What metal is the flatware made from?

All good flatware is now be made from stainless steel. The three most common grades are 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0. The two numbers in the name reflect the percentage of Chromium and Nickel in the alloy. For example, 18/10 contains 18% Chromium and 10% Nickel. Of the three grades 18/10 is considered the best for its high rust resistance and strong ability to hold a polish. That is the reason all Ian Wilson Designs flatware is made from 18/10 stainless steel.

Will stainless steel flatware rust?

Because of the high Chromium content, good stainless steel flatware should not rust under normal conditions. It is possible to get 18/10 stainless to corrode from prolonged exposure to highly acidic food, but rust won't be an issue for the average user. Lower grade stainless steels such as 18/0 are more susceptible, but even they can take a lot of mistreatment.

What is the difference between silverware and flatware?

Before the advent of stainless steel, most good eating utensils were made from silver. When stainless steel was developed, it soon replaced silver in most houses because it was cheaper than silver, had no taste, and did not need be polished. When the term flatware was used in the late 19th century, it applied to both silver and metal utensils. Since then the opposite has become true, with silverware being commonly used to refer to both stainless steel and silver utensils.

How is your flatware made?

Ian Wilson Designs uses the Lost Wax Casting Process to produce our flatware. This is the method used to produce fine sculpture and jewelry. The following video will show you how the process is used to created fine jewelry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1_NZKTewtg

Is there a difference between cast, forged and stamped flatware?

Forging and stamping are the two most common methods of producing flatware. Ian Wilson Designs uses a third, lost wax casting. While there are very subtle metalurgical differences between the metal pieces made using the different processes, there is zero functional difference with regard to flatware. The real difference comes in the shapes possible using the methods. The intricate and beautiful designs of our flatware is only possible by using the casting process.

Where is Ian Wilson Designs Flatware available?

Ian Wilson Designs Flatware is exclusively available on this website. In order to offer you our unique flatware at the best possible price, we have you buy directly from us. This eliminates the costly chain of distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, savings that are passed along to you.

Can I try your flatware before purchasing it?

Unfortunately it is not possible to feel the balance and heft of Ian Wilson Designs Flatware before purchasing it. But in order to make the purchase risk free, we offer a 30 day, no questions asked, 100% purchase price refund. If you are not completely pleased with your purchase, simply sent it back to us and we will issue a refund.

Choosing the recipe for your dinner party is as important as choosing your guests. Before I give you some ideas, I would like to give you a few things to consider. First, you may be tempted to try out a recipe on your guests, thinking it might be fun to cook something new. Don't give into that temptation. You will be stressed enough with all the last second things that pop up without adding the stress of a first time recipe that demands your concentration. Experimenting with new recipes is fun, but fun that should be tested on your family.

Second, run your dinner ideas past your guests. I learned this lesson when I had neighbors over for some fresh caught salmon I had been given. It turned out they both hated fish. While this meant plenty of leftovers for me, it also meant they went home hungry. Since then, I do run the menu by my guests when I extend the invitation. It isn't very often I have to make changes, but it mattered the times I did.

Finally, when you are menu planning, think about how busy the dishes will keep you during the evening. While it is impossible not to be doing some cooking while your guests are there, try to limit it. If you are sitting down and chatting with your guests, it will make for a far more enjoyable evening for you and your guests. You don't want to feel like you are working in a restaurant, and your guests don't want to feel like they are eating in one. Remember, they came over to spend time with you.

Here are some suggestions on what to cook. So get that table set with your beautiful designer flatware, add fresh flowers, chill the wine, and you are on your way! Good luck, and have a wonderful evening.