Review on Fortessa Bistro Stainless Steel Flatware: 9-Inch Serving Fork For Elegant Dining by Rhett Fifer

To set the stage - I've been using the same Hampton Silversmiths "Bistro" flatware set since 2000, and I've been very happy with them. While I did start perusing flatware off and on about a year ago, I'm in no real hurry to replace them and not prone to sing the praises of just any nice flatware that comes my way.That said, these utensils are quite nice and I'm happy that I was able to audition them. Style is all personal preference, and you can likely tell from the pictures if you like that. I'll discuss what you can't see. I think that the construction and build quality are excellent, with consistent fit and finish throughout. The heft is nice, with the exception of the knife that seems overly heavy to me, and all pieces have good balance. The surfaces are very smooth and comfortable (with one exception listed below). The utensils came packaged nicely to prevent shipping damage. I've been mostly handwashing them because I just have one set, but I've run them through the dishwasher at least a couple of times to check for issues and can't see any change in the appearance.The one thing that I really don't like, and the reason for removing a star, is the makers mark on the spoons. The mark is, IMO, the single flaw in the comfort of the spoons. The mark annoys me because I can feel it every time I put one in my mouth. The mark on the forks isn't so bad because my lips don't tend to touch that part of a fork, but they touch the back portion of a spoon all of the time. If they had to mark them, I wish that it would have been where the base of the cup meets the handle where neither hand nor mouth would tend to touch it. Because I like everything else about the spoons, I've been using these for over a month now to try and get used to it, but I haven't - at least, not yet.Despite not loving the knife, I'd consider getting a full set of these if it weren't for the mark. However, because of it, I won't be ordering any more.If you are used to such a mark, or are able to try out some spoons with one and don't mind it, then I recommend trying these. They really are very nicely made. At the current price of $30 a setting, these do seem pricey to me - especially if you're getting enough for a family. I think that $20/service would be a decent (if not great) value. Even that would be about twice what I paid for my previous set, but these are a step up.A note on the 18/10 steel. From what I've read, I think that's a bonus in this case because these are polished and the nickel provides a nice sheen. I've read how much better 18/10 (same as 18/8) is than 18/0 in regards to corrosion resistance, so I wouldn't even consider 18/0 flatware when I was looking last year. That is, until I found the packaging to my 11-year-old set last month and saw that it was 18/0. Imagine my surprise! I have never seen any signs of rust on my flatware - none. They have been left in water (or dipping in pools of water in a bowl) for extended periods from time to time for over a decade. Of course, everyone's mileage may vary, but I'm less averse to 18/0 now. 18/10 is more corrosion resistant and offers some insurance, so I do think that it's worth more. I'm just not convinced that I need it, given that I don't plan on passing down my flatware as an heirloom.Overall, these have a lot of nice qualities. I don't like the mark on the spoons and am not a huge fan of the large knife, so I won't buy any more. Given the pros, though, you might want to consider these (especially if you can see them in person at a store near you).Pros: - Sturdy construction - Consistent fit and finish (with one very minor mark on one spoon, which was under the polish) - Nicely polished surfaces - Great balance - 18/10 steel (apparently the same at 18/8, but a step up from 18/0)Cons (for me, anyway): - The makers mark on the spoons - The knife is larger and heavier than I prefer. I think that it might be problematic for younger kids.