There are a ton of options out there for flatware to go with your set of dishes. We set out to find the flatware manufacturers that are making their forks, knives, spoons, and other utensils right here in the USA. We were surprised by the results of our research, which we’ve detailed below. Happy hunting for phenomenal flatware!
Complete List of Flatware Brands Made in the USA
Liberty is the name brand of Sherrill Manufacturing, a family-owned and operated business run by Matt Roberts and Greg Owens. They’ve been producing American made flatware for over 100 years right out of their factory in Sherrill, NY. Their product quality is among the best, even compared to international manufacturers, because they take the time to make their flatware with high-quality materials (18-10 chromium/nickel stainless steel) that are also sourced from the United States, and test all of their steel to ensure no toxins are present and it meets all health and safety standards.
Farmhouse Pottery makes amazing stoneware pottery and other home goods out of their Vermont facility. They also have stainless steel flatware, made in partnership with Liberty. We spoke with their team and confirmed that their stainless steel is also sourced in the USA. They have a few styles to choose from, and all of them are really classic, so you should be able to find one that fits your kitchen aesthetic. They tumble all their flatware alongside ceramic material, which gives it a really unique look.
Mike’s YouTube Video on American Made Flatware
How to Find Flatware Made in the USA
Okay, so we know there’s only one option. But still – we want to equip you with the knowledge to do your own research. Here’s a look into flatware material sourcing, assembly, labeling, and more so you can be prepared to do your own research.
What Does “Made In The USA” Mean?
First, it’s important to understand what “made in the USA” actually means. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a product is considered “made in the USA” when “all or virtually all” of the components and labor are from the USA. This means that all significant parts, processing, and labor must be of US origin. For flatware, this means that the metal used should be sourced from the US as well as the manufacturing process.
For more information, check out our detailed guide to the “made in the USA” label.
Materials
The first step to finding American-made flatware is researching the materials used. To ensure you are getting a quality product that is genuinely made in the USA, look for materials sourced in the United States. Commonly, flatware is made of stainless steel or silver.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used for flatware, and it’s readily available in the USA thanks to US’s growing steel production industry. The USA is one of the world’s leading steel producers, standing right behind China, India, and Japan. Make sure to look for stainless steel that is 100% US-sourced, as US-made steel is three times stronger than Chinese-made steel.
Silver
Some high-end flatware is made of sterling silver, which is an excellent option for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their table settings. The United States, however, imports most of its silver from countries such as Mexico, Peru, and Canada. But you can still find US-made silver flatware with interest in the silver mining industry growing year by year. Just be sure to double-check that it is indeed made of sterling silver and sourced from within the United States.
Labeling
The second step to finding US-made flatware is to look at the labeling. Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304 of the United States Code states that all products made abroad must be appropriately labeled. In addition, products labeled “made in the USA” must meet all requirements set forth by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which states that all parts and labor used to produce, package, and ship the product must be of US origin.
Some manufacturers may try to mislead consumers with their labeling. If the product isn’t made entirely of American-made components and only partially made in the US, it may be labeled as “assembled in the USA,” “designed in the USA,” or “made in the USA with imported materials.”
Also, watch out for misleading images like the US flag, which may confuse some consumers. But the usage of the American flag on labels is not protected. So, just because a product has the American flag on its labeling does not automatically mean it is made in the USA.
It’s crucial to be a savvy shopper and look out for these misleading labels, as they can be deceiving.
Other Tips
Aside from researching the materials and looking at the labeling, there are other ways to ensure that the flatware you buy is made in the USA.
Buy from Local Stores
When shopping for flatware, starting at local stores is a great idea. You can ask the store employees about their flatware selection and if it is made in the USA. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information.
Shop Online
You can also shop for flatware online. When shopping online, check the product descriptions and reviews to ensure it is indeed made in the USA. Companies that offer flatware made in the USA usually state it clearly on their websites, as this is something they are proud to display.
On the other hand, companies are not required to state the country of origin on their online or promotional materials, so if you can’t find where the product is made, it usually means it is made abroad.
Many companies specializing in American-made products have detailed info about the materials used in their flatware, from where the metal is sourced to how it’s made. Check their “About Us” page for more information.
Call the Manufacturer
If you still have doubts, you can always call the manufacturer directly and ask them. They will be able to provide accurate information about their products, and you’ll be able to make an informed purchase.
Flatware Not Made in the USA
Here are some popular flatware brands not made in the USA. We’ll keep adding to this list as we find more.
- Oneida – made in China
- Lenox – made in Italy
- Jean Dubost – made in France
- Hiware – made in China
Related Research
Looking for more American made recommendations for your kitchen? Check out our related guides below. Spoiler alert: Liberty Tabletop also makes amazing glassware.
