Cutlery

Cutlery refers to the utensils used for serving and eating food at a dining table. Originally, the term only described knives. Forks and spoons were categorized separately as silverware. Today, these items are part of a larger group called flatware or tableware. This group can also include crockery. A complete, collected set of silverware is known as a canteen of cutlery. This name often refers to the polished wooden case with compartments used to store the set.

The production of these tools involves complex metallurgy. Before the mid-19th century, steel was a very expensive commodity. To manage costs, makers would weld a strip of steel onto iron. They might also sandwich a steel strip between two pieces of iron. This allowed the tool to have a sharp edge while using cheaper iron. Modern blades are sometimes laminated for a different reason. Because the hardest steel is brittle, makers place a hard layer between layers of milder steel. This ensures the blade stays sharp but will not break easily during use. After fabrication, the blades are sharpened. Historically, this happened on a grindstone. Later, makers used a blade mill, known in Sheffield as a cutlers wheel.

Cutlery has become highly specialized through many different types. A standard set includes a knife, fork, and spoon. However, a large canteen might contain a dozen or more pieces. Knives are divided into specific roles, such as steak, fish, dessert, fruit, or butter knives. Forks also vary, including table, fish, dessert, and cake forks. Spoons have the most extreme variety. These include tablespoons, soup spoons, teaspoons, coffee spoons, and even specialized tools like egg or sugar spoons. Some people even create hybrid utensils. These use portmanteau names, such as the spork, which combines a spoon and a fork. Other examples include the spife, a spoon and knife, or the knork, which is a knife and fork. A single tool called a sporf or splayd can combine all three.

The history of this industry is tied to specific global centers. The city of Sheffield in England has been famous for cutlery since the 17th century. In Sheffield, the trade eventually split into distinct specialties. These included razormakers, awl bladesmiths, shearsmiths, and forkmakers. While most cutlers were men, women participated in the trade as well. In 1346, a woman named Agnes Cotiller worked as a cutler in London. She even trained a female apprentice named Juseana. Other famous production centers include Thiers in France and Solingen in Germany. In 1913, the British metallurgist Harry Brearley discovered stainless steel by chance. This breakthrough made affordable cutlery available to the masses. This discovery changed the industry forever.

Materials used for cutlery have changed based on wealth and technology. Sterling silver was traditionally used for high-quality sets. Silver is less chemically reactive than other metals. This prevents certain foods from creating unpleasant tastes. Gold is even less reactive, but it was mostly used by monarchs. For cheaper options, people used pewter or electroplated nickel silver (EPNS). Today, stainless steel is the most common material. Other options include melchior, which is a corrosion-resistant nickel and copper alloy. Titanium is also used for camping because it is lightweight. It also has lower thermal conductivity than steel.

Modern convenience has introduced disposable cutlery made of plastic. These are lightweight and require no cleaning. They are common at barbecues, fast food outlets, and on airplanes. However, plastic cutlery is a major source of non-biodegradable waste. Because of this, many regions are implementing bans. The European Union banned certain plastic products on July 3, 2021. Australia has also banned plastic cutlery. As an alternative, many use wooden or bamboo cutlery. These are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Some manufacturers coat these in plant oils or waxes to make them last longer.

Newer innovations focus on even more sustainable options. Edible cutlery is made from dried grains like rice, millet, or wheat. The batter is baked in moulds until it hardens. Some makers even offer flavored versions. Because rice cultivation requires a lot of water, millet is often marketed as more environmentally friendly. If disposed of, edible cutlery decomposes in about a week. These advancements show how the industry continues to adapt to new needs and environmental concerns.