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#03.  Ambiguous Standards of Over-Specification

Since the mid-20th century, there has been a considerable increase in objects designed with over-specific functions[1], especially in the kitchen. Apparatus can be found for the removal of the head and strings in string beans, peeling the tops of okra fingers, slicing eggs and more. These are all easily achievable with a simple kitchen knife that, unlike over-specific gadgets, does not discriminate if the fruit or vegetable does not fit to an industrially imposed size or shape.

[1] Over specific objects: Objects designed and produced for fulfilling extremely specified functions, instead of more abstract ones such as holding, pulling, hitting, cutting.

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photo: Kayhan Kuygusuz

Another point of conversation is the relation between these doomed-to-get-dusted-in-cupboard objects and their food counterparts, which fulfill tasks which could otherwise easily be done with standards kitchen equipment. For instance a knife does not require its fruit or vegetable to be of a certain size, however over-specific objects require their subjects to be in a specific interval of size and form, defined by the food industry.

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Inventory:

 

Pit-remover and slicer for fruits

Chips chopper   

Spiral patato cutter         

Okra peeler       

Egg slicer                          

Stuffed vine leaves wrapper         

Vegetable preservative   

String beans slicer and cleaner   

Boiled corn grater           

Spring operated walnut cracker  

Chestnut scraper             

Egg desheller and seperator        

Carrot sharpener             

Screw press garlic crusher          

Avocado slicer   

Cake fork           

Sugar claw         

Pit remover       

Dough sealer     

Lemon sprayer

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