Spoon and Fork...

[Tuckahoe]

...or my cool find from the weekend.

Yeah its just a fork and spoon -- actually a reproduction WW1 era German army folding spoon and fork. I was at an event this weekend and this caught my eye simply because it is light weight (weighs less than an ounce) and folding. It is 6 inches folded and 9 inches opened. This is replacing the Sea to Summit spoon that is in my kit.

[Tinker]

If it's from China have it checked for heavy metals content............
(It's just that there's a history there - not for everything, for sure, but, maybe because I'm a little skeptical that the Chinese government is concerned about little more than profit, and that they probably don't have any way to enforce FDA-type regulations - it's a big, fast growing industrial power).

[SGT Rock]

Look at one of those light my fire sporks. Same thing except food grade plastic so lighter.

That said, I don't use them myself anymore.

[Tinker]

Btw: where exactly did you find that spoon/fork combo? It would be nice if you could post a link.

[Tuckahoe]

Like I said I picked it up at an event this past weekend and I dont recall the particular vendor. However, they are fairly common with vendors that specialize in German militaria -- http://www.atthefront.com/german/per...skititems.html

Scroll down about half way. I paid $7 mine. I wasnt really shopping for backpacking gear at a WW1 event... why would I? But some friends were purchasing lighters and I noticed the spoon/fork, especially how light weight -- same weight as my plastic spoon. So I bought it.

[Tinker]

The Sarge suggested that you take another look at your Light my Fire Spork. I took a look at his gear list for his attempted Thru a couple of years ago and it turns out that he broke his at 20 degrees F. - said it died of "hypothermia". That's why (besides possibly getting stepped on or broken in the pack somehow) I don't use "plasticware". High or low tech, no matter what the material says it is, it gets brittle in the cold.

[Spokes]

It'll be a sure conversation starter.

I don't ever recall actually ever using a fork while on the trail. Now at the AYCE's , that's a different story.

Anyone else?

[Tinker]

It'll be a sure conversation starter.

I don't ever recall actually ever using a fork while on the trail. Now at the AYCE's , that's a different story.

Anyone else?

I haven't seen any seasoned hikers on the trail with an actual fork, though I've seen a number of "sporks" which don't function very well at all as a fork. I have a spork which can't handle anything a fork normally can, and doesn't clean the corners of my pots or occasional freeze-dried pouches very efficiently. I finally bough a long handled ti spoon at REI which I like except for packability.
Metal implements can be boiled out repeatedly to clean them. I don't know if that can be done with the Lexan and other plastic implements. Plus, plastic tends to scratch, and the scratches can be very hard to clean.

I'd like to see the item above reproduced in titanium. I bet the makers couldn't keep them in stock. I KNOW I would buy one (if the cost isn't too ridiculous).

[Spokes]

I started the trail last year only carrying the typical plastic hiker spoon and quickly discovered they were no match at attacking frozen ice cream so I ended up getting a titanium spoon for just that all important task.

Ahhh, heaven.......

[SGT Rock]

All I ever need is a spoon. I've got a standard plastic one that has lasted a long long time.

[jesse]

All I ever need is a spoon. I've got a standard plastic one that has lasted a long long time.

Exactly. If you need a knife; use your pocket knife. If you need a fork; use your fingers.

[Panzer1]

All I ever need is a spoon. I've got a standard plastic one that has lasted a long long time.

Not me, I have a lexan knife, fork and spoon. I like to eat good on the trail and I like to have all my utensils.

Panzer

[Wags]

I've seen a number of "sporks" which don't function very well at all as a fork.

i disagree completely with this statement. my gsi pirahna foon is a much better option than a regular spoon. i've tried meals both ways (freezer bag style)

[SGT Rock]

If I need a fork I use my fingers.

[Mountain Wildman]

Bought the Light My Fire Titanium Spork, Not the cheapest option but it won't break and only weighs 17 Grams.

[Mountain Wildman]

Man that copied large, Hate when that happens!!!

[mkmangold]

Bought the Light My Fire Titanium Spork, Not the cheapest option but it won't break and only weighs 17 Grams.

Just wanted to see that again.

[Hikes in Rain]

Is that life sized?

[Hikingsasquatch]

I'm considering just using my fingers. No additional weight and laden with immune-boosting bacteria!

[Mountain Wildman]

Is that life sized?

Not life size, 6 3/4" long, 1 1/2" at widest point on the spoon.