Types of Stainless Steel:

Choosing the right standard of cutlery is important. Generally, there are two types of steel used in cutlery manufacture: 18/10 (316) and 18/0 (430), with knives always made from 13/0 (420).

In its most basic form, steel is just iron and carbon. Chromium is added to the iron to make it resistant to rust. When the chromium content is higher than 11%, the steel is referred to as ‘stainless steel’, i.e. the steel will not naturally rust. A higher chromium content will make the steel more resistant to rust.

18/10 Steel (316) – Steel containing ~18% Chromium and ~10% Nickel. The steel most highly resistant to corrosion and to wear and tear. The nickel however adds a price premium to the steel.

18/0 Steel (430) – Steel containing ~18% Chromium, which is very resistant to corrosion. Typically 18/0 is cheaper than 18/10 due to the lack of Nickel in the steel, however this comes at a cost of stain resistance.

13/0 (420) – Steel containing ~13% Chromium, which makes the steel less resistant to corrosion, although the low alloy allows the steel to be hardened, which makes it suitable for use as a knife. All patterns referred to as 18/10 actually use 13/0 for the table and dessert knives.

Cleaning Your Knife

We advise you to hand wash your knife and flatware under gently running hot water and to wipe it immediately after. However, most knives and flatware, but not those with natural wood handles and in real horn, are dishwasher safe.

It is essential to comply with the following recommandations:

> Place knives in a different compartment from other flatware

> Avoid long washing cycles, do not use temperature over 122°F

> Open the dish-washer as soon as the cycle is finished

> Do not leave knives and flatware in the dish-washer for several hours after a washing cycle is finished

> When you take them out of the dish-washer and before putting them away, dry with a soft cloth. The cutlery’s trick: do not put ordinary steel articles in your dishwasher (jam’s jars lids …) the corrosion of these during the washing cycle would lead deposits of rust on your flatware!