How to Grip a Pencil Properly | DrawYourWorld.com

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The discussion centers on the proper grip for holding writing utensils and eating utensils, specifically the role of the fourth finger in gripping a pen or pencil. Participants express concern about their own grip techniques, with some noting that they have held utensils incorrectly for years. A consensus emerges that the fourth finger should not press against the writing utensil for optimal maneuverability. The conversation shifts to dining etiquette, particularly how Americans often switch their fork and knife between hands while eating, which some participants criticize as improper. Observations about cultural differences in utensil use and dining manners are shared, highlighting that many Americans may not know the correct way to hold a fork and knife. The discussion concludes with the notion that comfort and personal preference in both writing and eating grips are ultimately what matter most, despite traditional guidelines.
  • #31
rewebster said:
hmmmm...

What does that imply/infer about the French?
They found a clever way to prevent getting killed at the table?

One ruler actully forbade the use of knives at the table, I think it was a Viking ruler over England, I have forgotten.
 
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  • #32
I didn't realize there was a proper way to hold a knife and a fork. I death-grip my utensils.
 
  • #33
yeah---just watch out for the servant with the knife



-------

I remember seeing a guy at a restaurant with a baseball grip on his fork and spoon
 
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  • #34
Evo said:
They found a clever way to prevent getting killed at the table?

One ruler actully forbade the use of knives at the table, I think it was a Viking ruler over England, I have forgotten.

I remember the Prince Valiant cartoon where Aleta tried to introduce the fork to England and Prince Valiant and his men tried to figure out what to do with them.

They finally buried thousands of them in a river bed, tines up, to repel invaders that tried to wade across the river.
 
  • #35
ehrenfest said:
Is it true that the 4th finger (ring finger) is NEVER supposed to press against the utensil in the proper grip?
ehrenfest said:
Well sometimes it feels a little awkward when I write so I want to correct this once and for. I write MUCH more than I hold a fork or knife.
ehrenfest said:
Can someone answer the only question in my opening post with a YES or a NO?

Hi ehrenfest! :smile:

YES … it's true … you have been doing it wrong.

But does it matter? Probably not … you might get RSI one day, but I'd guess it's pretty rare.

If it's not hurting you, or being a strain, you could just carry on.

But I think you'll find the usual way more relaxing.

(It would definitely strain me if I wrote your way).

Perhaps you need to change your pen (from fine to medium, maybe), or your sitting position also.

I'm not depressing you, am I? :redface:
 
  • #36
You might find this helpful.

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/behaviourfood.html
 
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  • #37
BobG said:
I also thought it was interesting that proper etiquette in France requires your hands to always stay visible above the table. In ancient times, if your hand disappeared below the table, your fellow diners feared that you were reaching for your dagger so you could kill them.

As opposed to today when if your hands disappear below the table, we assume you're up to trouble with the person next to you. :biggrin:
 
  • #39
Moonbear said:
As opposed to today when if your hands disappear below the table, we assume you're up to trouble with the person next to you. :biggrin:

trouble?--I thought 'trouble' is only when the whole person disappears!
 
  • #40
Cyrus said:
http://z.about.com/d/drawsketch/1/0/2/2/tripodgrip_up.jpg

This is how I hold my pencil.

But shouldn't your pencil be pointing down? :confused:
 
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  • #41
Moonbear said:
As opposed to today when if your hands disappear below the table, we assume you're up to trouble with the person next to you. :biggrin:

True, which is why American manners require a person to keep their left hand under the table unless they're using it to cut their food. It's also why most seating arrangements are boy-girl-boy-girl, etc, and why you should "gage" your eating to ensure everyone finishes at the same time. http://www.cccoe.net/social/americantablemanners.htm

Disappearing completely under the table during a meal is definitely bad etiquette.
 
  • #42
tiny-tim said:
But shouldn't your pencil be pointing down? :confused:

That was a lame joke.
 

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