Cutlery with 'ivory' handles

[Libertynan]

I'm after changing ours to this traditional style.

Has anyone seen any which are good value, sturdy and feel balanced? I'm busy looking online but I need to feel them in my hands .

Best to check antique shops/charity shops maybe? We've had some for years (from an antique shop) I think they were by a Sheffield based company.

Antiques markets have loads of this. Might need a polish but good value. Just don’t put it in the dishwasher (unless you’re happy to replace it regularly)

Good idea on the charity shops - thank you

They aren’t made of ivory…phew!

They are made of …bone.

I'd prefer plastic though

We got some years ago from John Lewis. Sturdy, still going strong and not a bad price either.

You are going to have to hand wash them.

I'm in the USA but a Facebook marketplace search brought up a lot of options for me.

Most are made of plastic, or bakelite if they're older (i.e. most of the ones you'll find in antique/charity shops). Only really old one will be made of bone, and I doubt many will have survived long enough to still be in decent condition in a shop now.

I have several sets used daily that are bone and they are perfect.

My mother had some. The handles were 'not allowed' to go in the water when washing-up.

I’ve got these and DP hates them because everything else can go in the dishwasher “except the bloody knives!”

The (now) retro version of these are awful - I've just charity shopped a full set that were my great aunt's wedding present. Cheap handles, cheap lightweight metal and so impractical to wash/look after.

Buy new if you like the style, at least they'll be dishwasher proof

If you have any auction houses nearby, try there. They're not just for fancy stuff, some I go to have clearly been doing house clearances. There is always cutlery, and it rarely sells for more than £10. In the past, people often had crockery/cutlery/glasses that were 'kept for best' and so they end up in the auction houses in good condition.

Oh, just noticed you are looking online. Most auction houses put their catalogues online these days, so you may find them there. Or have a look on www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb. There is a search facility to narrow it down to e.g. 10 mile radius of your postcode to help you find local auction houses, and they have their catalogues online too.

You could always push the boat out… www.davidmellordesign.com/pride-ivory-handled-44-piece-cutlery-canteen-walnut

I got old ones over 20 years ago from Camden passage antiques market (at Angel Islington not actually Camden!)

They are still lovely but I am VERY STRICT to not let them in the dishwasher, in fact I don't even immerse them fully into the washing up water, just wash the blades. Mine aren't very sharp, but are so much better for buttering bread and toast, because the blades are more flexible than modern knives.

[quote SunnySomer]You could always push the boat out… www.davidmellordesign.com/pride-ivory-handled-44-piece-cutlery-canteen-walnut[/quote]
Crikey!!! £££££££

M and S have a vintage set with ivory coloured handles. £25 for 16 pieces.

I have two separate sets of these - a nice set for best, which never go in the dishwasher, and a bunch that I’ve picked up cheaply in antiques shops and shove in the dishwasher because life’s too short. It doesn’t do them any good, but they keep going and going. I’ve had them over ten years.

www.aldi.co.uk/lou-laguiole-cutlery-set-24-pack/p/714853537367100?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2NaNBhDvARIsAEw55hgLBUWf0YZIlnSTxDsiY_7mPJPbCjIg2lE1omzfz33Cszk2s3KMcTIaAi8yEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are an Aldi version but the Jean Dubost Laguiole cutlery is perhaps a bit better quality! We have a couple of the colourful handled sets and they've stood up well in the dishwasher.