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The Knork and The Big Idea: Brilliant
Published 06.13.2007 | Permanent Link | Comments (1)
Last night I couldn’t get to sleep so channel-surfing led me to one of my favorite talk shows: The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. In this sound-bite media world, I truly appreciate how Donny spends time with entrepreneurs from all arenas, trying to understand their a-ha! moments and how they set about to execute them. He gives them ample time to talk and since it looks like it’s shot live-to-tape there’s none of the filtering and editing to which we’ve unfortunately become accustomed. I think we can all learn so much from his guests. Or, at least walk away with a big smile on our faces after some shows, hearing the stories of regular folk who create their own destiny.
From yesterday’s rebroadcast I learned about the Knork created by Mike Miller. Yep, that’s a fork and knife rolled into one. Miller had been carrying this idea in his head since he was a tween on a first date at a pizza joint. Because he was too embarrassed to just shove the pizza in his mouth like we all do (aww, he was trying to make a good impression), he struggled to cut up his pizza with only his fork. His idea was born right there.
Years later Miller went on to produce a prototype by molding a regular fork in putty (which he proudly showed Donny—aww). He also took tons of pictures of people of all ages using their regular forks.
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The first thought that jumped into my head was no, no, no. That thing is way too sharp. But, instead, Miller created a cutting fork that focused on dulled and smoothed edges and the physics of how we use forks to cut. For stability, there’s a finger platform that allows one to leverage that knork through even the toughest of foods, like a raw carrot. Okay, I’ll just shut up. Here’s a demo video that does it justice.
As I’ve written before I am a fan of a beautifully dressed table. Would I forgo a traditional knife and fork? No. But, there are plastic versions for sale. For packing a picnic lunch or a meal on the go? Absolutely. For the mom of a newborn who rarely has both hands free, the knork is perfect. For a recent graduate with a new apartment to furnish, this is a great gift because Miller now has for sale a five-piece place setting that includes the knork and a regular knife.
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About
I'm the founding mom and the CEO of Alpha Mom. I'll be discussing the goings-on of this business or anything else that strikes my fancy. Yep, topics will run the gamut. If you have any questions, you can contact me at isabel@alphamom.com.
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Comments (1):
Belinda said:
That thing is brilliant. I must have some. Although, watching the video, the thought did occur to me, "If you can't easily cut a skinless chicken breast with a regular fork, then you are NOT A VERY GOOD COOK."
Still can't comment on the cereal post (just tried for kicks), so maybe it's a fluke? Post something else!! ;-)
Posted on June 21, 2007 09:27