I could not find the original source, but many sites, even authoritative ones, indicate May 13, 1637 as the day the table knife was invented. None other than Cardinal Richelieu. It seems that the cardinal was fed up with the spectacle of the diners who also ate at court using the dagger, to cut meat, to take food and also to clean their teeth.
According to others, the cardinal’s real motive was not aesthetic but practical: all those daggers at the table made the most futile discussions very dangerous. Nothing is enough for someone to get stabbed. That’s why he decided to have table knives made, with a rounded tip and a dull side. The thing was an immediate success and has come down to us. As well as this story, even if it is not clear why the date is indicated precisely that day in 1637: was there a particular banquet? Was the debut of the knife celebrated in any way? If anyone knows, you can write me here [email protected].