Eating utensils traditional or new age?

Spork, that's it. Unless I plan on having something that requires a knife, then I bring that too. I try to cook all my meals like I would backpacking, so whenever I go car camping somewhere I make the same style meals. 99% of the time a spork does the job. I use a Sea to Summit Alpha.
 
We have a plastic set, I believe MSR. I melted 1 fork cooking eggs.....

I'm looking at the snowpeak stuff for our future plates and utensils. I prefer metal usually for it's strength and find it easier to clean.
 
I use Snow Peak utensils, I have a full set of full size sporks and I have a set of carry on chopsticks and a short spork that fit together in the chopsticks holder.IMG_1639.JPGIMG_1640.JPGIMG_1641.JPGIMG_1642.JPG


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If it's just the family and I we use the Lexan reusable utensils but in larger groups it's out of our control. We try to generate as little trash as possible. Not just because of the ecological impacts but often have to haul out our trash.
 
I've not tried sporks before although have carved a fair number of wooden spoons whilst teaching on self sufficiency courses. Today I received with my latest Land Rover magazine (don't forget- it doesn't matter what you drive) a free Spork. This one even has a serrated knife edge down one side of the fork. I might give it a try on my next trip away. Picture of my first spork below

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Personally I try to avoid generating trash in the backcountry because it just means more to haul out, so I don't bring disposable utensils or plates. Utensils are particularly easy to clean with very little water, so I don't see any benefit to disposables.

I had a nice set of reusable plastic utensils similar to the GSI sets but friends kept thinking that they were disposable and throwing them out. Weight is not a factor since I'm not taking them backpacking, so I'm going to replace the plastic utensils with some cheap metal ones from Goodwill or IKEA. My only criteria is that they are solid and don't bend.
 
At one time we were 100% disposable but that didn't last too long. We've gone through just about every option for reusable, from plastic to straight out of the kitchen drawer. Now days since we have amassed such a variety of camping gear for different camping styles, it really can change from trip to trip. For our upcoming trip to CO I'm bringing two 3 piece stainless steel sets, similar to the old army mess kit versions, but a little slimmer. It's just my wife and I so we won't be supplying gear for others on this trip.

I'll probably bring along my favorite spoon too, which is a long handled titanium spoon from toaks. I love it for hot stuff because it cools off faster, and doesnt burn my bottom lip. :D
 
Tim said:
We've been using the Front Runner cutlery set for a couple of years now. Decent enough set with cooking utensils and stuff to eat with (including steak knives). Comes in a roll-up folding bag which you can hang up when in camp too. Works well and since everything has a place you know if it's missing.
http://www.maverick4x4.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1218
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I have this kit too. we've just spent a week away using if. Generally it's an excellent kit but I do have a few comments. I'd prefer a middle sized knife to prep food somewhere between the large knife and small knife in the kit. Additionally I'd like to have a woden spoon or spatula too. These are items I will add separately.
 
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Defender 90 Keith said:
I've not tried sporks before although have carved a fair number of wooden spoons whilst teaching on self sufficiency courses. Today I received with my latest Land Rover magazine (don't forget- it doesn't matter what you drive) a free Spork. This one even has a serrated knife edge down one side of the fork. I might give it a try on my next trip away. Picture of my first spork below

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As a follow up to the attached post, I can announce that the spork has sadly passed away to the plastic cutlery graveyard. it wasn't man enough for the job expected of it. I need to find something more substantial
 
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Titanium long handle spork + chopsticks + black walnut & bamboo everything else… *powerfist*

Sidenote: I have a $#itload of enamelware and hardly ever use it for exactly the reasons stated above.
 
I've used a ton of different things over the years for travel, camping, backyard cookouts at friends, impromptu picnics, etc and the best, easiest to keep together and keep clean, most durable, green, solution I've found yet is the Zelco Mangia 3pc set.

Stainless steel, the spoon and fork handles nestle into the knife handle, and all three working ends can then be capped by a snap-closed plastic top. Easy to keep a set in your daybag, glovebox, briefcase, whatever. The Amish used to always carry a spoon with them when going to neighbor's homes for big feeds, and I look at this set like that. I always have one fairly near.

I used to buy them three-four at a time and give them to fellow travelers, though I'm not sure the Zelco Mangia set is being made anymore. The last couple sets I bought had a less-durable plastic top, some of which eventually split or cracked at the snap tabs.

If anyone sees them for sale anywhere, let me know. ( NOTE:There is one place online, but they only take cards, not paypal, and it's an obscure site I've never heard of. My experience with some sites when they have otherwise unavailable items is that you can provide your card info and check out, then find out weeks later they don't have the item or they never send it, you have to fight to get your pesos back, AND they have your card info. With Paypal you might end up out some dollars, but they don't have all your info.)

I'll get more and your set will be on me.

zelcomangia-utensilsset-01.jpg zelcomangia-utensilsset-02.jpg
 
buckwilk said:
Enameled metal kitchen ware has to be the worst idea ever, food goes cold fast. If hot you can't hold it or drink from it. I use wooden plates and bowls like these https://www.islandwoods.com/. Reusable and doesn't conduct heat or cold like metal. SnowPeak sporks, belt knife, wooden spoons and you're good to go.
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You know, you're absolutely right, and I can't believe I never really thought about it before. Now I'm remembering all the times I had to carefully balance a hot plate on my lap without burning my hands, or use a glove to hold my enamel coffee cup. For some reason, it never occurred to me to just get a different type of plateware!
 
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I use one of those small sporks that comes attached to a carabiner from REI, a wooden spoon, a wooden spatula, an 8" chef's knife, and a boning knife.


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I hit up a thrift store and picked up a bunch of random cutlery. Drilled some small holes in the handles to keep sets together with a ring. No drama if one gets lost and you can get a handful for the same price as a single set at a camping store. I try to stay away from disposable stuff. Tends to break and just ends up in the garbage at some point.
 
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