- 1). Know the basics about the metal content of flatware. The higher the amount of chromium, the stronger the flatware. The higher percentage of nickel, the more rust resistance and shine there will be. To get the best of both worlds, you need a combination of the two.
- 2). Understand how to read flatware metal grading. Flatware is graded by two numbers which represent a percentage of chromium and nickel. High quality flatware will be about 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel, or as listed on the flatware, 18/10.
- 3). Check the edges. If you do not have access to the box that contained the flatware, check the edges for smoothness. If you run a finger along one edge, you should not feel any roughness, which might indicate scoring or scratches.
- 4). Look for a clean, serrated knife edge. Butter knives should not be so serrated that they can easily break the skin, but the serrated edge should be finely ground (meaning it is thin and capable of cutting). Flatware with dull knives or knives with boxy serrations are of lower quality.