Cutlery refers to any hand utensil used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food. It is more usually known as silverware or flatware in the United States, where cutlery can have the more specific meaning of knives and other cutting instruments. This is probably the original meaning of the word. Since silverware suggests the presence of silver, the term tableware has come into use.
The major items of cutlery in the western world are the knife, fork and spoon (though there is also a spork). Traditionally, good quality cutlery was made from silver (hence the U.S. name), though steel was always used for more utilitarian knives, and pewter was used for some cheaper items, especially spoons. From the nineteenth century, Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) was used as a cheaper substitute; nowadays, most cutlery, including quality designs, is made from stainless steel. Plastic cutlery is made for disposable use, and is frequently used in fast food or take-away outlets.
Silverwarehouse is the leading professional full-service silverware solutions company, offering sterling silver flatware, silverplate, stainless, Dirilyte(TM), and pewter.
We have the largest selection of active and discontinued silverware patterns, and can assist you in identifying and matching yours.
When you are looking to buy, sell, or repair silverware or holloware, visit the Silverwarehouse.
Silverware may be washed in the dishwasher but the patina on fine silver is enhanced by the rubbing that occurs when washing and drying by hand.
If washing both silverware and stainless steel flatware in the dishwasher, do not put in the same basket section or let one metal touch the other, or the silver may be permanently damaged.
After the silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is gone and the surface is pure silver.
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