Most engineering revolves around solutions to common problems that minimize unnecessary costs/materials without sacrificing usefulness. So, while there are plenty of “favorite ____” threads revolving around methods of transportation, I thought something more fundamental would be interesting.
From a usefulness/effectiveness/preference point of view, what is the best number of tines/prongs on a fork? [Not a poll, because I think discourse is better than numbers for this]
While I’m most used to 4, 3 is optimal. It has material than 4, and is better at picking up smaller pieces of food than 2. 1 is only useful for marshmallows.
I strongly prefer 4 tines, although I’m not sure I’ve ever used any other number of tines. I find 3 and 5 tined forks really aesthetically unsettling, and 1 and 2 tined “forks” don’t seem like they’d be very practical for most things.
The fact of the matter is that it depends on what you are eating. Fewer tines should be used for crumbly or juicy foods. Fewer tines allow less crumbles and breakage, while also helping foods like juicy watermelon retain the most moisture. Same goes for forks being used while handling meats. You should use fewer tines, and make sure they are sharp so as to retain the juicy goodness.
Please check this post off as Solution, we are done here.
Believe it or not, there was a SIX TINE fork I was going to add, but it was just a bit too disturbing.
You've been warned
I agree that two is more for roasts and other large meat cuts that need more stability than a one tine (skewer) can provide while minimizing holes. I think thork (patent pending?) serves a purpose for trying to twirl linguini or some egg noodles, but is otherwise simultaneously archaic and futuristic.
I think the name “spork” is incorrect since as it approaches the food it is first and foremost a fork, then a spoon.
Foroon or Foon seems more appropriate.
Eating: 4 tine
Moving hay or straw: 3 tine
If the straw is laden with manure: 4 tine
Participating in an angry mob: 3 tine
Moving silage: 5+ tine
Self defense: 1 or 2 tine
When being used as a fork, then it approaches tine-first. However, when used as a spoon, it often approaches sideways, so what would it be called in this instance?
