This Week I Learned to Split an Apple with my Hands
Mike Boyd documents learning to split an apple in half with bare hands, figuring out the technique through trial and error. The video also introduces his recurring series format: learning a new skill each week with no tutorials, just experimentation. ---
Key Concepts
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| "This Week I Learned" series | A self-imposed challenge format — pick a skill, avoid tutorials, learn it within a week, document the process |
| Trial and error learning | Deliberately skipping instructional content to discover technique independently |
Notes
Backstory: Previous Party Trick
- Could open J2O bottles using leverage with almost any object (forks, knives, other bottles)
- At a party, successfully opened a bottle using a single sheet of A4 paper
- **Technique**: Grip the bottle cap so the knuckle acts as a fulcrum; wedge the object there and use a lever motion to pop the cap
- J2O switched to twist caps, rendering the trick obsolete — motivation to find something new
Learning to Split an Apple
- Saw a video of someone splitting an apple bare-handed; deliberately avoided watching any tutorials
- **First hypothesis**: twisting motion — didn't work
- **Second attempt**: leveraging/prying apart — worked immediately
- Described as surprisingly easy once the correct motion is found; splits symmetrically down the middle
Tips Discovered Through Practice
- **Bigger apples are easier** than smaller ones
- Red Delicious variety was notably harder (denser texture); required more attempts
- Quartering the apple after splitting is also achievable with hands alone
Actionable Takeaways
- To split an apple: grip each half firmly, thumbs together at the top, and pull/lever outward — not a twist
- Start with large apples (e.g., Pink Lady) before attempting smaller or denser varieties (e.g., Red Delicious)
- To open a bottle with an improvised tool: find a knuckle-grip on the cap and use leverage, not force
Quotes Worth Keeping
I refrained from watching any tutorials on how to do this — I'm just going to see how long it takes me to figure it out.
Bigger is better — the small ones are harder.