What to Look For in Fine Cutlery

!±8± What to Look For in Fine Cutlery

Good quality cutlery is absolutely essential. You can use cheaper, less well made models, but they will not be anywhere near as durable and there may be problems you encounter along the way. Of course, there is also the issue that you may have to replace them after only a couple of years, when a fine cutlery set will last virtually a lifetime.

You want to buy a set that will look after itself, as well as being in good shape to start with. If it cannot be maintained well, then it is pointless buying that particular set. Look for the right materials for your cutlery. Proper knives should be made of high carbon stainless steel if possible, this is well balanced, can be sharpened to a perfect edge and lasts longer between sharpening: a job that is easy to do. For your regular table cutlery then go for at least stainless steel. It is all too easy to mark your cutlery, just by not washing it fast enough after food gets on it (and let's face it, who wants to wash up in the middle of a dinner party, when you can go and spend time with your guests instead?). Stainless steel is more resistant to stains, as the name tells you, and also will not erode down or rust easily. This means that it should last a good while, and in good condition. If you polish the cutlery up after every use, it should stay near perfect.

To start with, you need to make sure that you choose cutlery with a good buffer. You want some distance between the blade on a knife, or the fork end, and the handle. This will make it easier and safer to eat, as well as more comfortable. Look for table knives with a good tang on them. This is the bit of metal that extends into the handle. Poorer quality cutlery will only have a tang that goes 60 to 80 percent into the handle, but you want a full tang that goes right through to the very bottom. This will make it less likely that your knives will break, as well as add balance to them which will help with cutting.

The best quality sets of cutlery will come with a lifetime guarantee, and storage boxes. You want a cutlery cabinet or box, in order to make sure that no damage comes to any of your pieces. Buying a set with a box included will work out worth the money in the end. Not only will the cabinet look nice set on a dresser, it will also provide a lot of protection for your cutlery.