Heretic's fork

Compliance Documentation with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) (EU) 2023/988

Date of preparation: 2 January 2026 Product name: Heretic's Fork Product variants: Basic (stainless steel fork only); Full set with leather collar (fork + natural leather collar with metal buckle and adjustment).

Product description: The Heretic's Fork is a modern replica of a historical torture device used in the Middle Ages and early modern period (mainly during the Spanish Inquisition). The design consists of two connected prongs attached to the victim's neck by means of straps, ropes or a collar, which immobilizes the head and causes pain during any attempt to move or speak. Made entirely of stainless steel (with blunted tips to minimize injury risk), it is designed as an exclusive collectible item with decorative and educational character. The product is not intended for use on humans nor in BDSM practices – it represents a unique combination of artistic craftsmanship and historical reconstruction, serving as a reminder of the dark chapters of human history and encouraging reflection on the consequences of violence. The variant with a leather collar enables historical reconstruction of the mounting, but exclusively for demonstration purposes.

Mounting description with collar: First place loop no. 2 onto collar no. 1, then thread the collar through one eye of the fork no. 3, attach stainless steel D-ring no. 4, and thread the collar through the second eye of the fork.

Materials: Stainless steel AISI 304 (fork and metal components); natural bovine leather.

Batch identification code / serial number: Always corresponds to the customer's order number (production is carried out individually to specific order – each batch is unique and identified by the order number).

Intended use: Exclusively for adults (over 18 years of age) for collecting, decorative, and educational purposes (e.g. display in a cabinet, historical reconstructions without body contact). The product is not a toy, torture device, medical device, or BDSM accessory.

1. Safety risk assessment (internal risk analysis)

In accordance with GPSR (Art. 5–7), an internal risk analysis has been conducted. Potential hazards:

• Risk of skin puncture or serious neck/head injuries: Blunted prong tips minimize the risk, but improper use (e.g. on a body) may cause cuts, bleeding or perforations.
• Risk of suffocation or restriction of breathing: Mounting with the collar may cause pressure on the neck, arteries or airways, leading to hypoxia.
• Risk of psychological harm: The sight or simulation of use may cause stress, anxiety or trauma in sensitive individuals.
• Risk of allergies: Natural leather (in the collar variant) may cause allergic reactions; stainless steel – rare contact irritation.
• Risk of mechanical damage: Deformation or breaking of the fork under excessive force, which could result in detachment of sharp fragments.
• Other risks: Falls during handling, risk to children/animals treating it as a toy.

Risks have been minimized through blunting of the tips, use of durable materials, categorical prohibition of use on the body, and detailed instructions. The product is safe when used correctly as a display item. In the collar variant, risks increase due to compression, therefore mounting is permitted exclusively for demonstration purposes.

2.Instructions for use and safety

• Preparation: Before first use, inspect the fork and (in the full variant) the collar for damage, sharp edges, cracks in the leather or corrosion. Clean stainless steel parts with isopropyl alcohol or other disinfectant and dry. Wipe the leather collar with a dry or lightly damp cloth.
• Use: Use exclusively as decoration or display item (e.g. on a shelf, in a cabinet). Any use on a human or animal body, or in torture/BDSM simulations is strictly prohibited – it may cause serious injury, permanent disability or death. Mounting with the collar (according to the description) is permitted exclusively for educational purposes, without placing it around the neck. Never leave within reach of children or unaware persons. In the case of historical reconstruction – under expert supervision, maintaining distance.
• Cleaning and maintenance: Cleaning: fork – alcohol or disinfectants; collar – damp cloth with soap, natural drying, avoid soaking. Avoid excessive mechanical force.
• Storage: Dry, cool place, away from moisture, children and animals.
• General recommendations: The product serves historical reflection. Correct use is the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
• Disposal information: Metal materials (steel) and leather – dispose of as metal or textile waste in accordance with local recycling regulations. Steel is suitable for remelting; leather for composting or organic disposal.

Additional warning regarding serious risks associated with use on humans Use of the Heretic's Fork on a living person's neck carries serious and real risks of bodily injury, permanent health damage, and even death. The buyer/user decides to use this item on a human being exclusively at their own risk. There is no possibility of completely eliminating the risk – even with the highest caution and best technical knowledge. Such was the historical role of this device and such remains its nature regardless of modern execution.

Most dangerous scenario The greatest threat is the fall of the person wearing the fork – even a minor stumble, loss of balance or sudden movement can lead to immediate, extremely severe neck injury, cervical spine fracture, spinal cord damage, arterial rupture or larynx damage.

Ways to significantly reduce (but not eliminate) the risk:

• The person wearing the fork must remain in a sitting or lying position throughout the entire session.
• Walking, standing, kneeling or any upright position is strictly prohibited.
• A third person (“safety guardian”) must be present, or at least very close immediate intervention must be possible.
• Continuously monitor the person's condition: breathing, skin colour, verbal responses, signs of fainting, dizziness, nausea.
• At the slightest signs of fainting, blackout, breathing difficulty or panic – immediately stop and remove the device.
• Always keep safety shears/scissors capable of quickly cutting the collar at hand.

Regardless of all the above precautions, the Heretic's Fork remains an inherently dangerous tool. Its historical function was to inflict pain and suffering through the threat of serious injury with the slightest movement. The modern replica, despite blunted tips and careful craftsmanship, does not lose this fundamental property. Safety will always remain the sole responsibility of the person who decides to use this item.

3. Warnings and safety labels

• “Product for adults over 18 only. STRICTLY PROHIBITED use on human or animal body – risk of serious injury, suffocation or death.”
• “For decorative and collectible purposes only. Not a torture device or BDSM accessory.”
• “Risk of allergy to natural leather. Exercise caution during collar mounting – demonstration purposes only.”
• “Danger of puncture or compression. Use at your own risk.”
• “Keep away from children. Report any incident to the manufacturer.”

4. Additional information

• Incident reporting: In case of an accident, report to the manufacturer.

5.Compliance with standards

• The product meets the general safety requirements of GPSR.
• No harmonised standards exist for replicas of historical torture devices – based on risk analysis and blunting of elements.
• Materials compliant with REACH (no hazardous substances); stainless steel free from excess nickel.