Owners manual

CARING FOR YOUR STAINLESS FLATWARE
Congratulations on the purchase of your Ginkgo stainless flatware. Whenever a fine
cutting edge is required, as in the knife blades of your new stainless from Ginkgo Int'l
Ltd., the blade is made from 13% chrome steel, and then tempered. 13 Chrome steel
tempered blades can be resharpened, are flexible, and have a "memory" - they snap
back into their original shape after being bent. However, they have less chromium, so
are a bit more prone to oxidation (rust) and water spots. Do not leave your knives
sitting in a wet sink. If any of your flatware becomes water stained you may clean them
with a good quality stainless steel polish.
Most stainless steel spoons and forks available in the USA are marked with their steel
chemistry; usually 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10. All of these compositions should give you years
of use with limited maintenance. If you notice discoloring, or small oxidation marks on
your stainless, it can usually be cleaned off with hot soapy water, and a sponge. If that
doesn’t do the trick, use a good quality stainless polish. Often, a rust spot on your
flatware is not the flatware itself, but a dissimilar steel peeler or other item leaning
against it in the dishwasher.
There are many unique finishes available on flatware these days. The most durable
and stain resistant is a high gloss mirror finish. A smooth mirror finish leaves little for
oxidizing agents to attack. Satin finish (also know as brushed) breaks the surface of the
steel, so it is more prone to staining. However, satin finishes, like on our Norse pattern,
can be revitalized simple by scrubbing (in the direction of the “grain”) with a scotchbrite
pad, or very fine steel wool. This cleans off the surface, and adds more micro
scratches. Don’t try and scrub a frosted (also known as sand blast, or bead blast)
finish, such as Pendulum, or Celine Frost. Just use a good stainless polish, and a soft
cloth.
All Ginkgo stainless is fully guaranteed against defects due to poor workmanship. If you
have any problems or questions, please contact us at:
Ginkgo International Ltd.
8102 Lemont Road Suite 1100
Woodridge, IL 60517
[e-mail]
630-910-5244
Thanks again for your purchase!