Holding and using cutlery [technical right below elbow amputee issues core subject]

It seems that it is not always obvious how to go about things like using a knife to cut up stuff or how to best hold knife or fork with the prosthetic arm. We had that earlier [link], and now it is a subject once again.

After years of practice things do come automatically in a way. Or at some point I practiced more, but I forgot. At any rate, here are some pointers.

No prosthesis

Always important to have a really well sharpened knife. But, don’t cut yourself.

Peeling garlic

The more interesting thing than cutting garlic is how to peel it.

After that, just keep the thing in place with the stump and cut it up.

Cutting meat

This is in slow motion.

I press the fork down, with the stump, into the meat to hold both in place while I cut the piece and then eat it. No real / hard need to use a prosthesis to eat with knife and fork there.

 

Cutting tomato

With a sharp knife, no problem. With an even sharper knife it would have been even easier ; )

 

TRS Jaws XFS

This device is the one to have though. It is extremely well made and built. The grip force is really, really good. Also and on top, my TRS Jaws XFS is already tuned / tweaked [link].  The grip now can be set to an insanely strong maximum force at not too crazy cable forces.

Knife

This is a no-brainer.

Fork

Yeah. That works the exact same way.

Touchbionics Ossur iLimb – “bionic” hand

I have a rather durable cosmetic glove (not by Ossur / Touchbionics! oh, no!!!) and so, that device is also tweaked / tuned with respect to that. As it is way beyond warranty anyway, I figured that definitely does not matter at all.

Fork

The fork is placed between thumb/index and middle/ring finger when the hand is more open, then I close the hand to wedge the fork into place. Maybe try wedging it the other way so you can eat with it after getting food on the fork.

Knife

The knife also is placed between thumb/index and either index/middle (as shown here) or middle/ring finger – I do place the utensil there when the hand is more open, then I close the hand to wedge the knife into place.

Hosmer hook model 5

The technically easiest way to eat with cuterly is the Hosmer model 5 hook. It is designed specifically to (also) do this well, very well.

Knife

The knife is placed as shown here. Once positioned like that one can exert a lot of force on the knife – no problem.

 

Fork

The fork may be used the same way – but I admit I like to use the knife with that hook a lot more.

Becker Mechanical Hands – Lock Grip hand

By far the best, most robust, reliable and affordable “bionic” hand around anywhere ever. It stands out from so many models for so may reasons.

This here has been tweaked / tuned with extra padding and a really good work glove.

Knife

I open the hand a bit and place the knife between index/thumb and index/middle finger. Then close it so it locks.

 

Fork

Holding a fork also works that way.


Cite this article:
Wolf Schweitzer: swisswuff.ch - Holding and using cutlery [technical right below elbow amputee issues core subject]; published 12/04/2021, 18:41; URL: https://www.swisswuff.ch/tech/?p=11820.

BibTeX 1: @MISC{schweitzer_wolf_1738961702, author = {Wolf Schweitzer}, title = {{swisswuff.ch - Holding and using cutlery [technical right below elbow amputee issues core subject]}}, month = {April}, year = {2021}, url = {https://www.swisswuff.ch/tech/?p=11820}

BibTeX 2: @MISC{schweitzer_wolf_1738961702, author = {Wolf Schweitzer}, title = {{Holding and using cutlery [technical right below elbow amputee issues core subject]}}, howpublished = {Technical Below Elbow Amputee Issues}, month = {April}, year = {2021}, url = {https://www.swisswuff.ch/tech/?p=11820} }