Cutlery questions and recommendations?

Emmia

We have solid stainless steel cutlery from john lewis, and a set of stainless steel laguiole steak knives that came (and live) in their own knife blocks. 

At work (as I can't stand wooden and plastic forks) I have a set of Villeroy and Bosch that I bought as individual pieces from a factory outlet (Bicester) years ago, plus a couple of random Arthur Price teaspoons and a fork.

Wherever you buy I'd definitely recommend trying out the feel of the cutlery in person.

MrCheeseman

Thanks for the advice - Ikea seems popular but I may also give the ones I've got as well, at Ikea's price I can afford to compare the two. As for the feel, there's an Ikea about 30 mins from me so I can give them a go (probably bring some hand gel). 

As for why I left the separate handle ones in the sink, I'd like to say I've found that soaking cutlery results in loosening any food residue and making them easier to clean. Except that's not true, I'm just lazy and easily distracted, putting them in and then going to do something else. 

Rosa_Damascena

I suddenly want good, weighty cutlery befitting its anticipated new environment....

ka7e

I love my old-fashioned Viners Rattail design. Solid chunky handles - IMO there's nothing worse than a skimpy handle that digs into your palm!

coffeehound

Rosa_Damascena said:

I suddenly want good, weighty cutlery befitting its anticipated new environment....

You say that, Rosa, but when they clatter down onto your nice new floor every other time you pick up a plate to take to the dishwasher, you'll regret those heavy handles.  Well, maybe.

Something else about a lot of new cutlery is that it's HUGE.  The aged parents bought a new set and they've ended up just using the smaller knives and forks intended for starter courses because the main course ones are too big.

Definitely test-drive before purchase . .

Brie

coffeehound said:

Something else about a lot of new cutlery is that it's HUGE.  The aged parents bought a new set and they've ended up just using the smaller knives and forks intended for starter courses because the main course ones are too big.

Definitely test-drive before purchase . .

Interesting.  My MiL can't use some cutlery as it's too small and she can't grip it properly with her arthritis.  Then again she may well be 20 years older than your aged Ps.  

Ajmason42

we have had some M&S s/s cutlery for nearly 15 years dishwasher daily still looks like new. 

GaleSF63

Don't go entirely on looks. Feel them, pretend you are using them. I now have my parents' "best" set and yes, they are attractive, but the ends of the handles are almost pointed and being jabbed in the palm of the hand can be painful! I don't think they ever used them often enough to notice but I use them every day. 

Norman_Castle

coffeehound said:

 The old white handle knives are perfect for spreading butter etc.

I hate using anything else for spreading but never use them to eat with. The handles break with age but I've replaced some of mine with wooden handles.

I realised recently that I still use three stainless steel forks which a friend got from his mothers shop when I was 21 and in my first flat, they look like new. Rumour has it my dining knives and extensive collection of tea spoons came from motorway services and Lewis's cafe, all lies.

coffeehound

Norman_Castle said:

I realised recently that I still use three stainless steel forks which a friend got from his mothers shop when I was 21 and in my first flat, they look like new. Rumour has it my dining knives and extensive collection of tea spoons came from motorway services and Lewis's cafe, all lies. 

My favourite fork was found behind a kitchen cupboard when I was a whippersnapper.  Lovely sculpted 3-tine Sheffield-made job.  I used it at every meal from then until two years ago when a window fitter nicked it from the kitchen drawer.  #cutleryAnecdotes

Norman_Castle said:
Rumour has it my dining knives and extensive collection of tea spoons came from motorway services and Lewis's cafe, all lies. 

Where's the rotating Martin Lewis emoji when you need it?