Is it Flatware or Silverware? What about Cutlery?

Which is which? Is flatware also silverware? Is silverware flatware? What’s the difference? Here’s a quote from the Big Bang Theory that helps set the stage:

Sheldon Cooper : Jacuzzi is a commercial brand, hot tub is the generic term, i.e., all Jacuzzis are hot tubs, but not all hot tubs are Jacuzzis.

Zack : Is that like all thumbs are fingers, but not all fingers are thumbs?

The difference between flatware and silverware is that flatware are eating utensils. Cutlery, such as forks, knives and spoons while silverware is anything made from silver.

In the 1800s the word flatware was used to refer to anything shallow and flat used at the dining table to eat.

Cutlery is a separate thing altogether. Cutlery refers to knives and cutting implements and originates from the old French word “coutelier” (modern French: couteau) which means knife. So technically flatware and silverware could include cutlery, but cutlery would only refer to knives or cutting implements. But nobody really thinks that anymore.

So to sum up: All silverware is flatware or cutlery. But not all flatware or cutlery is silverware.

Got it?

Star Wars Spoons, Cutlery, Apron and More

Of course this exists, I mean come on, of course it does. It’s almost like there is a Rule 34 for Star Wars. If it exists, then there is a Star Wars branded version of it.

And cutlery must have been close to the bottom of the merchandising list but they finally got there! And what a package of Star Wars themed kitchen fun!

This package includes 5 bamboo cooking spoons, a kitchen star wars apron, and a double-sided dishwasher magnet, all inspired by your favorite galactic Star Wars characters. The five spoons include a spatula, fork, and spoon. All accessories are made entirely of natural, organic bamboo wood, which is eco-friendly, durable, food-grade, and bpa-free.

But wait, there’s more! Prepare for the ultimate star wars cooking “battle” with this galactic kitchen apron! Our apron is made with premium quality materials, which makes it water-resistant and easy to clean. Also, it has a detailed and vivid depiction of the most dangerous villain in the entire galaxy.

And more yet: Dishwasher Stickers: For the most enthusiast fans, we prepared an adorable surprise. Our cooking set comes with a clean dirty magnet for dishwasher. The magnet is double-sided, indicated “clean” or “dirty” and making any cooking experience more fun and entertaining.

Get your Star Wars Cutlery Set from Amazon

Renge Melamine Ramen Soup Spoon

Renge Melamine Soup Spoon or Chinese style spoons are essential for soup dishes such as ramen and udon noodles. These melamine spoons are an economical alternative to ceramic spoons. Melamine resin is thermoset, which means that it can withstand high temperatures.

in Japanese the traditional ramen spoon is known as a chirirenge (or, more often, just ″renge″), which literally translates as ″falling lotus petal.

For a regular spoon, you hold it like how you are holding a pen. However, When you hold a renge, you fit your index finger on the ditch or the inner handle pointing into the bowl.

This is a set of 6 pieces melamine soup spoons with a notch and hook to prevent slipping in the bowl for either face down or face up. They are dish washer safe.

Renge Melamine Ramen Soup Spoon from Amazon

Fusion of Tradition and Function for Cutlery

‘Rething’ by Anastasia Starostina creates a fusion of forms based on their functions and does it with amazing flair. It’s not often here at The Cutlery Review that we feature flatware that is not in production for sale but this design is so elegant we really want to show it to our readers.

It’s the fine folks at YankoDesign.com that brought this work to our attention:

“The abstraction of each of the objects has stretched the limitations of their initial potential”, says Anastasia Starostina, a Russia-based industrial designer.

“The different cutlery units cover a wide range of cuisines. The knife exists as an independent piece, and can be paired along with the other cutlery sets, allowing you to effectively cut and portion your meals. The three other cutlery pieces cover ranges of cuisine from Asian styles (with the spoon and the chopsticks) to Continental (spoon + fork) and even a third spoon/shaver hybrid for garnishes and embellishments like cheeses, truffles, and sauces.”

Read more at YankoDesign.com