The transition from using table knives exclusively for cutting and eating to incorporating forks into mealtime practices took place gradually over several centuries. The use of forks was known in ancient civilizations, but they didn't become common dining utensils in Europe until around the 16th and 17th centuries. The adoption of forks for dining was a slow process and varied across different regions.
Historically, in medieval Europe, knives were the primary eating utensils for most people. They were used for cutting and picking up food, and people would eat with their hands or use a piece of bread to scoop up food. It wasn't until the Renaissance period that forks started gaining popularity among the wealthy elite.
The use of forks was initially associated with the upper classes, particularly in Italy, where they were used as a status symbol during the 16th century. The Italian noblewoman Catherine de' Medici, who married King Henry II of France in 1533, is said to have popularized the use of forks in France. However, it still took some time for forks to become widely accepted in other parts of Europe and the Americas.
By the 18th century, the use of forks became more common in European and American households, as they were gradually recognized as a practical and hygienic tool for dining. As table manners and dining etiquette evolved, the use of forks became more standardized in formal dining settings.
While the transition from using table knives exclusively to incorporating forks into meals occurred over a few centuries, the exact timeline and spread of fork usage would have varied based on cultural and social factors. Today, forks are an integral part of Western dining etiquette and are used alongside knives and spoons in most meals.