Tzu Chi is a foundation whose mission is to relieve the suffering of the world. They also make amazing retractable "switchblade" chopsticks that make every Japanese culture obsessed person squeal with delight. With these fun chopsticks you'll find yourself eating every meal with them. Including your spaghetti and mashed potatoes.
What makes these Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks so amazing?
*The Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks are made of stainless steel*
Which means they aren't going to stain and look disgusting after multiple uses. This also makes them a silver color, which is fun for people who get distracted by shiny things. The stainless steel makes the chopsticks look beautiful like expensive china.
*The Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks come with a carrying case*
The case looks exactly like the mini carrying cases for glasses. The lid removes from the case and the chopsticks sit gently inside. They fit snug so that the chopsticks won't jiggle about and get scratched inside the case. The lid closes tightly, too, so you don't worry about the chopsticks falling out in your purse. Instead of putting them in a bag, carry your Tzu Chi chopsticks on your belt.
*The Tzu Chi chopsticks are square, not round*
Round stainless steel chopsticks are harder to eat with because the food falls right off the slippery surface. These chopsticks are square, which help to make the food stay put.
*The Tzu chi "switchblade" chopsticks are retractable*
This is what makes these chopsticks better than the rest. You've seen collapsible chopsticks that fold up into carrying cases. You have to unscrew a little piece from each chopstick to separate them into two pieces, without losing the little piece. Then to use the chopsticks again you have to put them back together. With the Tzu Chi chopsticks all you have to do is press the buttons on the top of each chopstick and the bottom end shoots out like a switchblade. Tap the ends to a hard surface, and the bottoms retract back into the top part and stay there.
They are a lot of fun to play with.
*How the Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks work*
Actual switchblades have little mechanisms inside that break after too much use. The Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks work with gravity. They will only work if you have the chopsticks pointing down so the ends can fall. If you point the chopsticks up and press the button, nothing happens. This might make you think the chopsticks aren't that amazing, but it's actually a good thing. It means there aren't tons of little parts and mechanisms to break inside the chopsticks. All there is inside is what is needed to lock the ends of the chopsticks in place and to release them when you push the button.
*Availability of the Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks*
Sadly, you can't walk into any home goods store and walk out with these fun chopsticks. They are available at Tzu Chi foundation offices around the world, but there aren't very many of them. The chopsticks can also be found at the few Jing Si Bookstores in the United States. These stores are a part of the Tzu Chi foundation. Your only other option is to find a seller on eBay or some other online store that is selling them. Of course, you are not supporting The Tzu Chi foundation this way.
For a list of Jing Si Bookstore locations: Jing Si Bookstore
For more information on the Tzu Chi foundation, and to find the locations of their offices: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
For a look at how these Tzu Chi "switchblade" chopsticks work: Most Amazing Chopsticks! Youtube video
Sources:
Tzu Chi: About Us, Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation