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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Will the Knork cut you?No, it is not a sharp or serrated edge. It is a combination of several modifications that allow the Knork to cut without harming the user. The rounded, thinned tines create a beveled edge that allows the user to use a rocking motion to cut through foods. The finger platform provides comfort and leverage while using the fork to cut.
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Is the Knork for left and right handed users?Yes, the finger platform and rounded, thinned tines flank both sides of the utensil.
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What is the difference in finishes?Glossy: shiny mirrored finish, Matte: satin brushed finish, Duo: two-tone finish with a frosted handle and glossy head
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What is the difference between 18/10 and 18/0?In order to be called stainless steel, a steel alloy must contain at least 11.5% chromium. Aside from the knife blades, which contain more carbon and less chromium to ensure blades are sharp and stay that way, all of our flatware is made using 18% chromium. Some of our flatware, labeled as 18/10, contains nickel in addition to the chromium, which adds to the steel's resistance to corrosion as well as its luster. Because of a recent world shortage of nickel, which consequently doubled its price, we have consulted with independent metallurgists to assess the alternatives to using nickel. We learned that 18/10 stainless steel has a resistance to corrosion that far exceeds what is required for normal domestic use. Our 18 chrome stainless steel, properly processed, still meets our high standards for quality and passes all standard corrosion tests. In regards to the knives, it is an industry standard for almost every flatware brand to use a 400 series stainless steel on the knives, rather than 18/10 or 18/0, which is necessary for blade retention and functionality. Here’s some additional info below regarding why this is the standard for all flatware manufacturers. We do use a different series of stainless steel on our knives to ensure sharpness and retention, Dinner knives are made from a 13/0 stainless, which produces a sharp and durable blade but still maintains some corrosion resistance with the chromium content.
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How do I Care for my Knork Products?With proper care, our KNORK sets are designed to last for many years. Stainless steel is a hearty material that resists rust much better than other flatware mediums due to the presence of chromium, leading it to become the predominant manufacturing material used in flatware production. Its name means that it "stains less”, but stainless steel is not a 100% infallible material. Stainless steel does not readily corrode, rust or stain with water as ordinary steel does. However, it is not fully stain-proof in low-oxygen, high-salinity, or poor air-circulation environments. As far as care, we do recommend using a non-citrus scented liquid detergent if possible, and avoiding compacted tablets (an example of these is the “Finish” brand tablets with the red “power” balls in the middle-these tend to be harsher and can damage the top coat of the stainless steel, which would cause rusting or spotting to occur. Avoiding soaking pieces for any extended period of time is also important: stainless steel hates damp and dark environments, so a wet sink is a perfect place for rust/corrosion to thrive. Rinse pieces of any acidic residue or food (mayo, ketchup, butter, mustard, sour cream, etc.) until you can fully wash and put away, and make sure pieces are clean and dry before going in your drawer, making sure there is no pooled water anywhere on the surface. Using a high heat drying cycle in your machine will ensure that pieces are not sitting with water spots on them in a rust-friendly environment after a completed wash cycle. Titanium PVD Colored Flatware While our titanium PVD coated colored line is certainly dishwasher safe, handwashing is recommended as it is the gentlest care method. If dishwashing, it is recommended to separate different items into different washing compartments to prevent scratching that blades and sharp edges could potentially cause. Use a mild, non-citrus dish soap for hand washing, and if machine washing, a non-citrus mild liquid detergent is recommended. Powders or compacted tablets can be hard to dissolve and the granules can be abrasive and damaging. Avoid using any abrasive sponges or scrubbers (including Scotch-Brite or steel wool), as these can irritate and damage the PVD finish. Customer Service 316-264-7070 toll free: 1-877-566-7548
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Where is Knork made?It has been made in China by the same factory since the first Knork hit the market. (17+ year ago) We do product inspections, material testing, finishing (buffing/polishing), packaging here in Newton, Kansas. We have an awesome product that represents all things an American dream can be...but we are not able at this time to find a US factory to produce our unique, patented line of flatware. We do employ a method of manufacturing that includes many aspects and over 15 steps of hand forging and finishing, which is very detailed and labor intensive. We pride ourselves on maintaining transparency regarding what exactly makes a KNORK a KNORK (the thinned beveled and round tines and finger platform and smooth round handle), which includes our country of manufacture. We understand there are certain stigmas associated with goods manufactured in China. Fortunately, we have had the same factory producing our products for over 17 years now. We regularly personally travel to the factory and have had an HPCA inspection done (see attached). This certifies that our factory complies with both China and USA regulations regarding health and human safety, and ensures that the work conditions and production standards are met and surpassed by the workers, and all of our materials are tested and certified to be free of any contaminants or unexpected materials that do not belong in stainless steel. We installed several improvements at the factory to enhance the conditions of the employees. This was an inspection required for us to do business with NBC Universal / and Bravo’s Top Chef. We have as much desire to make our products stateside as our customers and we will continually work to make this dream a reality, but until then we will continue to produce the same level of goods that we have for over 17 years, and we will continue to stand behind the manufacturing quality and final product.
KNORK
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