Cutlery buyer guide
18/10 vs 18/8 vs 18/0 Stainless Steel Cutlery
The numbers stamped on the back of a spoon describe its chromium and nickel content. They affect corrosion resistance, lustre, magnetism and price, but they say nothing about weight, balance or finish. This guide explains what each grade means and how to check it on production.
What the numbers mean
The first number is the approximate chromium percentage and the second is the nickel percentage. 18/10 and 18/8 are both in the austenitic SS 304 family (about 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel). 18/0 is a ferritic grade, usually SS 430, with about 16–18% chromium and almost no nickel.
Chromium forms the passive layer that makes steel 'stainless'. Nickel stabilises the austenitic structure, which improves corrosion resistance and gives the warmer, deeper lustre buyers associate with premium flatware.
How the grades behave in use
18/10 and 18/8 resist staining and pitting better, especially in dishwashers with salt or acidic food left on the pieces. In practice the difference between 18/10 and 18/8 is small. Weight and finish usually matter more to the user.
18/0 is magnetic, cheaper and harder, and is widely used for economy retail and high-loss hospitality. It is more likely to show rust spots if left wet or washed with aggressive detergents.
Knives are a different steel
Knife blades must hold an edge, so they are made from hardenable martensitic stainless steel such as 410 or 420, even in an 18/10 set. A set stamped '18/10' therefore normally has 18/10 spoons and forks and martensitic knife blades. Make sure your packaging claim reflects this.
How to verify the grade when sourcing
Start with the mill test certificate for the steel lot used. A magnet is a quick screen: 18/10 and 18/8 are essentially non-magnetic after forming, while 18/0 is strongly magnetic. For a definitive check, use a handheld XRF analyser reading or an independent lab analysis on samples drawn from production, not only on the approved sample.
Write the grade into the purchase order and the golden sample record, and check it again at final inspection. Grade substitution, especially SS 201/202 sold as 304, is the most common cutlery quality dispute.
Choosing a grade for your channel
Premium retail and gifting: 18/10 with a heavier gauge and fine polish. Mid-market retail: 18/8 or 18/10 at a moderate gauge. Economy retail and banqueting: 18/0. Hotels and restaurants often choose 18/0 for durability and cost, or 18/10 for premium venues.
Frequently asked questions
Is 18/10 cutlery worth the extra cost?
For premium retail and gifting, usually yes: better corrosion resistance and lustre. For high-loss hospitality, 18/0 is often the better value.
Why is my 18/0 cutlery magnetic?
18/0 is a ferritic stainless steel, which is magnetic. That is normal and is a quick way to tell it from 18/10.
Can 18/10 cutlery rust?
It is highly corrosion resistant but can show surface marks if left in contact with salt, acids or other metals that are rusting. Prompt drying prevents most marks.
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