Fork and awl
Forks and awls are among the most fascinating objects of medieval tableware – for behind these simple tools lies a surprisingly complex history that goes far beyond mere eating. Here you will find hand-forged stainless steel forks and awls for historical re-enactment, LARP and authentic camp life.
What cutlery was actually used in the Middle Ages?
Anyone imagining how knights and peasants sat down to eat in the Middle Ages is spot on with the image of a knife, a hand and, occasionally, a spoon. The knife was the only truly universal eating utensil – everyone carried it on their belt, everyone used it daily. It served to cut bread and meat as well as being a tool for work.
The spoon was also widely used: made of wood, bone or metal, it was particularly indispensable for soups, porridges and stews – dishes that made up a large part of the medieval diet. Wooden spoons and metal versions are well attested archaeologically.
The fork, on the other hand, was scarcely in use until the late Middle Ages. Even at noble banquets, it remained the exception for a long time. The hand and the knife were the primary tools across all social classes – from the humble craftsman to knights and princes. It was not until the 15th and 16th centuries that the fork slowly became socially acceptable across much of Europe.
Fork vs. Awl: Authenticity by Era and Depiction
- Early Middle Ages & Viking Age: Awl or eating fork historically more plausible than a fork
- High Middle Ages (11th–13th centuries): still awls and knives; forks attested only in exceptional cases
- Late Middle Ages from c. 1400: first forks at noble tables – late medieval forks are historically accurate for this period
- Authenticity of materials and reference to sources are crucial
- Both variants – fork and awl – accepted and widespread
- Function and appearance are the main priorities
- Stainless steel versions are easy to maintain and suitable for everyday use
- Suitable for any fantasy or medieval setting
What is an awl – and what was it used for at mealtimes?
The awl – also known as a pricker or eating awl – is a pointed piercing tool made of iron or stainless steel with a distinctive handle. Originally, it was a multi-purpose tool: for piercing holes in leather, securing materials or undoing knots. Worn on the belt, it was always to hand for any necessary craftwork.
The awl is often discussed as a fork substitute at mealtimes – and indeed, archaeological finds show awls in combination with table knives, often stored together in a leather sheath. The most likely explanation is a multifunctional use: the awl could be used to hold a hot piece of meat in place whilst the knife cut a slice. Whether it functioned as a genuine substitute for a fork or primarily as a tool remains an open question in research.
Conceptually, the relationship is easily explained: ‘Pfriem’ and ‘Friem’ refer to the same tool – regional variants of the same Middle High German word. The term ‘Ahle’ is more common today in a craft context, but refers to the same pointed piercing tool.
Combining fork and awl correctly: cutlery sets for everyday camp life
The classic combination for historically accurate reenactments is a knife and awl in a shared double sheath – archaeologically attested, practical for everyday camp life and visually coherent. This combination is particularly well-suited for reenactments from the Early Middle Ages through to the High Middle Ages.
For late medieval re-enactments, the so-called ‘carter’s cutlery’ is ideal: a set comprising a fork, knife and spoon, carried as a single unit. This form of complete cutlery is documented from the 14th/15th century onwards at European courts and also in bourgeois settings. In our range, you will find complete cutlery sets designed precisely for this purpose.
When carrying them, we recommend attaching them to your belt – either directly via a loop or in a belt pouch. If you prefer to keep your cutlery close at hand, our range also includes suitable medieval knives that can be ideally combined with a fork or awl.
Product overview: Stainless steel forks and awls
Late medieval forks
Available with various handle designs – wooden handle, black handle and natural white handle – for historically accurate late medieval re-enactments. Comes with a leather case, handmade, historically inspired design.
Forged stainless steel forks
Hand-forged forks with twisted shank – available in polished and matt finishes, approx. 18 cm long. Equally suitable for LARP, re-enactment and everyday use at camps.
Stainless steel awl
Hand-forged awls in round or square-shaped models made from stainless steel. Versatile all-purpose tool for High and Late Medieval reenactments, ideal in combination with a table knife.
The fork in the Middle Ages: from symbol of the devil to table etiquette
The fork as a tool of the devil
Although forks were known in Europe from an early stage, they were regarded as an offensive or even devilish tool in Christian regions. Ecclesiastical circles rejected the fork – its prongs were reminiscent of the devil’s pitchfork. As a result, its widespread use in everyday life lagged far behind the level of technical knowledge.
Earlier use outside Europe
In the Byzantine Empire and the Arab world, the fork came into use much earlier – there it was regarded as a sign of refinement and was used as a matter of course at noble banquets. These influences gradually reached Western Europe via trade routes and the Crusades.
Slow change at noble courts
At some European courts – particularly in Italy and France – the fork began to make a slow appearance in the late Middle Ages. It remained a status symbol of the upper classes and was not yet commonplace. Archaeological finds from this period reveal the first artistically designed forks with twisted handles.
Wider acceptance in Europe
With the dawn of the modern era and the influence of the Renaissance, the fork also became widespread in middle-class circles. The transition from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period marks the point at which the carter’s cutlery set, comprising a fork, knife and spoon, emerged as a cohesive ensemble and became established.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic fork with a wooden handle for your late medieval re-enactment or want to carry a versatile awl as an all-purpose tool on your belt – in this category you’ll find the right hand-forged pieces for your next market or army camp. Take a look at our complete cutlery sets too if you’d like to put together a knife, fork and spoon as a harmonious set.
Frequently asked questions
An awl (also known as a needle, pricker or eating awl) is a pointed piercing tool made of iron or stainless steel with a handle. In the Middle Ages, it served as an all-purpose tool – for piercing holes in leather, for fastening materials, and also at mealtimes to hold hot pieces of food in place whilst the knife cut them up. Archaeological finds often show awls together with table knives in leather sheaths.
Typical medieval cutlery consisted of a personal dining knife, which everyone carried on their belt, and a spoon made of wood, bone or metal. The fork was scarcely used until the late Middle Ages – hands and knives were the primary tools for eating across all social classes. It was not until the 15th/16th century that the fork slowly found its way into everyday European dining.
Knights usually carried their own dining knife on their belt – this was the medieval norm, regardless of social status. A spoon supplemented this set when needed. Even many nobles did not own a fork until the late Middle Ages, as it was long considered improper or even diabolical. It was only at the courts of the 14th and 15th centuries that the fork established itself as a status symbol.
'Pfriem' and 'ahle' refer to the same tool – a pointed piercing instrument for making holes in leather, fabric or other materials. 'Ahle' is the more common term in a craft context today, whilst 'pfriem' or 'friem' is used more in a historical and medieval context. In re-enactment, the term 'Pfriem' or 'Essdorn' is the most common for the tool worn on the belt.
For re-enactments from around 1400 onwards, two-pronged forks with a twisted (tordic) handle are historically plausible. Handles made of wood, bone or horn are documented for the late Middle Ages. For earlier periods – the early Middle Ages and the Viking Age – an awl or Essdorn is the more authentic choice. In LARP, both variants are accepted.