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In the daily flatware wholesale customization process, customers often ask: “Is this knife for cutting steaks?” “Can this spoon be used to drink soup?” Flatware may seem simple, but each piece corresponds to a professional standard name and a specific purpose. For restaurants, hotels, brands, or distributors, a clear understanding of the names and functions of each type of table knife, fork, and spoon is the first step to selecting and communicating professionally. Today, Mcallen will introduce you to the three most basic western flatware-standard terms and functions of table knives, forks and spoons.
Table Knife: Not just a “cutting” tool
In Western dining etiquette, the types of knives are divided into many categories according to their uses. The most basic “table knife” usually refers to the dinner knife. The blade has micro-teeth and is about 22-24cm long. The blade is not sharp and can be used to cut main dishes such as meat and vegetables. Used in conjunction with the dinner fork, it is the main member of the regular 5-piece set.
Other common types:
Steak Knife: The blade is sharper and is designed for cutting hard meats such as steak.
Butter Knife: No teeth, round head, used for spreading butter and jam, usually small in size.
Fork: Not only the shape, but also the function
A dinner fork is generally 19-21cm long, and the four-tooth structure is the most common form. It is mainly used to accompany main dishes, such as steak, pasta, and vegetables etc.
Other common types:
Salad Fork: Slightly shorter, with denser teeth, which is convenient for piercing salads and appetizers.
Dessert Fork: Smaller in size, used for light meals such as desserts and fruits.
Fish Fork: Usually paired with fish knife, with wider teeth, which is convenient for separating fish meat.
Spoon: The shape shows the purpose
Table spoon (dinner spoon) has a large and round head, a large capacity, and is generally 18-20cm long. It is used to scoop soup, stew or rice and other staple dishes. There are many stainless steel spoons types, including common dinner spoons, soup spoons, dessert spoons and stirring spoons.
Common derivative types:
Soup Spoon: The spoon head is deeper and rounder, designed for drinking soup, and is often called “Chinese spoon” in the Asian market.
Dessert Spoon: Smaller than the dinner spoon, used with desserts such as cakes and puddings.
Teaspoon: The smallest size, often used to stir coffee and tea, and can also be used for condiments such as sugar and honey.
Why do you need to understand tableware?
For restaurants or brand customers who pursue a high-quality dining experience, the correct use of knives, forks and spoons not only reflects the professionalism of the service but also affects the overall dining experience of customers. A set of tableware with scientific design and a reasonable combination can greatly improve dining efficiency and dining atmosphere.
As a professional stainless steel tableware manufacturer, Mcallen can provide flatware products covering a variety of functional divisions, and support combination and matching according to scenes or customized LOGO engraving to meet the needs of different customers.
Conclusion
Next time you choose or customize tableware, try to say: “I need a set of 5 pieces, including a dinner knife and salad fork.” “The size of this Dessert Spoon is just right for matching cake gift boxes.” We believe that the more professional the customer, the more they can understand the design logic behind the knife, fork and spoon. Mcallen is also willing to be the “behind-the-scenes expert” in your tableware plan. Contact us to get professional tableware customization solutions.
