utensil.
A splayd beside a pie

In addition to an overall spoon shape with four fork tines, it has two hard, flat edges on either side, suitable for cutting through soft food. They often have a geometric rather than rounded bowl, with two longitudinal folds in the metal.

The UK licensee for the manufacturing and distribution of "Splayds" during the 1970s was Viners of Sheffield. At that time they were one of the biggest cutlery manufacturers in Great Britain.[2]

The Splayd has medical uses, having been recommended as a solution for feeding difficulties following or during treatment of the arm[3] and being part of the (discontinued) Selectagrip system of utensils with customisable handles for people who have trouble using regular utensils.[4][5][6] It also reportedly was a popular wedding gift in Australia in the 1950s and 1960s.[7]

See also

References

  1. Mackenzie, Michael. "Splayds - our national shame". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 October 2018.
  2. Tweedale, G. The Sheffield Knife Book. ISBN 1-874718-11-3.
  3. Penrose, Dina (1993). "Occupational Therapy for Orthopaedic Conditions". doi:10.1007/978-1-4899-3085-9. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. "Selectagrip® Splayed Fork". www.nrshealthcare.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
  5. Taylor-Cookson, Judith; Mitchell, Justine (November 2001). "Cutlery for children with special needs". British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. 8 (11): 426–430. doi:10.12968/bjtr.2001.8.11.13814. ISSN 1354-8581.
  6. "Selectagrip Cutlery And Handles | AbleData". abledata.acl.gov. Retrieved 2020-07-27.
  7. Iomaire, Máirtín Mac Con (2014-07-03). "Material Culture: A Review of the 2013 Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery". Journal of Culinary Science & Technology. 12 (3): 191–195. doi:10.1080/15428052.2014.904835. ISSN 1542-8052.


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