Reed & Barton Palmer 18/10 Stainless Steel 65-Piece Set, Service for 12

I finally concluded that I had to part with my decades-old Cuisinart flatware...no two fork tines were level and almost all the teaspoons had escaped to Somewhere Else. Those pieces that remained were scratched and dented...it was just time to bite the bullet and buy new flatware.

I was looking for a modern hammered flatware pattern in 18/10 stainless. I tend to conduct research ad nauseum on any purchase that will be a part of my daily life. So predictably, I compared lots of manufacturers, styles, prices, and reviews and I finally chose a 65 piece set in R&B's Palmer pattern. I seriously considered Gorham's Biscayne pattern with its unique hammered look and it is certainly worth looking at. But Palmer stole my heart. Its shapes are a little more modern than typically seen in a hammered pattern. Some hammered patterns have deep, large indentations that remind me of craters. Not so with Palmer; its hammered indentations are smaller and less defined. The shine is extraordinary so don't buy this flatware if you want a more satin or pewter finish.

We have been using it for a short time and so far, no sign of dishwasher damage. Spoons are holding up well to the ice cream test. Its brilliant shine greets me every time I open the flatware drawer. The balance and weight are not incredible but certainly comfortable.

I'm really patting myself on the back for this decision. Palmer looks great flanking my Fiesta dinnerware on the table and the price was so reasonable that I can still afford to buy food to eat with it.

This set is beautiful. It doesn't get spotty in the dishwasher, the size and weight are perfect, and the shine is very classy.

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