Personal Cutlery in Amber
Cutlery in Amber[edit]
The topic of personal cutlery is a complicated one. For thousands of years everyone from the lowest gentry to Kings of Amber carried a personal set of eating utencils. Many cultural observations rose about them.
Customs[edit]
Only people clearing a table would touch someones cutlery. It is considered rude to grab, pick at, or touch someone else's "Kit". However, asking to see someone's kit is common. Many people compare kits. They are considered a show of ones character. For that reason most people have several kits for different uses. Kitchen staff take great care in knowing what pieces belong together and fit which holder.
In the museum portion of the Great Library of Amber is a display consisting of over a thousand sets of cutlery that belonged to famous people. Sets from all the Amber Family are included.(Not the ones that did not live in Amber) Oberon has a dozen sets on display.
Many people considered it an honor to be asked to donate a set.
Some blacksmiths specialize in cutlery producing a wide variety of items. Nearly all blacksmiths have sets for sale. They are quick to make and can be made using scrap metal.
Cutlery are one of the items that master blacksmiths allow apprentices to make using scrap metal. They are then allowed to sell them to bolster their own purses. Apprentice items are often very plain but the better the work helps improve their reputation. Of course their masters look over their work before it can be sold so it does not embarrass the master
Children were given their own kits as young as three. However they frequently did not include fork or knife. forks came along for 5 year olds. Knives were given to 7-9 year olds
