The fork, once known as a split spoon, is a vital eating utensil for just about everyone these days. The implement originated sometime during the early Middle Ages, caught on in Italy in the 11th century and gradually spread across Europe, heading first to France and then to Spain, over the next few centuries.

When they first came into use, it was considered very rude to eat from them and spoons, knives and fingers were the implements of choice for most diners. These days, there are few foods that cannot be eaten with the aid of a fork and it would be considered quite rude to resort to using fingers in most dining situations. Culinary etiquette experts offer a few pearls of wisdom on what foods are appropriate to eat with your hands (just in case one of these experts happens to show up the next time you're having a meal out).The foods you can eat by hand are:

• Bread: break slices of bread, rolls and muffins in half or into small pieces by hand before buttering.
• Bacon: the crispy American style can be picked up and eaten. The more ham-like Canadian bacon should be cut.
• Finger foods/meals: Follow the cue of your host. If finger meals are offered on a platter, place them on your plate before putting them into your mouth. Make sure a napkin is nearby.
• Foods that are meant to be eaten by hand include: corn on the cob, ribs, lobster, clams and oysters, chicken wings, sandwiches, certain fruits, olives, celery, dry cakes and cookies.

As if there aren't enough strange food gadgets in the world already, we manage to keep finding new and unusual ones. These Finger Forks look like miniature versions of the Wolverine's claws, but are small enugh to slip, ring-like, onto each finger. They are made of stainless steel and, like other types of forks, are sharp enough to pierce most foods. They are suggested for use at cocktail parties, but you run the risk of having people think that you are repeatedly dipping your fingers into the various dips and sauces. They would be better suited to a restaurant where the food is typically eaten with the fingers - many Moroccan restaurants, for example - so someone unfamiliar with the practice can stay within their comfort zone and still use a utensil. The forks might also work out well for people who can't manage chopsticks and are too embarassed to ask for a fork.

[via boingboing]