Submitted by noblerare t3_110ozd2 in BuyItForLife

We bought these chopsticks at our local Asian store about 5 years ago and are looking to get some better quality ones.

First, I don't know what material my current chopsticks are or what is considered good: wood, bamboo, metal, lacquer, something else?

As you can see, the bottom one has been accumulating mold/mildew from years of being washed and then placed upright in our dish rack while the water runs down the chopstick and sits at the bottom. Does this pose a health risk from continuing to use it even if we eat from the top?

The top two don't have that problem but the top end appears to be having its coating rub off.

Anyway, we're looking for good quality, and safe (probably the most important since we're putting it in our mouths to eat everyday) chopsticks recommendations. Thank you!

https://preview.redd.it/xbzlyt13etha1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=e1e009e039ecfe5ea53d7cb34b9f39a5b1bb62ef

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Comments

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fazalmajid t1_j8a8l1c wrote

My father, who worked in Korea for a while, told me unlike the Japanese the Koreans prefer metal chopsticks as more sanitary. I have two pairs of Snow Peak titanium chopsticks as titanium is both sanitary and biocompatible, and Snow Peak is top-quality.

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notaurus t1_j8ck0vl wrote

That’s new to me. Like obviously implants need to be biocompatible, but are there any benefits to biocompatible tools / cutlery?

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fazalmajid t1_j8cnizw wrote

Some people are allergic to traces of nickel in steel.

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TomK15 t1_j90gv58 wrote

Been using these titanium knockoffs of the Snow Peaks. Prefer the slight texturing over stainless steel or plastic slickness. Can pick up a broken piece of rice easily.

https://www.amazon.com/Titanium-Chopsticks-Ultralight-Standard-Reusable/dp/B07BVY8BLM

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BackgroundNoise222 t1_j8a6hyb wrote

I have used thick white plastic ones for 10+ years with no issues.

I just throw them in the dishwasher.

Believe I got them at my local Asian grocery.

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loonygecko t1_j8crae0 wrote

Yep, I got me some of those literally 40 years ago and they are still like new!

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GeoSol t1_j8b8yov wrote

I've had a pair of metal chopsticks for years, that were just a few bucks fro half a dozen, at an asian grocery store.

Still have one pair that i regularly keep with me.

Wood is easier on your teeth, but metal is more BuyIt4Life.

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tookerken t1_j8aeomy wrote

Don't put wooden things in the dishwasher. Don't let them soak. Just wipe them down and dry right away.

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couldbeyouornot t1_j8bhz3d wrote

if you have an asian grocery they should have stainless ones there. they'll be inexpensive, wash well in the dishwasher, and last forever.

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Muncie4 t1_j8a6i88 wrote

There is no considered good material just like there is no considered good color for a car...its a personal preference. This is BIFL and in that vein, you can find stainless steel, titanium or carbon fiber chopsticks. There are no unsafe chopsticks.

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loonygecko t1_j8cr7xx wrote

The ironic thing is I bought 20 sets of hard plastic chopsticks from San Francisco china town in the 80s for literally a few dollars and those things are indestructible, I still use them and they look brand new!

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Pyrrhic_Thoughts t1_j8fx0yg wrote

World market sells a set of ironwood chopsticks that are great quality for the price. Agreeing with the above comments, hand washing only no soaking.

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