I disagree with the methodology of the test. Forks are rarely used alone. In much the same way as a single chopstick isn't used alone. Forks are used in the standard 'Knife and Fork' formation, and it is thus it must be judged.
In a fight, numbers are equal (one knife and one fork vs. two chopsticks), so only the individual lethality can be considered. Now that the noble fork isn't deprived of its long-time comrade-in-arms, the fork-wielding combatant now gets to take a knife into the fight. And if he's just been eating a steak, can we guess the outcome?
Knife and fork 1 - 0 Chopsticks
As tools, the western combination can:
- Saw (knife),
- Turn screws (knife),
- Pierce (both),
- Hammer (handles of either, mainly fork),
- Pick things up (mainly fork)
Whereas the Chopsticks can:
- Move things,
- Pick things up,
- Pierce certain things.
So, the score now sits at Knife and fork 2 - 0 Chopsticks
As eating utensils, chopsticks have four functions: gripping between the two; applying pressure along the edge of one; 'scooping' using the combined facings of both; and applying pressure at the tip of one.
The first of these actions is useful for picking up larger pieces such as chunks of meat or vegetables. Something easily done by a fork, with a minimum of dextrous fuss.
The second is used for splitting larger portions into smaller ones, something which most would agree is the strongest function of the knife-fork combo.
The third, 'scooping' function, relies on surface area of the upward-facing side, maximised by placing the sticks together, perhaps with a slight gap, but slight enough still to hold the 'target'. A knife turned sideways will nearly always have a greater surface area, and would therefore be capable of creating a greater turnover than the traditionally eastern model.
And finally, the 'stabbing' motion is the undisputed domain of the fork, capable of a greater pressure of piercing motion, and capable of multiple simultaneous piercings. Truly, the clear winner.
And so, at the final whistle, the scores are: Knife and Fork 3 - 0 Chopsticks