Birchware Classic 6.5" Compostable Wooden Spoons - Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Disposable Cutlery for Parties, Events & Crafts (2500 Count) | Perfect for Graduations, Luaus, Fiestas, Tea Parties & DIY Projects

Product seemed good but returned because shipping package was opened...due to mouthfeel. I'm using them as dedicated dippers (in lieu of funnels) for transferring bulk spices into smaller jars. They are definitely nice-looking compared to the average wooden spoon and would be perfect, as others have suggested, to adorn a spoonable gift of something jarred or for numerous craft projects.I bought them to use as "mini-serving spoons" for samples of items some of my guests may have never tasted--e.g., quinoa--so as to not encourage them to take a huge serving! Just to have a matching set, should it be needed, likely I'll follow up and buy some forks and knifes for similar purposes, or at least to support this company that is trying to do the right thing for the environment. Worst case scenario, they'll serve as plant markers after the fact--so sort them out from the trash if you're using them in a picnic environment!If you want a spoon to eat from, buy something made from bamboo, instead. Otherwise, try these spoons :) I expect mine to last a long time if not exposed to moisture. So far, they seem quite durable compared to some plastic spoons that might break if trying to stir something a bit stiff--say, almond butter (though I haven't tried using one of these for that purpose).Also, I'll carry one/more with me in a baggie/baggies with a napkin for the times I'm in a position to offer food to the homeless along my bus route. It's an easy gesture that most can afford to share, and one we can do, with just a bit of foresight--wrap a spoon in a napkin and place in a baggie. If you have the means, add a dollar bill or a few coins. It's all good and the recipients will find joy in your generosity, which always "comes around" :)I have to admit that I was very positively surprised to find that Birchware utensils are sturdy enough to compete with plastic utensils.I ordered an assorted package to distribute samples to our local music festival organizers with whom my committee is working on implementing a zero waste initiative since last year (2012). Since we are collecting food waste we were looking for utensils that were compostable. I'm happy to report that the utensils past our scrutiny and that of the festival directors and they will now order a big number to provide them to the vendors at the festival - a good faith effort in order to convince the vendors that this is the way to go in the future.Unlike an earlier reviewer, we could not find any wood splinters on any of the utensil. They are smooth, do not taste of wood (unless you use it as a lolly-pop?). By comparison, Birchware utensils were actually sturdier and smoother than Aspenware. i suggest you order both to make up your mind.For now I will give it 4-stars since I wish the fork prongs were a little longer )but this could perhaps compromise the sturdiness of it?).I will update my review later in July 2013 when we had the opportunity to ask the audience for feedback!Don't hesitate - you will love this alternative to plastic!After reading some of the other reviews I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about these but as soon as I started using them I was quite impressed. The size is small, more like a dessert fork, but I've successfully used these daily for a couple of weeks to eat everything from spinach (cooked) to potatoes to rice to pasta. They're probably not the best for salads or other things you need to really stab as the tines are relatively short. They hold up extremely well in very hot foods and have a very sturdy feel. They do have a woody taste (similar to the little wood things that come with Hood ice cream cups) if they get very wet, but you quickly become accustomed to it and it isn't overpowering. Plus, they come in packages of 100, while similar products are only available in bulk and where does one really have the room or inclination to store 1,000 forks anyway? I would certainly recommend these as a nice alternative to plastic.Update: I've had to take away one star and rate these a four as I've had several forks from the middle of the package with splinters and have had to throw away at least four or five so far for fear of a splinter in my tongue. The others have been fine though.I bring lunch to my work most days and I have been using plastic forks to eat my food. I felt bad about all of that plastic waste so I thought I would try to find something more "green". I can't really say anything about how eco-friendly these forks and some people have told me that throwing these in the trash probably isn't great for the environment either.What I can tell you is how this compares to plastic forks. The prongs of these forks are shorter than those of plastic forks. However, it is still functional and can spear your food ok. It might have an added benefit in that it can function somewhat as a spoon. It lies somewhere between fork and spork. It also feels a little shorter as well but not so much that it is a problem.The are fairly sturdy and I have only had a prong break off once.The biggest drawback using this product is that there is a certain wood flavor you can taste. I have found that some flavor combinations do not pair to well with this.If you want a disposable alternative to plastic, these are worth a try.They look sturdy however the package arrived completely open. In the world of post c-19; open packages for food utensils are no good.*edit*I reached out to Amazon & they issued a replacement. The new package arrived fully sealed so I am happy now.Perfect biodegradable party forks. Solid and perfect for appetizers, cake, and all kinds of dishes. Would buy again.They're knives, they work. 2 stars removed because quality control is nonexistant and you have to sand down quite a few of them yourself to not get splinters.I gave this item as a gift to a friend who travels a lot and is a great environmentalist, he was happy with it and will probably look into other products in this line from this company. Good packaging and came before the expected date.I use this when reusable cutlery is impractical. Makes me feel far less guilty than using plastic. I've seen no splintering. Will reorder.En cuanto llegaron y las vi me fascinaron muchísimo, la calidad no tiene rebabas ni están mal hechas si no todos lo contrario y el precio me fascinó!Perfectos porque son ecológicos.Todos en perfecto estado.Muy recomendables