Mystery Solved: The Real Reason Your Fork Has a “Chipped” Spindle! | April 17, 2025

Have you ever noticed a strange fork with a prong that has a “chip” or clipped tip? At first glance, it might seem like a manufacturing defect or even damage from years of use. But if you spot this feature on several forks in your drawer, you’re looking at a smart design choice rather than a mistake.

This fork design, often referred to as a “cutting fork,” is intended to offer a little more versatility at the table. The “cutting” tine is actually a widened claw, slightly blunt at the tip. This modification serves two purposes: the extra width provides a slight edge, making it easier to cut softer foods without the need for a knife, while the cut tip prevents it from being too blunt for scooping food. The other tines remain pointed and narrow, allowing for precise spearing, just like a standard fork.

 

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