Flatware 3.1

You’re born without stuff. Your parents own all the stuff. Then, one day, you move out on your own. You cobble together some combination of whatever your parents let you take and whatever your roommates’ parents let them take. This includes some random eating utensils. Let’s call them Flatware 1.0.

Eventually you realize that things like forks and spoons have to come from somewhere, that they don’t just eternally spring from your parents’ silverware drawer. You pick up a bundle of flatware from a garage sale or thrift store. It’s gross but it’s yours: Flatware 2.0.

Now, you’re a little older. You make a little more money. Wouldn’t it be nice not to be embarrassed when people come over for dinner? The cheaper of these Oneida sets really isn’t much compared to what you spend on Taco Bell and video games, right? Congratulations. You’re pretty much a grown-up. You’ve reached Flatware 3.0.

But life - and flatware - can always get a little better. The difference between these two sets is, the cheaper one is 18/0 stainless steel, while the (very relatively) more expensive set is 18/10. Those number refer to the chromium and nickel content, respectively. With 18% chromium and 0% nickel, the cheaper set will lose its luster a little sooner. The set with 18% chromium and 10% nickel will keep more of its shine, age better, look swankier longer. That’s Flatware 3.1.

Either way, these Oneida sets offer an instant upgrade to Flatware 3.x at Flatware 2.0 prices. They look fancy. They feel fancy. They’re legit flatware that people pay real money for. Whether you’re still eating off of Mom and Dad’s tarnished extras or the finest utensils the local flea market has to offer, the upgrade is worth it. Because come on, man, you put that stuff in your mouth.