Either simple, utilitarian phlanges to either side, or

These serve two purposes:

1) When cutting through something, if you push through all the way, the flanges keep you from pushing your hand into said material (which hurts when done with hot, greasy steak).

2) When put in the flatware drawer, it makes the number of knives look equal to the number of forks or spoons (the normally-flat butter knives lie flat, instead of the inconsistencies in the fork/spoon panel.
-- Almafeta, Oct 19 2004

Spoonguard http://www.rathergood.com/spoonguard/
For Happy Kittens! [gnomethang, Oct 20 2004]

Ban Spoonguard http://www.rathergood.com/banspoonguard/
[gnomethang, Oct 20 2004]

So this is a great idea for Obsessive, Compulsive, Frustrated swordsman who burn themselves on hot meats due to poor knife handling?
-- dentworth, Oct 20 2004


If you used a butter knife to cut butter and a steak knife to cut steak you wouldn't push your hand into hot, greasy steak. [-]
-- contracts, Oct 20 2004


what about a sharpened flange instead of a knife?

p.s in Ireland the word flange is rude.
-- etherman, Oct 20 2004


A cork.
-- bristolz, Oct 20 2004


oh they're called flanges, but everyone sniggers when its said. railway workers are constantly off sick with rib injuries.
-- etherman, Oct 20 2004


... and bruised thighs.
-- FarmerJohn, Oct 20 2004


I am so, so sorry*
I couldn't resist these links (again)

*Not Really
-- gnomethang, Oct 20 2004


Somehow, the idea that comes to mind is a Bowie butter knife. Or perhaps the kind of ornate guards found on rapiers.
-- nick_n_uit, Oct 20 2004



random, halfbakery