🌟 Just wrapped up an eye-opening visit to Jinshi Kitchenware in Ruian, Zhejiang! This factory is a powerhouse in the kitchenware industry, particularly known for its stainless steel cutlery, with 90% of IKEA’s global stainless steel forks and knives being produced right here. 🥄🔪

Starting as a knife manufacturer, the factory has expanded from a few thousand square meters to nearly 50,000 square meters! Their client list is impressive, featuring renowned brands like Zhang Xiaoquan, JOMOO, Kohler, and many others. With dozens of patents under their belt, it’s clear they are leaders in innovation.

Our guide, a friendly representative in their 30s, first took us through the showroom, showcasing not only stainless steel cutlery but also a wide array of cookware and specialty knives. Fun fact: many of the high-end, uniquely shaped knives you see online are produced here!

After the showroom, we moved to the production line, where the process of making stainless steel cutlery truly captivated me. The process involves steel cutting, followed by polishing, where machines handle the bulk of the work, and skilled workers focus on the finer details—sanding, screening, washing, drying, and packaging.

The highlight of the tour was witnessing the production line for western-style cutlery. In one workshop, four production lines operate efficiently, managed by just four workers!

Here’s a quick rundown on choosing stainless steel cutlery for those interested:

Material Grades: Stainless steel cutlery typically comes in 430, 304, and 316 grades.

430 (martensitic stainless steel) is the most economical.
304 is food-grade, offering excellent texture and durability.
316 is medical-grade and comes at a higher price point.
Quality Checks: When purchasing stainless steel cookware, like a 304 stainless steel steamer, ensure it’s fully made from 304. Some products claim to be 304, but only the bottom is made from it, while the outer part may be lower quality, even as low as 430.

Rusting Concerns: Remember, stainless steel is not entirely rust-proof. The surface can react with acidic, alkaline, or salty substances, leading to localized corrosion, especially in harsh environments. Keep this in mind when cleaning or storing your stainless steel items.

I hope these insights are helpful for anyone looking to purchase stainless steel kitchenware! 🌟