While shopping for a replacement set of stainless-steel flatware, I was depressed by the number of reviews, at Amazon and other places, that bemoaned the current quality of the old American brands. Some people even noted that the quality had sunk noticeably in the past several years.After some shopping, I went for this Waterford Brayton Bead 45-piece set because: (1) I've used the same 'bead'-pattern from various manufacturers as my everyday setting (Antique Bead, Continental Bead; the first was called "Fashionpoint") going back 30 years; (2) it's an eight-place setting of the standard five utensils (fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, knife); (3) it includes the (again standard) five-piece hostess set of slotted spoon, serving spoon, cold meat fork, sugar spoon (sometimes called 'sugar shell'), and butter knife; (4) I've heard many people testify to Waterford's quality, and (5) I insisted on getting the type of stainless called "18/10".
Generally I am quite pleased. The bead design and the extent of the bead (which runs up the handle to the beginning of the teaspoon, for example) are just what I am used to. The utensils come to a slight peak at the bottom of each handle, but that is not an objectionable eccentricity to me. Fit-and-finish of the set is quite good, heft surprisingly well balanced, even though this kind of Waterford is made in China (and what isn't?). Soup spoons are deep enough, a nice surprise. The utensils are nice and heavy, heavier even than an 18/10 set of International I bought in the Nineties and am now going to put on reserve. The knife handles are NOT hollow! Because I've had a large-format flatware set for over 15 years, I was surprised to note in a number of prior reviews that the reviewers reacted with surprise and disfavor to other brands' "European-sized" flatware; if that bothers you, leave this one alone. But this alleged imposition is nothing all that new. To me, probably the biggest single eccentricity are the salad forks, which I've always expected to be a little diminutive. These Waterford Brayton Bead salad forks are almost as long as the long dinner forks! More like a dessert fork, really, though I doubt the difference will bother me much in the long run. The usual five serving or "hostess" utensils are good-sized and heavy.
"18/10" stainless refers to the composition of the stainless steel, in this case being 18 percent chromium (for rust-resistance) and ten percent nickel (which helps keep the implements shiny). One website I checked out said that for all intents and purposes, 18/8 is just as good, but one should definitely avoid eighteen over nothing (18/0). This can be tricky, as many manufacturers in their pattern descriptions do not always mention their stainless steel's composition, and there are undoubtedly many errors of omission hidden in sketchy advertising copy. (On the other hand, if a place setting is 18/8 or 18/10, a selling point is usually made of that.) Whatever the formula, scratches are not a big concern for me because my flatware (and silver, too) is always hand-washed. Waterford includes an instruction card with the set, much of which is common knowledge but some of which surprised me (not only should the user not mix stainless and silver in the dishwasher, that goes for aluminum too). Heed well.
We've had this set long enough to appreciate its heft and durability. In my opinion it rates five stars. Dinner is served!
After going through many sets of silverware, I finally found a set that will last. Plus, the Waterford name is great. You know you can trust it.
You get a 12 place setting, 5 pieces each. Plus, 5 additional serving pieces (Serving spoon, slotted spoon, serving fork, etc.)
I wouldn't buy it from Amazon. Check your local Costco first. That's a giant difference in price. But if you are looking for a set that will last, you finally found it!This flatware is heavy, pretty to look at and of highest quality; I've been married over 35 years and this is the best flatware service we've ever had.My Daddy bought me this for Christmas. The beauty of this flatware is matched only by the sophistication of the Waterford Company name and reputation as being World Class.
Very reasonably priced for the quality of this purchase.I received this set as a wedding present. I have used them for 6 months and frequently wash them in the dishwasher. The metal remains pristine: shiny and virtually scratch free! The bead design shows fine craftsmanship. I've only owned off-brand silverwear in the past, so this is definitely an upgrade!
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