How to judge flatware quality?

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by iammatt

We use sterling probably three or four nights a week.

Elitist.

 

[randallr]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Elitist.

Haha

 

[otc]

My parents have some ikea flatware for everyday non-company use. It's honestly my favorite silverware in the world (but of course this particular model is gone).

their higher price point flatware in a good stainless is actually quite good (better than some of the mass market onieda junk they have been pushing recently). If you are lucky enough to be looking at a time where they have a good pattern, I would say you can't go wrong with it for everyday use...just make sure you buy as much as you need as patterns are discontinued often.

I've currently got some stainless amazon special flatware that has only seen a year of (ab)use and is already getting some waterspots that leave a metalic taste.

 

[dopey]

nvm

 

[Artisan Fan]

We have some heirloom quality stuff but we use just 18/10 Oneida for everyday use. It is surprisingly good value for the money.

 

[Pundit]

We use our sterling every day.

Having bought a twelve place setting at the Sterling Vault in London on our honeymoon (my wife told me very one did this -- the first of many misleadings) we were pushing towards 5 digits, using it and enjoying it everyday is the only way it makes sense.

 

[LabelKing]

Here's a nice set by Puiforcat:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BEST-ANTIQUE-Pui...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Girardian]

I bought a set from Williams Sonoma several years ago -- 18/10 with good heft, streamlined/contemporary but timeless in its design. My only regret (now that it's gone) is not buying more spoons.

Were I to replace it with new stainless, I'm tempted by the Stelton Norstaal Aztec -- a favorably classic design, IMO.

I suspect that flatware is a lot like cookware. Even a few years ago some 'trusted brands' were independent, well made, and would last. With market competition, manufacturing consolidation, and takeovers, it's harder to find quality products that will last.

We live in a disposable society, but when cookware and flatware that are not plastic take on 'disposable traits' (don't last a lifetime), there's something wrong.

 

[juniper]

http://www.mplevene.co.uk/searchresu...ategoryid=1304

Somewhat pricey, though.

 

[fletchandme]

For stainless flatware, the higher the nickel content, the higher the quality. The first # refers to chromium, the second # to nickel. Therefore, 18/10 is better than 18/8. You don't want to buy 18/0 flatware, which is usually what is available at a lot of discount stores. Nickel prevents corrosion and adds weight. 18/12 is the best I have found.

 

[GQgeek]

Originally Posted by iammatt

We use sterling probably three or four nights a week.

I want a wife like yours. Wifey does the dishes, right?

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Personally, I don't see much need to pay top dollar for stainless flatware. Save the big bucks for the silver.

Only small-timers have to buy their own silver.

 

[Pezzaturra]

Originally Posted by Quirk

How many of you here actually have bought or use silver? I thought you were just supposed to inherit it, never use it, polish it every so often, and pass it on to the next generation.

Silver is a big pain. If you don't own it already, don't buy it. Unless you have servants to polish it for you.
Look in discount stores online for flatware. I have Oneida set at my summer home and it is decent but not great. Mind you that set is over 10 years old. If you go shopping for flatware (Oneida included) you would find that it is almost exclusively Made in China. Well, all I am going to say is this: I have never seen stainless steel flatware rust until I bought a set Made in China.

 

[crazyquik]

Look for the nation of origin as an indicator of quality. For instance, some of it is made in America, and even stamped U.S.

 

[js4design]

i know this wasn't really the original question but i thought i'd share my flatware (stock photo).

the finish could be better but overall i love them. nice heavy feeling in hand and the lines compliment my simple plates and dining table.