What do it mean 18/0, 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel on flatware?

Stainless steel is the best material to make tableware, flatware and cutlery. Stainless steel flatware is rust and stain resistant and it is easy to clean. According to the component, there are three types of flatware,18/0, 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel.

18/0 also calls 430 stainless steel. It contains 18% chromium and 0% nickel. 18/0 stainless steel cannot resist oxidation by chemicals in the air. It is easy to rust after long-term use. However, it has a good corrosion resistance to Nitric acid. The cutlery steak knife set made in 430 stainless steel has a good toughness and durability. What's more, it makes the knife blade sharp enough to cut the meat cubes on table.

18/8 and 18/10 are 304 stainless steel. The 18/8 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. While the 18/10 contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel. They both has better corrosion resistance compare with 430 stainless steel. What’s more, they are non-magnetic. The dining table fork and spoon are made of 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel. 18/10 stainless steel has better anti-oxidation capability compare with 18/8. Therefore, 18/10 stainless steel is suitable to medical equipment.

In addition, there is one cheap type stainless steel silverware contains 18% chromium and 5% nickel. It also calls 201 stainless steel. It has a poor anti-rust effect. However, it contains high content of manganese to increase ductility. Therefore, 201 stainless steel also applied to table setting cutlery.