Metal & finish guide
The two numbers that decide how a fork looks in ten years.
Flatware is sold on pattern and bought on metal. Two numbers on the back of the handle predict most of how a piece will age.
| Alloy | Chromium | Nickel | Magnetic | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/10 | 18% | 10% | No | Sets meant to last decades, registries |
| 18/8 | 18% | 8% | No | Effectively interchangeable with 18/10 |
| 18/0 | 18% | none | Yes | Everyday sets, nickel sensitivity, second homes |
| Silverplate | Silver layer on base metal | Varies | Occasion use, heirlooms | |
What the chromium does
Chromium reacts with oxygen to form a thin, self-repairing oxide layer across the surface. That layer is why stainless is stainless, and it reforms within seconds of being scratched as long as air can reach the metal.
What the nickel does
Nickel pushes the alloy into an austenitic structure that resists the pitting caused by salt and acid, and it gives the metal a slightly warmer shine. It is also the expensive half. Ranges shift toward 18/0 whenever nickel prices climb.
Telling them apart at home
Put a magnet on it. 18/0 holds a fridge magnet firmly; 18/10 and 18/8 barely respond. It is a two-second test and it settles the question on an unmarked inherited piece.
Finish
Mirror is more polishing passes and shows fingerprints and water spots. Satin hides marks and blends scratches. Black and gold tones are surface treatments that wear at contact points over years, so check the dishwasher rating before putting them into daily service.
The full treatment, including what actually damages flatware, is in the alloy article.