Why does the blade of the knife point inwards when you set a table?

[Deschamps]

I worked at a restaurant for several years, and I recently corrected a new busser because she set the table with the blade of the knife pointing outwards. I told her that it's a medieval thing, and that having the blade pointing outwards is a sign of aggression to the person beside you.

A quick google search shows that I was correct about the aggression part, but can anyone confirm or deny whether the tradition stems from medieval times?

It's an obscure thing, but I'm curious about it.

 

[OutforEC]

From what I can tell, in medieval times the knife was normally brought by the guests to the table and not furnished by the host. 17th century was when wealthy hosts started adding cutlery in all it's forms to the table for guests. Not sure about the knife blade placement and its origins, however.

Source: Claudia Quigley Murphy in "The History of the Art of Tablesetting"

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

I doubt it, yesterday on the History Channel, Modern Marvels had this special on bladed tools (axes, swords, and of course knives), and they stated they didn't use silverware knives until more recently (by recently I mean a few centuries ago). Maybe back then, someone took their own knife and laid it down pointing toward the plate to show non aggressiveness.

This is an odd topic when I think of it.

 

[Odbarc]

Why do we still practice these 'forks go this way' rituals? People make such a huge deal about it too. I don't get WHY. Whose this really upsetting? If my fork were upturned when I saw it, I don't think I'd give it a first thought.

 

[KingCrInuYasha]

So you won't poke yourself when you go to pick it up.

 

[Mirror Cage]

It arises from the olden times where dinners would frequently be interrupted by marauding bands of vikings and guests would need to quickly arm themselves for combat.

It is also known that seat cushions in those days could be use as a shield in case of emergencies.

Out of curiosity, how many words did people get into this before realizing that I was talking out of my ass?

 

[ms_sunlight]

If you hold your knife properly, then blade facing towards the plate means that it doesn't need to be turned round when you pick it up to use it. Anyway, shouldn't you be asking Miss Manners, not the Escapist forums?

 

[Skorpyo]

Set? Table?

And I use a double-edged boot knife to cut my steak, what are YOU talking about?

 

[crimsonshrouds]

So you won't poke yourself when you go to pick it up.

dang ninja.
Isn't it safer to have the handle easier to reach?

 

[Deschamps]

I really can't explain why this is important to me. But after three years of setting tables in a restaurant, being all OCD over them being set correctly, my curiosity tends to grow.

 

[Kagim]

I really can't explain why this is important to me. But after three years of setting tables in a restaurant, being all OCD over them being set correctly, my curiosity tends to grow.

So you don't have to turn the blade to eat. While minuscule, it literally take less then half a second to turn the knife. However the point of high dining is to make the guest feel absolutely taken care of in every insignificant detail. So sayith my Fiance who set tables as part of her job for about two years.

Edit: I have been ninjad apparently. Damn i missed that one post three or four up...

Why do we still practice these 'forks go this way' rituals? People make such a huge deal about it too. I don't get WHY. Whose this really upsetting? If my fork were upturned when I saw it, I don't think I'd give it a first thought.

It shows care and precision of detail. Someone who focuses on doing a good job for small, minor tasks will likely show the same care and focus for a task much more important. It trains you to not be lazy and to be mindful of every task you are doing.

Essentially. "If it is worth doing, it's worth doing right."

 

[GodofCider]

It arises from the olden times where dinners would frequently be interrupted by marauding bands of vikings and guests would need to quickly arm themselves for combat.

It is also known that seat cushions in those days could be use as a shield in case of emergencies.

Out of curiosity, how many words did people get into this before realizing that I was talking out of my ass?

Five words.

Now to continue to rant for a sentence or two so as to ward off the chance of being ridiculed by a moderator due to a limited post.

 

[Deschamps]

What I'm mainly wondering about is the origin of the aggression part of it. I'm sure I heard at one point that is was a medieval tradition, but I have no sources.