what were the differences between chopsticks in the past and present?

Giselle, there is no big difference, especially those used as tool for picking up food. Just some new materials are introduced to make chopsticks, such as plastics and stainless steel.

Actually, in the past, the end of the chopsticks where you pick up food were the same size as the other end. However, later, people realize later that the size and the shape of the end are not helpful. So they just sharpen the end for a better use of picking up foods. Thus some place still use the old type.