DESCRIPTION:

The Mantis simplifies the need for an extra spoon by transforming into one when the two pieces are fitted together (to handle foods like congee, khao pad, okayu, chawanmushi, dal makhani, kushari, mujadara, fried rice, lentils, chili, etc) and the wide profile of the "talon" ends provide a third function to grip foods almost like tongs (for instance when picking up slippery hard-boiled eggs). They are bidirectional, with the opposite end offering the traditional and familiar experience, so they can still work as regular chopsticks, but with extended functionality.

FEATURES:

Bidirectional use:
Either end can be used as a chopstick.
Low drip spoon mode:
While in spoon-mode, the seam in the middle creates capillary action that holds liquid long enough for practical use (those five seconds from plate to mouth). Some drip is expected; as do regular spoons when fully wet on the underside. (Not intended to hold liquids indefinitely).
Pinch mode:
The spoon halves are designed deliberately so that each tip curves inward into a point; forming a talon. The spoon-ends when turned sideways to face each other can function as serving tongs or allow a more secure "hugging" grip around larger slippery food items.
Quick alignment:
The two pieces feature carefully designed self-aligning dowels that can come together rapidly in a forgiving way without needing to fiddle with them precisely. When assembled, a spoon forms, that is held together between the thumb and the index finger. No magnets needed.
Hygienic glossy ends:
Both ends of the Mantis have a glossy finish, for hygienic reasons, under the premise that smooth surfaces feature lower bacterial adhesion and may clean better under prolonged use. (Note: Creating glossy finish with glass-filled PPS is an expensive and premium operation).

OPERATION:

Normal Mode

The straight pointed ends of the Mantis can be used as conventional chopsticks. This was a deliberate design choice to preserve familiarity with traditional use and individual holding habits.

Spoon Mode

The two pieces can interlock together to form a spoon. Held gently, the seam is precise enough to facilitate handling of liquids (such as soup) with low enough drip to be practical during use.

Pinch Mode

Turning the spoon portions sideways provides pointed ends which curve inwards. This allows for finer tweezer-like control of smaller food items or an enhanced "hugging" grip of larger, slippery, food items in scenarios where a fork or serving tong would normally be needed.

MATERIAL:

The Mantis is made of a high-heat engineering food-grade resin (PPS) with characteristics between porcelain and aluminum. It's specifically chosen for its outstanding chemical inertness (among the highest known) and for its outstanding resistance to heat. This resin is not known to contain, or off-gas, the typical health-suspect compounds such as Phthalates, BPA, BPS (Bisphenols), azo compounds, halogenated aromatic compounds, or dioxins/furans.

A few key points about the resin itself:

Heat:
It's microwave and dishwasher compatible and can easily handle hot liquids (coffee, tea, soup, boiling water).
Can safely handle temperatures of 200°C (392°F) long term and has a melting point of 285°C (545°F).
Caution should still be exercised since household ovens maintain an average temperature by cycling their heating elements on and off, reaching red-hot states that peak over 600°C (1112°F). This radiation can superheat metal surfaces, which can still melt this resin if it comes into contact with them.
Chemical resistance:
Will not react to foods or cleaning agents commonly found in kitchen environments. Offers excellent resistance to a broad spectrum of chemicals and has no known organic solvent under 200 °C (392 °F). It is practically unaffected by many organic chemicals, even under conditions that will dissolve or destroy other plastics.

SAFETY:

Common sense warnings for use around (or by) young children since, due to the pointed edges, the chopsticks can be a poking hazard. Similarly, bitting-off small pieces can become a choking hazard. Furthermore, this is a glass reinforced resin and should avoid grinding and inhalation of dust particles from it under Proposition 65 for Glass, oxide, chemicals (CAS # 65997-17-3)