Features: Shiny Pretty Forged Unique Durable Balanced Lightweight Comfortable Quality finish Dishwasher safe Sold in sets of five 18/10 stainless steel Hampton Forge, a name brand Replacements/additions available Considerations Listing’s (ceramics) video suggests handmade in USA. This flatware was made in Vietnam Handwash, don’t use citrus-based dish detergent Pakkawood, is an engineered wood Bottom line: We are pleased with our selection. This flatware does carry a premium price, and it’s made in China. A good flatware set, which has the features noted above, which we think this is, enhances any table’s place setting. Each utensil feels comfortable not only to use, but to hold. Nothing is too large nor too small. All non-cutting edges are smooth and comfortable. Tines are just the right size. Knife has the right amount of sharpness. Spoons hold a generous amount of liquid. This could be used daily or those occasional formal settings, that is how nice these items are and a testament to their durability. Flatware vs Silverware and Stainless Steel Flatware, technically, would be spoons, forks, and other “serving” utensils used at the table; and would exclude a knife, which is classified as cutlery, although commonly included in the definition of flatware. Silverware is any of the above, but the metal is silver (costly and time consuming to clean away tarnish. A cheaper version is silver plated flatware. Stainless steel started to become popular about (100) years ago. The amount of shine any utensil possesses has nothing to do with whether its flatware or silverware. The best material, for stainless steel flatware is 18/10, which this is. 18/10 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. Chromium is used in stainless steel to provide durability as well as resistance to rust and corrosion, while nickel is used to give flatware its luster. Forged vs Stamped flatware Forged flatware is made from a solid bar of stainless steel that undergoes a heating process, to a very high temperature, then cut, pounded into shape, sharpened, and finished. Stamped flatware is from a ribbon of steel, then punched or cut out into its shape. Then tempered, sharpened, and finished. Stamped produces less expensive flatware. Because of the heating process, forged flatware is stronger than stamped flatware, which is more flexible. Hampton Forge is a name brand, and we like name brand products. Why? Because name brand products have high quality standards and stand behind what they sell; that includes Hampton Forge. So, if there is a defect, we can look to Hampton Forge to honor their warranty. Further, if we need an additional piece, to add or replace in our collection, we can look to Hampton Forge to likely have what we need. Which brings us confidence in any Hampton Forge product, including this flatware set. Although looks expensive, it really is not, for a good set, that could last generations (I know, we have flatware passed down generation after generations that is over (150) years old, that I still use, cannot beat those needle point tines of old - LoL). We hope our pics and thoughts assist in your decision.
