Abstract: A device for protecting the index finger of the hand opposite the cutting hand when cutting comestible. It is tapering, approximately cylindrical and of flexible thermoplastic, with an optional extension to cover the third joint. The extension can have a hole for convenient storage on a hook. The device is designed to accommodate various finger sizes and can be further reduced in diameter to fit the smallest fingers by slipping an optional narrow sleeve over the cylindrical shaft.

Abstract: A ceramic composition composed of a hydrothermal, high magnesium, plastic clay combined with suitable sources of MgO, SiO.sub.2, and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to result in a composition, the fired product of which results in a cordierite ceramic having low coefficient of thermal expansion characteristics that permit the use of said ceramic in flameware cooking utensils. For a similar cordierite like composition the mineral tremolite can be included in the composition to enhance moist workability and drying and firing dimension stability.