Types of Stainless

• Stainless items are divided into three categories: 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10. The 18 refers to its chromium content, which gives stainless its "stain less" property. In flatware, it particularly keeps it from rusting. Flatware marked 18/0 has no nickel, the ingredient that helps it stay shiny. Items marked 18/8 and 18/10 have somewhere from 8 to 10 percent nickel.
  
  

Significance

• Flatware marked 18/0 is a lower end, cheaper product that will become dull over the years. Pieces marked 18/8 and 18/10 are higher quality because they will maintain their shine. Use of the two is more of a marketing tool used to impress consumers. The 8 and 10 are only approximate numbers, so it should not be assumed that flatware with 10 percent nickel is significantly better than those marked as having 8 percent nickel.
  
  

Interesting Facts

• Individual pieces of the discontinued Cortland pattern can be purchased from companies that stock discontinued flatware, such as Replacements, Ltd. The 18/10 makeup of Cortland---or any other flatware marked 18/10---does not refer to its weight or heaviness.