How to Choose Flatware According to the People Who Design and Make It

*Originally published on Wirecutter, A New York Times Company

By Michael Sullivan | December 4, 2018

Picking flatware is a surprisingly weighty decision, especially since the average American buys only three sets in a lifetime. We learned this from Matthew A. Roberts, president of Sherrill Manufacturing—the last flatware factory based in the United States—just one of the many experts we consulted for this guide to helping you pick the right settings for your table.

With thousands of patterns to choose from, purchasing a set of flatware is a daunting task if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why we spent over a hundred hours researching what makes great flatware, including taking a tour of Sherrill Manufacturing, interviewing a professor of material science and engineering, and handling hundreds of different utensil designs, to help you make a more informed decision in your quest for the perfect cutlery. It includes a basic overview of construction techniques, design, and materials, so you’ll have a better understanding of what’s worth paying for.

We suggest starting your search by looking at flatware in person. Many stores have sample sets available to handle, which will tell you a lot about the weight of individual utensils and how comfortable they are to hold. If you need some recommendations to get the ball rolling, see our guide to the best flatware.

Read the full article here.