Science Fair Project Encyclopedia Cutlery refers to any hand
utensil used in preparing, serving, and especially eating food.
It is more usually known as silverware or flatware in the United
States, where cutlery can have the more specific meaning of
knives and other cutting instruments. This is probably the
original meaning of the word. Since silverware suggests the
presence of silver, the term tableware has come into use. The
major items of cutlery in the western world are the knife, fork
and spoon (though there is also a spork). Traditionally, good
quality cutlery was made from silver (hence the U.S. name),
though steel was always used for more utilitarian knives, and
pewter was used for some cheaper items, especially spoons. From
the nineteenth century, Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) was
used as a cheaper substitute; nowadays, most cutlery, including
quality designs, is made from stainless steel. Plastic cutlery
is made for disposable use, and is frequently used in fast food
or take-away outlets. Cutle