About Stainless Steel Flatware
By Kitchenware Extraordinaire
Oneida Flatware, for example, is all stainless steel. However, there are different grades of stainless steel, also in flatware (18/10, 18/8, or 18/0). It is significant to understand the differences, because a lot of misinformation circulates around the web. First, we need to know a little bit about the history of stainless steel, and what exactly makes stainless steel stainless.
In the beginning of the 20th century, so-called stainless steel was invented. Who invented it remains controversial as there were several projects going on in different countries at the same time. More important is what was invented: it was discovered that when a certain amount of the metal chromium (Cr) was added to ordinary steel (basically the metal iron and a very small amount of carbon), it became highly resistant to rusting. The way this works is as follows: as the chromium comes in contact with oxygen, a layer of chromium oxide (called a “passive film”) is formed. Just a few microns thick, this film is self repairing; meaning, when the film is damaged, it will naturally be formed again immediately. The film protects the steel from any (corrosive) influences from the outside. This “corrosion resistance” makes stainless steel incredibly valuable; it was one of the breakthroughs of the 20th century. Not even a hundred years later, we could not imagine life without it.
About the Terminology of Stainless Steel Flatware
Now, to understand the terminology that is often used to describe the quality of flatware, we need to know what the numbers 18, and 10, 8, or 0 stand for. The first number, 18, denotes the amount of chromium (Cr) contained in the steel, in percentage. Steel can only be called stainless steel with an amount of chromium of 10.5 % or more. The second number stands for the percentage of nickel (Ni). In a later invention (1924), it was discovered that with the addition of nickel, the steel became more weldable, formable and tougher. The usability of the stainless steel increased with the addition of nickel. The corrosion resistance increased as well, as did the overall quality of the steel. Lastly, the steel was given more lustre. However, nickel is expensive. The differing amounts of nickel therefore also denote the price range. 18/10 is simply the most expensive, but also the best and longest lasting. It is important to remember, however, that all three are stainless steel.
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