Finest Cutlery Brands in the World

The Finest Cutlery Brands in the World

What is the finest cutlery in the world? Perhaps you arrived at this article in search of the cutlery that is used at the White House or in Buckingham Palace. Or you are looking for the best cutlery brands to host a formal dinner. If so, please use the table of contents below, and it will take you right to the list you are looking for.

Cutlery for Everyone, Every Day, for Any Budget

We also think that the finest cutlery in the world can be thought of as the cutlery that serves you are your family best in whatever your situation. Cutlery is a means to deliver sustenance to you and your family, your friends, work colleagues, and special guests. If you aren’t going to set a table for heads of state, but instead for the heads of your household, your extended family, along with the children, the aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as neighbors, and workmates who may all dine with you, then you are looking for a different kind of cutlery.

In this case, the finest cutlery in the world is functional, practical, economical, difficult to stain and easy to clean. It should look and feel solid. It should not be a cause of embarrassment, but a source of pride. Cutlery is one aspect that can enhance your meal and make the affair seem all the more polished. With these thoughts in mind, dear reader, let’s explore the best cutlery brands in depth.

Best Cutlery Brands List

We have selected three brands that, while not traditionally considered to be the finest cutlery brands in the world, may be the best brands that are readily available and financially accessible for nearly everyone who eats.

To be clear, our short cutlery brands list below is not literally the finest cutlery “in the world’ (although we do have a list of those later in this article), but rather is a list for those of us who aren’t going to be dining with royalty anytime soon, and yet still looking for some exceptional cutlery!

• Amazon Basics
• Mikasa Cutlery
• Danialli Cutlery

What Makes Quality Cutlery

When separating the best cutlery brands from the pretenders out there, there are a number of influential factors that dictate how “quality” a company’s cutlery truly is.

Related: What does a Steak Knife Look Like?

For example, a set could look shiny and new out of the box, but after a few uses and washes, the shine may fade and the pieces may rust or tarnish.

Sketchy cutlery brands will likely have flatware products that are lightweight, dull, feel flimsy in your hand, and are easily corroded, resulting in water-stained or rusty cutlery after just a handful of washes.

Cutlery that is rusted or stained is off-putting for your guests and can appear to be dirty even after cleaning the utensils. Cutlery that is too lightweight feels cheap, and it can downgrade even the most exquisite meal.

The only way to avoid these blemishes and to keep your cutlery in pristine condition is by starting with high quality flatware.

High quality flatware is more likely to resist rusting and staining altogether. It is also easier to clean and maintain, resulting in a good looking utensil even after repeated washings.

To weed out the brands that aren’t up to par, we’ve looked through dozens of cutlery brands to find only the best.

We narrowed down our list to the best cutlery brands and then identified specific sets that are great values.

These sets are high quality, function as intended, feel good, look good, and will be pleasing to you and your guests (even to that one aunt of yours who searches your house for places that you forgot to dust!)

Best Cutlery Brands

Amazon Basics 65 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Silverware Set

Our first feature product may be surprising. AmazonBasics has established an impressive cutlery line that is always improving. It is certainly not among the finest cutlery in the world, but if you have a limited budget, want a 65-piece cutlery set that constitutes service for 12, and want to spend not much more than $50.00 for the set, then you may very well think that AmazonBasics is one of the best cutlery brands for you.

This particular set includes 12 dinner knives, 12 dinner forks, 12 salad forks, 12 dinner spoons, and 12 teaspoons, plus 5-piece serving set: 1 slotted serving spoon, 1 serving spoon, 1 serving fork, 1 sugar spoon, and 1 butter knife. All this, for just over $50.00!

While not a traditional cutlery brand, AmazonBasics has emerged as one of the best value brands when it comes to kitchen and dining sets.

You can choose from eight different cutlery designs of elegantly crafted 18/0 stainless steel. With a heavy build and quality makeup, the AmazonBasics 65-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Silverware Set is meant to last without bending, rusting, or diminishing in any facet.

AmazonBasics cutlery has grown quickly in recent years because of the consistently positive feedback. Users constantly come back for affordable prices in exchange for reliable and dependable cutlery.

This set is made from 18/0 stainless steel. If you don’t rinse and wash it promptly, it will corrode. However, it is a 12 place setting, well-crafted set that doesn’t feel cheap and looks sharp.

Working with a brand like AmazonBasics is always ideal as well, as you know you are protected as a buyer. The cutlery is covered by the AmazonBasics One Year standard Warranty.

If you aren’t happy, a return and refund is simple, fast and easy. Great customer service, plus a fantastic price point are why we consider this one of the best cutlery brands for the budget minded consumer.

Mikasa Harmony 65 Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set

This particular set includes : 12 dinner knives, 12 dinner forks, 12 salad forks, 12 dinner spoons, 12 teaspoons, 1 cold meat fork, 1 tablespoon, 1 pierced tablespoon, 1 butter knife and 1 sugar spoon.

Mikasa checks off all the boxes when it comes to high grade cutlery. Mikasa makes their cutlery sets with 18/10 stainless steel, which results in pieces that are tarnish and rust-resistant.

18/10 stainless steel is made from 18% chromium and 10% nickel, and is considered to the gold standard in the cutlery industry.

Unlike pretenders that claim to have high grade alloys in their stainless steel, Mikasa backs it up their claims by using 18/10, making certain that your cutlery stays rust and stain free.

Is Mikasa the finest cutlery in the world? No, of course not (and we will get to that list shortly.) If, however, you are looking for service that looks upscale, yet is durable enough to use everyday; and you don’t want to pay an exorbitant price for your cutlery, then choose Mikasa. It is one of the best cutlery brands for everyday elegance.

The look and design of Mikasa cutlery is one of their cornerstone details. With a sleek design and lustrous shine that never needs polishing, there are few more visually appealing flatware sets on the market than those offered by Mikasa. We like the Mikasa Harmony 65-Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Flatware Set design the best, but Mikasa certainly has a lot of different patterns to choose from.

Users of Mikasa cutlery have given massive praise to this brand due to the longevity that comes with one of these sets. It holds up well, and the timeless patterns and designs are always in style. In addition, Mikasa has a no hassle return policy and guarantee against defective parts.

Ideal for heavy use, Mikasa uses only high grade 18/10 stainless steel, ensuring that your cutlery returns to new after every wash. Mikasa cutlery is professional-grade and is one of the most popular, positively reviewed and best cutlery brands for daily use flatware. It is also stylish enough to be used for special occasions. Mikasa cutlery is stylish and will hold up well for many years. Check the price on Amazon

Danialli 40 Piece 18/10 Stainless Steel Silverware Set

Danialli is a another brand that we consider on the best cutlery brands list, if you are looking for durable silverware that will stand up to repeated use. This particular set includes: 8 dinner knives, 8 dinner forks, 8 salad forks, 8 dinner spoons, and 8 teaspoons.

Danialli has earned our high esteem because of the overall quality that comes with flatware from this brand and its rust proof guarantee. Danialli doesn’t actually make the finest cutlery in the world, but Danialli is one of the best cutlery brands for making heavy, daily use flatware that can also be used on special occasions.

Danialli offers a lifetime guarantee that their flatware will not rust, stating in their offer that “If your silverware rust, we will send you a replacement for free”.

Danialli can do this because the pieces and sets they sell are impeccable quality and made from 18/10 rust-proof stainless steel.

Danialli uses 304 grade stainless steel, which ranks among the highest quality stainless steels in the industry. These are the essential details that separate the best cutlery brands in the world from those using lower quality stainless steel silverware.

This difference can truly be felt in the weight of Danialli flatware, which is surprisingly heavy for cutlery pieces.

This is an exceptional sign of quality, as the weight of each piece is a direct result of higher grade metal alloy used in the flatware sets. The pieces of the DANIALLI 40 Piece Silverware 18/10 Stainless Steel Silverware Set feel very good in your hands.

The higher grade steel with chromium and nickel means a more rust-resistant, stain-proof set of cutlery that is ready for any guest and occasion.

Danialli cutlery has been one of the most positively reviewed cutlery brands in recent years, with a majority of satisfied customers mentioning the heaviness of each piece.

The high grade materials that go into Danialli cutlery put them in a category of their own when it comes to the highest quality, yet affordable cutlery that can be purchased online.

Danialli products are also beloved for their beautiful appearance.

The number of different flatware designs offered by Danialli is impressive. With over 16 different styles of breathtaking cutlery, Danialli is bound to have a set that suits your taste and style.

Check The Price On Amazon

FINEST CUTLERY IN THE WORLD – Best Cutlery Brands List (Complete List by Country)

Below is a list of the top cutlery brands period. If you want the finest cutlery in the world and you have the budget for it, then you will find top notch products from the list below:

Cutlery from Australia

Krof

Krof was founded by Kristian Klein, a restaurateur and Nicholas Johnston, a product designer. Their products are durable, functional, and contemporary.

Stanley Rogers

Stanley Rogers was started in Melbourne in 1930. Stanley Rogers, the man, was originally Shaul Rogawaj, born in Ukraine to Russian Jewish parents. He lived in Poland and migrated to Australia in 1926. Stanley Rogers is Australia’s most iconic cutlery brand.

Cutlery from Denmark

Arne Jacobsen

See Goerg Jensen

Georg Jensen

Scandinavian designs by Georg Jensen have brought elegance and aesthetics to homes since 1904. Georg Jensen Manufactures the Arne Jacobsen line of cutlery, among others.

Kähler Design

Founded in 1839, Kähler focuses on making all of their products into pieces of art.

Table Noir

Table Noir design flatware for some of the world’s finest restaurants. You can purchase this very same flatware for your own home.

Cutlery from Finland

iittala

Creating modern classics, helping to define the Nordic way of life, since 1881.

Cutlery from France

Alain Saint Joanis

Cutlery Made in France since 1876. Awarded the Living Heritage Enterprise Label (EPV) in 2007

Capdeco

Capdeco was founded in 2002 by Phillippe Froment. The brand is known for colorful cutlery in contemporary designs.

Christofle

Since 1830 Christofle has been employing Master Goldsmiths and using handmade manufacturing to make “Living Treasures” masterpieces.

Couzon

For over 65 years, Couzon has been a leader in innovative cutlery and tableware products.

Ercuis

Founded by Adrien Celeste Pillon, a priest, in 1867 in the vilage or Ercuis, the company has grown into one of the most respected luxury brands. They offer bespoke cutlery.

Forge De Laguiole

The company was founded in 1920 and has the motto “Your everyday flatware should be as fashionable as you are” They are part of Laguiole Table Cutlery.

Hermès

Family owned, artisanal flatware since 1837. Manufactured by artisans in 51 small production sites.

Laguiole Table Cutlery

Founded in 1829, the brand boasts Spanish and French styles and techniques. Knives are their specialty, and they offer unique flatware designs.

Odiot

While many companies on this list began as silversmiths, Odiot began with a goldsmith, Jean Baptiste Gaspard Odiot in 1690. Today the pieces are expertly crafted with attention to detail and each one is a piece of art.

Puiforcat

Since 1820 The House of Puiforcat has offered a heritage pieces that will be tomorrow’s classics. The have flatware collections in sterling silver, plated silver, and stainless steel.

Cutlery from Germany

Robbe & Berking

The very definition of luxury, Robbe and Berking are known for their precious metal flatware and more recently for their custom Yacht business.

Rosenthal

Rosenthal have been masters of interior design for 140 years. They offer many elegant collections including their flatware.

Villeroy & Boch

A large German firm with over 7,000 employees, Villeroy & Boch is known for high polish cutlery that resists scratches and blemishes. Founded in 1748.

ZWILLING J.A. Henckels

Zwilling is one of the oldest brands in the world, registered by Peter Henckels in 1731. They are now a manufacturer and purveyor of many leading kitchenware products.

Cutlery from Ireland

Waterford

Known primarily for its award winning crystal, Waterford also has a small line of flatware.

Cutlery from Italy

Alessi

Established in 1921: “A true design work must move people, convey emotions, bring back memories, surprise, and go against common thinking.” – Albert Alessi

Armani / Casa

A division of the privately held Giorgio Armani company, Armani Casa makes fine yet accessible cutlery.

Artemest

Artemest represents some of the most beautiful products created in Italy.

Berti Cutlery

Berti knives, handmade in Italy, have been the soul of the company since 1895. They offer a large selection of table knives and other specialty flatware.

Broggi

Founded in 1818. Focus on tailor made products for commercial establishments.

Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello cucinelli began in 1978 as a clothing company, but now also sells high quality home goods.

Buccellati

Since 1919, Buccellati has been creating flatware and fine jewelry. Sold at boutiques worldwide.

Casa Bugatti

Casa Bugatti was founded in 1923. It designs and manufactures pieces that combine beautiful design with functionality. The company is located 65 miles east of Milan.

Driade

Driade was founded in 1968 and is a factory of Art and an Aesthetic Laboratory. The company makes stunning flatware designs.

Fratelli Guzzini

Founded by Erico Guzzini in 1912, the company manufactures a wide array of table products, often with bright colors.

Ginori (Ginori 1735)

Ginori was founded in 1735 as a porcelain factory. Over the last 200 years the company has expanded to encompass all aspects of elegant tableware.

Lorenzi Milano

Unique materials (tusks, antlers) crafted into luxury items using ancient techniques.

Match

Match is famous for their pewter designs. Their flatware combines pewter with stainless steel for a unique product.

Mepra

Mepra is a company built on three generations of Italian traditions. They offer more than 8000 innovative products.

Ricci Argentieri (Ricci Silversmiths)

Since 1840 when it was founded near Milan, Ricci Argentieri (Ricci Silversmiths) has been one of the world’s most respected silversmiths. The designs encompass contemporary styling with classic tradition.

Richard Ginori

See Ginori

Sambonet

Sambonet offers a range of flatware, from classic to contemporary. Some of the flatware they offer is available with special finishes such as black, vintage, and champagne. Sambonet is owned by Rosenthal.

Versace

Versace is one of the leading fashion design houses, founded in 1978. It gilded flatware sets are something to behold.

Cutlery from Japan

Yamazaki

Yamazaki was founded in 1918 in Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Yamazaki sets itself apart by using only the strongest, most corrosion resistant materials.

Cutlery from the Netherlands

Rivièra Maison

Rivièra Maison was founded in 1948 in Amsterdam. It has since become a global interior brand. They offer specialty flatware pieces.

Cutlery from Portugal

Cutipol

Unique geometric collections, rooted in manufacturing excellence dating back to 1920.

Vista Alegre

The Vista Alegre Porcelain factory was founded in 1812. Today the company is known for exceptional porcelain, crystal, and flatware

Cutlery from Sweden

Svenskt Tenn 

Senskt Tenn has several different lines, ranging from everyday casual to formal. They are a Swedish company, that specializes in lifestyle design. Along with their own patterns, they offer Bamboo cutlery made in France and pewter and stainless steel cutlery made in Italy.

Cutlery from the United Kingdom

Amara

Amara was founded in 2005 by Sam and Andrew Hood. As a direct to consumer site, they now sell luxury goods to over 100 countries.

Arthur Price of England

Used by The Queen and by the Prince of Wales. A family company over 100 years old that prizes quality design and craftsmanship.

Carrs Silver

Hand finished in Sheffield, England. Traditional and contemporary designs available.

Charingworth

Created in the beautiful Cotswolds, England. Modernized traditional designs.

Clive Christian

See Arthur Price of England

David Mellor

Founded in 1969, David Mellor utilizes a small team of highly skilled craftsmen to make beautiful designs.

De Lamerie

De Laermie manufactures coordinating cutlery, china and crystal in classical and elegant 18th century designs. They make bespoke patterns that can match your décor or incorporate your monogram or crest.

Elia International

Elia International is focused on providing cutlery to chefs and restaurants within England. They carry stock for same and next day delivery.

John Lewis & Partners

Holders of a Royal Warrant from the Queen to supply cutlery to Buckingham Palace.

Legacy Silverware

Founded in 1898, Legacy Silver products are still produced in Sheffield, England.

Portmeirion

Portemeirion group is a British company that owns Spode, Wax Lyrical, Royal Worcester, Pimpernel, and Nambe. Portmeirion is known for its Botanic Garden line.

Robert Welch

Robert Welch began with a small studio in 1955. Now the line has a large offering that stays true to the principles of functional products with timeless elegant beauty, and at an affordable price.

Royal Doulton

Founded by John Doulton in London in 1815, Royal Doulton has grown to encompass dining and lifestyle categories. It has a line of Gordon Ramsay flatware.

Wedgwood

Founded in 1759, Wedgwood is the sole purveyor to the Royal Albert Hall.

Cutlery from the United States

Cambridge Silversmiths

A direct to consumer business. Products are designed in the USA and manufactured in China.

Empire Silver

Empire Silver makes specialty flatware pieces from pewter and silver, that are handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY.

Fitz and Floyd

Fitz and Floyd flatware complements that hand-painted collectible, decorative accessories, and tableware that the company is most known for. It has been in business for over 50 years.

Fortessa

Started in 1993 by brothers Scott and Eric Hamberger, Fotessa has grown in to well respected company for flatware and entertaining solutions.

Godinger

Since its founding in 1973, the family owned Godinger Silver company has offered the highest quality silver plated, stainless, and crystal products.

Gorham

Gorham flatware is used at the White House, and has been since the 1860’s, when Mary Todd Lincoln picked out a Gorham pattern called Josephine. During the Coolidge administration, a 90 person service of flatware was purchased by the White House. During the Nixon administration, the White House bought a 130 person service set of Gorham King Charles sterling silverware to replace the 90 person set. In 2006, the size of the Gorham service set was increased to 300 persons. Gorham was was founded in 1831 in Rhode Island and is now a division of Lenox.

Hampton Forge

Hampton Forge offers a 25 year warranty on its products. It is a division of Lenox.

Juliska

Juliska was started by Capucine and David Gooding in 2001 and now makes hundreds of products.

Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York is part of Lenox. The brand is known for playful patterns and chic colors.

Kim Seybert

A tabletop fashion company focused on placemats and napkin rings, Kim Seybert offers only one, in demand, cutlery set.

L’Objet

Non-Traditional, oppulent cutlery setting standards in the luxury lifestyle industry.

Lenox

From Woodrow Wilson to George W. Bush, Lenox provided 6 service sets to the White House. Lenox is the cutlery used at the U.S. Naval Observatory, the home of the U.S. Vice President.

Liberty Tabletop

Liberty Tabletop is the only cutlery that is 100% made in the USA. The brand is Liberty Tabletop, and the company that makes it is called Sherrill Manufacturing. The company is in Sherrill, New York.

MacKenzie-Childs

MacKenzie-Childs has been in business for 35 years and is know for “tradition with a twist.”

Mariposa

Mariposa makes specialty flatware such as servers, and focuses on recycled materials and sustainability.

Michael Aram

Michael Aram was founded by Michael Aram and American painter, sculptor, and art historian. The company gets inspiration from nature, mythology, and story telling, and many designs and techniques are based on tradition of Indian artisans that the artist observed while in India.

Michael Wainwright, USA

The distinctive flatware with bold textured handles are from the original sculptures of Michael Wainwright. You can also purchase handmade pieces designed and crafted by the artist himself.

Mikasa

Mikasa was started by George Aratani in 1948 in California as a dinnerware importer. It has since grown to a leader in tabletop fashion for dinnerware and home decoration. The brand is now part of Lifetime Brands.

Nambé

For 60 years, Nambé has been recognized for its award winning designs and unique shapes. They are from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and are owned by Portmeirion Group.

Neiman Marcus

Nieman Marcus, a chain of luxury department store has its own line of upscale flatware.

Oneida

As the world’s largest supplier of flatware to the restaurant industry, Oneida focuses on durable cutlery; 100% of their products are made entirely of stainless steel.

Pfaltzgraff

Pfaltzgraff has been in business for over 200 years, and is a a premier luxury home solution. The brand is owned by Lifetime Brands.

Ralph Lauren Home

Ralph Lauren is known for premium lifestyle products. They have a luxury line of flatware as part of their home sector.

Reed & Barton

Founded in 1824, Reed & Barton is known for craftsmanship and quality. President John F. Kennedy cut his inaugural cake in 1961 with a Reed & Barton antique cake knife. The brand is part of the Lenox group, along with Lenox, Oneida and Kate Spade.

Sherrill Manufacturing

See Liberty Tabletop

Tiffany

Tiffany began in 1837 and has grown into a global design house for luxury goods.

Towle Silversmiths

Towle began in 1690 in Massachusetts. The company has an excellent collection of flatware and other tableware.

Tuttle

Tuttle was formed in 1890. Beginning in the 1920’s, the company marked its sterling silver pieces with the initials of the United States President who was in office during the time that the pieces were manufactured. Wallace Silversmiths bought Tuttle in 1958 and it is now part of Lifetime Brands.

Wallace Silversmiths

Robert Wallace, a Scottish immigrant founded Wallace Silversmiths in 1833. The company has a reputation for fine sterling silver, silver plate, and stainless flatware.

What to Consider when Choosing Cutlery

In review, it is important to remember that not all cutlery sets are the same. A few key characteristics to consider for your next cutlery set :

Material Selection

We recommend that you choose stainless steel. Many cutlery brands claim that their materials will not spot, stain, or rust over time, but only the quality stainless steel cutlery sets stand up to the test of time.

If you choose sterling silver or silver plated cutlery, then you will need to wash the pieces by hand, dry them, and regularly polish them.

Stainless steel comes is different alloys, and common ones for flatware are 18/0 and 18/10. Although neither alloy rusts, 18/0 sets tend to be less expensive, and 18/10 alloys will retain their luster longer.

The products that we have reviewed above have met expectations when it comes to the quality of the stainless steel used in each set.

Aesthetics

It takes more than high quality materials to make the best cutlery sets. The appearance of eating utensils can be just as important as the function. They should be visually pleasing and match your style.

Some cutlery sets can be considered works of art in their own right. You would want to combine these with complementary plates, glasses, and other tableware.

We’ve found the best cutlery brands that understand and value what goes into creating the most aesthetically pleasing pieces of flatware that will continue to shine after each use and wash.

Weight of Cutlery

Consider the weight of the cutlery and how it feels in your hand. Does it feel balanced? Pay particular attention to the handle of the butter knife. Some sets will have solid handles while others will have hollow handles.

Availability of Replacement Parts

Pieces of cutlery can go missing over the years. One missing piece removes the continuity of the place setting. Consider whether the pattern you select is kept as open stock at the manufacturer. You may want to buy extra place settings at the outset as insurance against this possibility.

Overall Quality of Cutlery

Quality can come in many different forms when describing cutlery. For starters, cutlery that will not break, bend, or wear is always important when selecting quality cutlery. It should not have sharp edges or burrs.

Consider the warranty that the manufacturer provides. At minimum is should be one year. Some brands have much longer guarantees.

The top cutlery brands are guaranteed to deliver overall high quality flatware, meaning your cutlery set will feel heavier, cut more efficiently, and have an overall better performance than lower quality sets.

FAQ’s

What is the Difference Between Flatware vs Cutlery?

The differences depend on which country the speaker originates.

In the United Kingdom, cutlery is the common term to refer to sets of knives, forks, and spoons used during mealtime. Flatware refers to plates, dishes, and bowls, but excludes items known as holloware – items that are spherical, or tall, such as sugar bowls, vases and pitchers.

In the United States, forks, spoons, and knives used for a meal are called flatware. Cutlery refers to knives.

What is the Difference Between Cutlery vs Silverware?

Now they are synonyms. Since fine cutlery (flatware) was traditionally made from silver, the utensils were called silverware. Most cutlery (flatware) today, however is made from stainless steel, which is silver-colored, so the name has remained.

How do I identify High-Quality Cutlery Brands?

The best stainless steel cutlery should have a brilliant shine that will last for years. It should have chromium to resist rust, combined with nickel to maintain luster. Stainless steel cutlery can be washed in the dishwasher and can last a lifetime. Find the best cutlery brands by sing out list above.

How do I buy a High Quality Cutlery Set Brand?

Today’s shoppers can use websites like this ours, KitchenwareRater.com for recommendations, and read reviews from other users. If you are looking at cutlery in person, examine the inner edges and look for any rough edges. The pieces should also have a smooth, clean and even reflection.

High-end pieces are polished and durable, which ensures long-lasting beauty.

Additionally, check the weight, and how it feels in your hand. Lightweight cutlery feels cheap, and this can cast a pallor on the overall dining experience. Notice whether the butter knife handle is solid or hollow.

Make sure your cutlery set has the different all pieces included, and that there are enough place settings for the number of people you will be serving.

How do you Classify Cutlery Based on Thickness and Weight?

Here is a simple guide on how to classify cutlery by looking at the thickness of the metal.

• Extra light weight flatware is considered budget cutlery; it is less than 2 mm thick
• Lightweight cutlery is between 2.0mm and 2.2mm thick, and is considered good quality
• Medium weight cutlery is between 2.2mm and 2.5mm thick, and is better quality
• Heavyweight cutlery has a thickness between 3.0mm and 3.5 mm, and is considered the highest quality
• There is some cutlery that is thicker than 4.0mm. This is known as Super heavy weight, and is found in forged or other other specialty flatware

What is the Difference between Stainless steel vs Sterling Silver Flatware?

It used to be that standard cutlery was made of (non-stainless) steel, and it regularly rusted. It was therefore aspirational to have a “good” set of silver cutlery made of plated silver or sterling silver (92.5 % solid silver) that would not rust. Now, a high quality stainless steel set is, with very few exceptions, all you need. Stainless steel does not rust, doesn’t have an unpleasant taste, and it can be washed in the dishwasher. Sterling silverware, while it can be quite beautiful and quite expensive, must be promptly washed by hand and regularly polished to maintain its appearance. If food stays on it too long, the sliver can discolor. The cutlery can also have a distinctive taste.

How to Clean Cutlery

In general, cutlery will remain stain and rust-free only if properly cleaned and dried. Try to clean flatware within 1-3 hours of use, and dry it thoroughly after washing. Although stainless steel doesn’t rust, prolonged contact with some foods can cause discoloration, especially if the nickel content is lower. If the cutlery does not dry quickly, it can get water spots.

Can I wash my High-End Cutlery in a dishwasher?

Stainless steel cutlery can be washed in the dishwasher. Cutlery that is silver plated or sterling sliver should be washed by hand. If the cutlery doesn’t dry quickly, you can get water spots.

What do these Numbers Mean: 18/10 vs 18/8 vs 18/0 Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains chromium. The first number, 18 means that the alloy contains 18% chromium. The second number indicates the amount of nickel in the alloy. The more nickel, the more that the cutlery will maintain its luster and resist tarnishing.

Are the Best Cutlery Brands in the world Worth Buying?

You use cutlery everyday. Many times each day, in fact. At the very least, we think that you should give some consideration to this ubiquitous tool, and how your quality of life will be better if the cutlery you use is the finest cutlery in the world for your lifestyle.

Certainly, it should not be a source of annoyance: No sharp edges; not so flimsy that it bends; it should feel comfortable in your hands; and should not be so tarnished that it is unsightly.

If you think of cutlery strictly as a utilitarian tool, then it should function as intended, and that includes being suitable for its owner. It should be pleasant to use and easy to clean.

At the very best, you will be using magnificent artisan creations as part of your meal. The cutlery will be a source of pride that makes a dinner party all the more polished.

So yes, we think that you should buy the finest cutlery in the world for you.

Last update on 2022-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API