There are three basic types of knife construction including: rolled, forged and hollow handle.
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Rolled knives tend to be of lower quality. They are made from one piece of steel, usually 18-0, are fairly flat and normally thinner than other type knives. The advantage they have is that the 18-0 material is not forged and is less likely to rust. The disadvantage is that they tend to have a non-descript shape, are usually light weight and are normally a low quality in terms of manufacture and finish. Rolled knives are inexpensive to manufacture and are typically sold with low quality or budget flatware sets.
Forged knives are the most common knives found in today’s marketplace. They are almost always made from a relatively inexpensive, yet hardenable, grade of stainless steel, either 410 or 420 material. Forged knives range from good to super heavy in terms of weight. They generally have nicely tapered thin blades that allow them to cut food easily. These knives will appeal to those who like heavy / modern flatware. In terms of manufacturing, it is critical to make sure that the forge scale from the forming process is completely removed, that they are fully hardened and then polished to a total mirror finish. This is difficult to ascertain at the time of purchase. If the pattern you are looking at has lots of detail, make sure that the knife handles are fully polished in the grooves. Avoid any forged knives that have rough areas on the handle or blade as they are prone to rust problems.
Hollow Handle knives are manufactured in the tradition of historic sterling patterns, but today are made using stainless steel, which will not need polishing. Like forged knives, they are large in stature but due to their hollow handle construction, are not as heavy. The blades are typically forged using the same hardenable grade of stainless steel used in forged knives. This ensures that they will not deform or loose their edge over time. Handles are typically made with 18-10 stainless steel. The advantage here is that, even if there is intricate pattern detail in the handle, you will never have to worry about them rusting or pitting. The disadvantage of hollow handle knives is that, if not properly made, they can separate over time. Quality manufacturers will offer a minimum 20 year warranty, which should cover any concerns here.
Congratulations! You now probably know more about flatware than you ever wanted to know. The good news is that you will now be able to make an informed decision about a product that will, and should, last you a lifetime!
Choosing the perfect set of flatware that not only looks good but also feels good in your hand is a complex decision and highly personal. So how do you decide? Stainless steel versus silver plated? Matching patterns? Is weight important? Read on for our tips on choosing the perfect flatware set that exudes style while feeling comfortable and pleasant to use.
Balance 20 Piece Set. US $59.99
Stainless Steel Or Silver Plated Flatware?
Strong and durable, stainless steel is a fantastic metal for flatware. It is low maintenance, hygienic, durable, resists oxidation at high temperatures, will not rust and is resistant to stains and damage from fruit acids.
Silver plated flatware is hard and durable like stainless steel and is often a more affordable option.
Our advice: Both options will work well. Find the pattern that you like best and don't worry about the rest. At Gourmetsettings.com we offer an industry leading 25-year Warranty on every item we sell. So no matter what the materials you choose we have got you covered!
TWIST 20 Piece Set. US $89.99
Chromium and Nickel Percentages
High grade 18/10 stainless steel is the highest quality composition for flatware. The number 18 represents the percentage of chromium, while the 10 percent is nickel. Chromium is the element that works to rustproof the flatware while nickel gives the flatware its sparkle and luster, adding to the steel's resistance to corrosion.
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Though 18/10 is the highest grade of stainless steel flatware, compositions of 18/0, which has a negligible amount of nickel, are also a suitable composition. But keep in mind it is prone to rust and will most likely have a shorter life span.
Our advice: When possible look for flatware with a 18/10 composition.
Weight Is Important
Many people don't realize that weight plays an important role in choosing flatware. Weight provides you with a more substantial feel, allowing for balance, strength, and durability.
Our advice: When possible test the flatware to see how it feels in your hand.
4 Piece Knife Set. US $39.99
Matching Your Flatware To Your China
There are your superhero hosts that wouldn't dare have flatware that didn't perfectly match their china pattern. And then there are your practical users who push this to the side and go for a more funky feel. The truth is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to matching your stainless steel flatware to your china pattern. It is a personal choice that relates more to your style than a specific rule.
With this being said, matching flatware and china gives a more formal feel to a dinner party. Whereas, not matching your china and flatware adds a little more personal style to the look of your table, just like mixing and matching your clothes defines your personal style. It all comes down to the look you prefer. Have fun with it!
Our advice: Don't let anyone tell you what looks good. Find your own style and be confident.
Nouveau 45 Piece Set. US $170.00
Our best advice is to start with as many place settings of flatware as you have in dinnerware. Typically 4-5 piece place settings are a fit for a starting family or 20-45 piece setting for large families and hosting alike. You might also wish to add extra forks and spoons to get you through coffee and dessert.
Which Flatware set best describes your style? Let us know in the comments below!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of wholesale stainless steel flatware sets. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.