Changing eating habits see the table knife sidelined.

MAYBE it isn’t as sharp as it once was. Or perhaps, it had simply pointed itself in the wrong direction. But it could very well be a sign of the times as far as traditional British etiquette is concerned.

That the good old table knife has seen better days may come as no surprise, after all.

Let’s face it. Who really needs a knife in today’s fast-paced world of ready-meals, fast-food and takeaways when a simple fork and eating with one hand will suffice.

With Londoners speaking a mind-boggling 300 languages, the vast array of multi-ethnic cuisine and unique eating habits in the British capital leave little to the imagination.

Well, you can dispense with a knife when savouring Asian delights like stir-fried noodles, chicken curries or rice dishes. The same goes for chips, burgers, pastas and even bite-sized pizzas.

The fact that Asian food – often cut-up before being cooked – is fast gaining popularity may have also hastened the demise of the cutlery.

Bon appetit: Proper dining etiquette should be guided by the type of food you are eating,common sense and practicality.

Most vegetarian dishes do not rquire the use of knives. Neither do you use a knife and fork to eat shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, tea sandwiches or salads.

But this has not stopped Debenhams, Britain’s leading department store, from launching a Civilised Dining Campaign to promote good table manners.

The move to save what it regards as a great British tradition in the wake of forks outselling knives in its155 stores speak volumes of the declining popularity of the table knife.

Yes, the knives are out for traditional dining etiquette. That seems to be the inevitable consequence following the abandoning of cups and saucers in favour of mugs.

Of course, some may see eating with one hand as sloppy. Just as those who slump over tables eating with just a fork or wolfing down a takeaway while glued to the television regarded as lacking in table manners.

Admittedly, there is a general decline in good table manners which could have etiquette experts choking on their cornflakes.

The trend may be cause for worry. But proper eating habits should also be guided by the type of food you eat, common sense and practicality.

What’s more, it’s important to know the basic rules to avoid causing embarrassment to yourself or offence to others.

Perhaps, the issue is not so much as sticking to table manners than the necessity of using a knife for a simple meal nowadays.

But one thing remains clear. Britons are increasingly moving away from meals that centre around chunks of meat, which may be just about the only dish that requires a knife on the table.

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