DETAILS:Being permanently disabled with arthritis & fibromyalgia, and having been displeased as a very avid home chef, with about two dozen various brands & makes of flatware at all prices over the years, I decided I would look high and low for the best flatware set made today at any cost. I did not look online, by pictures, or by catalogs to compare, but rather I spent a lot of hands on time searching for just the right set over the course of several years in person through many, many hundred of designs from dozens of stores and brands. Having searched quite vigorously and purposely, I have found what I believe to be the BEST SET OF FLATWARE MADE PERIOD.
While at first glance the design seems simple and undecorated, but I feel this set is the best from a practical and useful standpoint, and even more so from a quality standpoint. Generally there are three issues that I have had with flatware. The first is the long time issue of the neck of the utensil, where you will find lesser grade flatware having been made of either a separate handle & action portion (eg. the actual blade, bowl or fork tines), and then fitted together but eventually loosening over time and use. Or, being made of one piece of metal, but almost always a stamped out piece of thin sheet metal and easily bendable in the neck portion like you see in all the poor grade flatware you find in restaurants today. Anything having such a design was immediately rejected.
Second is the problem of overall design. I honestly and openly admit that plain patterns are just that, plain! I really do! But I also feel that some patterns of silverware can clash with the plates, settings, and even the décor of the dining environment. I myself would much rather prefer to host a party with a set of plain pattern flatware and elegant dinnerware, food, embroidered napkins, flowers, etc., versus clashing patterns any day as with this set I don't have to buy several silverware patterns or risk having a set of silverware clashing with the food and other dinnerware. For example, a set of Victorian era styled silverware does not in anyway, no matter what Martha Stewart and others may say, go with a contemporary plate setting with modern/new age/fusion style food, no matter what anyone says! It's always good to have one set of silverware, or your one and only set, that can go with anything, especially if you don't want, don't have space for, or can't afford to have multiple sets of flatware.
Third and last is the quality, reputation and pattern longevity, and all are intermingled. Some brands and styles come and go, and usually for the better, but others have been here longer than most people would guess. The Lenox brand, while not the most nor the least expensive, is a great brand and the pattern of these flatware are timeless. Something to consider if you plan on adding to your set down the road. And no, like all my reviews, I'm not affiliated with or compensated in any way by the company or seller of any product I do a review on I'm just well pleased with my purchase.
IN SHORT:
The handle size and ergonomics are outstanding, and the flatware are very tough and well made. These are solid, not hollow, not stamped, but forged high grade 18/10 high carbon stainless steel, just like the cladding layers of the renowned All-Clad cookware of great fame and esteem. This is a set that will last for many generations, if not forever, and it's quality can never be shown to it's fullest without actually seeing it in person. While not a glamorous design some would say, philosophers would agree with me in that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the simplicity, quality and function of these flatware are second to none. I guarantee that you will be pleased once you try them and your guests will comment highly about them. They have grace, quality and value. Three things that are getting to be almost impossible to find now-days.
NOTES: Made in South Korea of solid 18/10 Stainless Steel. Laser etched on backside with name, origin and material.
I would highly recommend this particular dining set.
Buy Lenox Continental Dining Stainless-Steel 5-Piece Place Setting, Service for 1 Now
We registered for these for our wedding. I saw them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I have this thing about making sure the forks are really pointy. These really were. The ones we got are too! I love this abut them. They are really pretty out of the box and have a very simple style. When opening them I noticed that they were made in Vietnam (in case this is an issue for anyone). It has been about two months since we started using these. The one thing I don't like is that the knives are starting to loose their finish. I was expecting better quality given how much these cost. However that was not meant to be I guess. The rest of the silverware is doing just fine, but I don't know why the knives are this way. Hope this helps!
