This cooking tool is known as a Pig's tail, due to the curl on the end resembling a tail. It is great for hooking into meat and other food while cooking on a grill or other hot surface. It is around 18" long in order to keep your hand away from the hot surfaces while moving and cooking your food. It is made of 1/4 inch square bar and features a reverse twist in the middle to set it apart from any machine made tool. This is made of mild steel and should be treated similarly to cast iron. It would make a great addition to the tool arsenal of any cook or chef.