This little tool has quickly become a staple of the outdoor kitchen. But there’s a lot of debate when it comes to choosing between a titanium spork and a natural and organic bamboo spork. At the end of the day, it comes down to performance. And the winner might surprise you…
Many outdoor enthusiasts swear by their trusty spork. But you might be new to this funky-looking utensil. A mix between a fork and a spoon, the spork saves space by combining two utensils into one. Designs vary, but most feature a spoon-like side that has fork-like teeth at the bottom. Some versions feature a double-sided design for more options. And others even have a “knife-edge” side for those who want to carry only one utensil for their cooking and eating needs. For backpackers and campers, every bit of space (and weight) counts. So, the spork is a natural and preferred choice.
Titanium vs Bamboo: Which to pick?
Sporks are made from a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, and wood. But when it comes to high-performance, titanium and bamboo sporks are the most popular options. Let’s see how they compare when it comes to durability, weight, cooking ability, and sustainability.
Durability
Looking for a utensil that will last for trip after trip? Both a titanium spork and a bamboo spork are great choices. Titanium holds the highest weight-to-strength capability of any metal. And bamboo sporks are made out of the strongest woody plant on earth. So, when it comes to strength, the two options are fairly matched. Titanium is also a fairly scratch-resistant material, but once it’s been subject to wear, there’s no way to repair it. But with a little care, a bamboo spork will keep up with your toughest adventures season after season. And if it needs tuning up, it can be endlessly refinished. Just sand the surface with a fine grit sandpaper, and refresh it with a drop of finishing oil. This extends the life of your bamboo spork and keeps it looking new, even after many taxing weeks on the trail.
Weight
One of the most highlighted qualities of a titanium spork is its lightweight nature. So it’s a surprise to many when they find out that bamboo is actually lighter than titanium. It’s true. This full-sized organic bamboo spork weighs in at 11.3 grams. And this popular titanium spork of a similar size is 17 grams. Without compromising durability, there is a clear winner in the weight category. And for the weight-conscious camper, the superior lightweight nature of bamboo is a definite plus.
Cooking Ability
For many outdoor chefs, this little tool might be the only cooking utensil they carry. So, while durability and weight are important, how the utensil performs when cooking is just as essential. Cooking ability is one reason why plastic doesn’t make the cut for high-performance outdoor utensils. Although plastic utensils and cookware are a common sight at outdoor stores, they easily melt when used to cook with high-heat camp stoves. And, while neither titanium nor bamboo will melt, there are a few pros and cons to using each type of material for camp cooking.
The durability of a titanium spork means that it will hold up for use at any temperature- from sub-zero to boiling. But, titanium is a metal. So, when you’re cooking with it, you’ll need to be aware of its ability to conduct heat and cold. In freezing temperatures, you may find that a titanium spork is too cold to hold with your bare hands. And when stirring boiling liquids, you shouldn’t leave a titanium spork inside your pot. If you do, it’ll quickly become too hot to handle.
On the other hand, an organic bamboo spork is fantastic at not conducting hot or cold temperatures. Bamboo maintains a neutral temperature even when exposed to freezing cold or left in a pot of hot water. So, you can easily and comfortably cook in a range of environments.
The other aspect of camp cooking ability to consider when choosing between titanium and bamboo is if your spork will scratch or damage your pot. Because it’s made of woody material with some flexibility, a bamboo spork will not harm a backpacking stove or lightweight pot. However, the sharp edges of a titanium spork can scratch these surfaces and cause damage.
Sustainability: Titanium vs. An Organic Bamboo Spork
For eco-conscious campers, the sustainability of their equipment is extremely important (and we couldn’t agree more). The environmental impact of each type of utensil starts with how the material is extracted. Titanium must be mined from the earth in order to create a titanium spork. This process is resource-intensive and takes a toll on the environment. Bamboo sporks are made from a natural and renewable resource that grows in the wild in many parts of Asia. And while all bamboo has a low impact in comparison to mining titanium, an organic bamboo spork is particularly eco-friendly. This is because no pesticides or chemicals are used in the growing process. Once created, both bamboo and titanium utensils are durable and will likely last for many years to come.
The final aspect of sustainability to consider is the items end-of-life. Once its life is over, titanium is recyclable, but it will never biodegrade. This means that if it’s not disposed of properly, your titanium spork will never disappear. On the other hand, bamboo is a naturally biodegradable material. So, once a bamboo spork is no longer usable, it will decompose and return to the soil.
The Winner: The Organic Bamboo Spork
Both titanium and bamboo offer quality and durability. But an organic bamboo spork outperforms titanium on several fronts. For superior cooking ability that doesn’t compromise weight or durability, organic bamboo stands out. And when it comes to sustainability, it's hard to find a material with a lower environmental impact. Bamboo is renewable, low-impact, and biodegradable. And at the end of the day, enjoying a meal outdoors with cookware and utensils made of all-natural, organic materials just feels better. Plus, when you choose camp cookware made by Bambu, you’ll be getting the first and only certified organic cookware on the market. It doesn’t get more natural than that, does it?
What do you think; did this guide to titanium spork vs organic bamboo spork help you decide to choose the natural option for your next adventure?
Ready to lower your carbon footprint and lessen your load? Shop ultralight organic bamboo sporks.
