Silverware alternatives?

Kith and Kin · #1 12/28/10, 04:41 PM

Hello all,
I read some time ago here about reusable plasticware.
I am trying to get away from the metal taste that is transfered with the food when eating with silverware.
Does anyone know of the product I'm looking for?

Thanks....

lmrose · #2 12/28/10, 04:51 PM

I have re-usable plastic forks, knives and spoons made out of some type of nylon . They are sturdy , washable and don't break. I bought them at a variety store about 20 years ago and use them when we have my husband's huge extended family over for dinner or family reunions. They don't wear out or leave a bad taste like some stainless steel utensils do. I would look in off the beaten path stores like you find in small towns or maybe in catalogs that come in the mail. Possibly on the internet? I just remembered it is the 21st. century! Good luck!

silverbackMP · #3 12/28/10, 05:01 PM

Have you tried Silver silverware sayeth Silverback? Sorry couldn't resist, but seriously how about Silver utensils? Have you tried any of those?

beaglebiz · #4 12/28/10, 05:17 PM

Well, i suppose im the opposite...i hate the taste and feel of anything plastic.
what about wooden chopsticks, or the porcelain soup spoons the Chinese use?

eurycea12 · #5 12/28/10, 05:56 PM

I have a set of lexan utensils I purchased for camping. They are very sturdy.
This is the same ones I purchased but many years ago. You should read the one review written about them, perhaps the quality has slipped since I purchased mine, which are very good quality.

Wolf mom · #6 12/28/10, 07:21 PM

I gather you are talking about flatware. There sure is a difference between silver flatware and stainless steel flatware - lots of difference within stainless also. Look at some expensive stuff & cheap - not just how thin, but the stainless color - go for the more expensive.

Experiment with the difference between the three by picking up some at a thrift store....

Considering all the carp plastic that's coming from China - I'd think twice about using plastic.

Kith and Kin · #7 12/28/10, 08:17 PM

Thanks for all of the ideas.
I found Lexan utensils on Amazon and will try that.
As far as China products...............if baby chew toys contain high levels of lead, I don't think I'll buy anything from there that is designed to be put in my mouth.
I try very hard to boycot anything made in china anyway. You'd be surprised what is still made in the USA....

Trixie · #8 12/28/10, 08:41 PM

Consider buying older stainless flatware at garage sales or thrift shops.

Since new everything is more cheaply built, I'm thinking that could be the reason.

Since everything I have is old, I have never experienced the metal taste, and I'm pretty sensitive to things like that.

MO_cows · #9 12/28/10, 10:12 PM

Sounds like you got some bad flatware. The better stuff is 18/8 stainless steel and it will probably be stamped on the pieces. You should be able to get a good set at a thrift store or an estate sale. The set we are using is probably more than 50 years old, it was my grandmothers. We also have some tea spoons with "USN" on the handles, WW II surplus, and they are still perfect. "They don't make 'em like they used to" is true of a lot of things.

LisaInN.Idaho · #10 12/29/10, 12:43 AM

I always look for 18/10 flatware...more nickel and less likely to corrode. I never get a metallic taste.

celticfalcon · #11 12/29/10, 06:27 AM

you might try an army/navy surplus store.ive got a couple of "sets" very cheap and durable.
tom

Danaus29 · #12 12/29/10, 08:07 AM

Replacements LTD carries a lot of new/old stock in Oneida. I wouldn't buy the new junk in the stores now but the old Oneida (more than 30 years old) good quality stainless is what we have.

My grandma used real sterling plated flatware for family dinners. I never could stand the taste of that stuff.

mightybooboo · #13 12/29/10, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverbackMP

Have you tried Silver silverware sayeth Silverback? Sorry couldn't resist, but seriously how about Silver utensils? Have you tried any of those?

Would love some,lasts generations,but I need land sooooo.....not happening.

mightybooboo · #14 12/29/10, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kith and Kin

I try very hard to boycot anything made in china anyway. You'd be surprised what is still made in the USA....

Did our Chrstmas without anything made in China,but then again I dont step into Walmart either.

Agree on the thrift store for good flatware,old IS better IMO too.

Kith and Kin · #15 12/29/10, 10:07 AM

I'll look into some of these other options. I've found that the Lexan is a polycarbonate and contains BPA, which is a whole new issue.

My flateware is stainless, made in Indonesia.
I bought my mother a new set and took her old, cheap set.
It's not a terrible taste I get, but I really enjoy my food and don't want to taste any else...

Maybe it was Lexan that was mentioned years ago that I was thinking of.

Heritagefarm · #16 12/29/10, 10:14 AM

Try wood utensils. Honestly, you want to stay as far from plastic as possible where eating is concerned.