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Splayd facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Splayds
Splayds are a cool tool that combines a fork, knife, and spoon!
Splayd with a pie
A splayd next to a yummy pie.

A splayd is a special eating tool that works like a spoon, a knife, and a fork all in one! It was created by William McArthur in the 1940s in Sydney, Australia. Many companies have made splayds over the years.

What is a Splayd?

A splayd looks mostly like a spoon. But it has four pointed ends, just like a fork. It also has two flat, hard edges on its sides. These edges are perfect for cutting through soft foods. Think of it as a spoon with a built-in knife and fork!

How Does It Look?

Splayds often have a unique shape. Their bowl, which is the spoon part, might be more square or angled instead of perfectly round. They also have two long folds in the metal. This design helps them work well as all three tools.

Who Made Splayds?

The splayd was invented in the 1940s. William McArthur from Australia came up with the idea. Later, a company called Viners in Sheffield, Great Britain, made and sold splayds in the 1970s. Viners was a very big company that made cutlery, which means eating tools.

Why Are Splayds Useful?

Splayds are helpful for many reasons. They can be great for people who find it hard to use regular eating tools. For example, if someone has trouble with their arm, a splayd makes eating easier. It means they only need to hold one tool instead of switching between a fork, knife, and spoon.

A Popular Gift

Splayds were also very popular gifts! In Australia, during the 1950s and 1960s, many people gave splayds as wedding presents. They were seen as a modern and useful item for new homes.

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