What is 18/10 Stainless Steel?
Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to inquire about the only flatware Made in the USA. Along with manufacturing all our flatware in our Sherrill, NY factory, Liberty Tabletop is proud to say that all our flatware is made using high-quality 18/10 stainless steel. We do not (and will never) use inferior imported 18/0 or 18/8 steel. Okay, but why is this important to you? When shopping for flatware you probably look for a couple of things. Style, size, heft, price, country of origin, and of course… quality!
So what exactly is 18/10 Stainless Steel and how does this compare to 18/8 and 18/0?
18/10 stainless steel, just like inferior 18/8 and 18/0, are fractions that explain the percentages of chromium and nickel alloys added to stainless steel in order to reduce rust and enhance shine and durability. 18/0 contains limited nickel and is, therefore less resistant to oxidation. 18/10 provides the highest amount of nickel which produces the greatest resistance to rust and longest-held polish.
Okay? So 18/10 is the best quality. Why does that matter for flatware?
There are a couple of different reasons why someone would choose 18/10 flatware over inferior 18/8 or 18/0. The number one reason is of course… rust! As you have just read, 18 and 10 are the percentages of chromium and nickel alloys that are added to your flatware in order to enhance performance. How exactly? Chromium binds to the stainless steel surface and protects it from acid-causing rust that is contained in many types of food and can sometimes be found in water. Nickel, meanwhile, prevents corrosion while adding luster and shine to the flatware’s surface. Congratulations once again! You are now well educated in the metallurgy of stainless steel flatware. There are other benefits to Liberty Tabletop’s stainless steel commitment which can be found on our health and safety, commitment to social responsibility, and American jobs pages!