Quick answer
Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia stamp, forge and polish 18/0 to 18/10 stainless flatware and kitchen knives for retail and hospitality brands. Typical MOQ is 3,000-10,000 pieces per model, FOB USD 0.15-2.80 per flatware piece and USD 1.20-9.00 per knife, with 45-70 day lead times including dies. Polish consistency and food-contact migration testing decide who passes retail QA.
Country fit
| Country | Best for | MOQ | FOB (dinner fork / 8" chef knife) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 18/0 and 18/10 flatware sets, retail gift boxes | 5,000 pcs | USD 0.18-0.55 / 2.20-6.00 |
| Thailand | Higher-spec knives, hospitality flatware, hollow-handle | 3,000 pcs | USD 0.30-0.90 / 3.00-9.00 |
| Indonesia | Value flatware, wooden-handle knives | 10,000 pcs | USD 0.15-0.35 / 1.20-3.40 |
Specs to lock before quoting
- Steel: 410/420J2/430/304 with mill certificate; hardness in HRC for blades.
- Grade marking: 18/0, 18/8 or 18/10 confirmed by composition test, not by claim.
- Thickness and weight: gauge in mm and gram weight per piece with tolerance.
- Finish: mirror, satin or PVD; specify polish grit and acceptable buff-line direction.
- Handle: POM, PP, riveted hardwood or full-tang steel; dishwasher cycles tested.
- Packing: poly sleeve, gift box, blister or hospitality bulk; barcode and artwork proof.
Compliance
- EU: Framework Regulation 1935/2004 plus Council of Europe metal-release limits; REACH for handles and coatings.
- US: FDA food-contact for metals and polymers; California Prop 65 for coatings.
- UK: retained food-contact rules and UKCA labelling where required.
- Preference documents for ATIGA, EVFTA, UKVFTA or CPTPP duty savings.
Quality control plan
- Approve a sealed sample with composition report, hardness data and polish reference.
- Metal-release or migration test on the exact alloy and finish before mass production.
- In-line checks on weight, gauge, tine alignment, blade edge and rivet gap.
- Pre-shipment AQL 2.5/4.0 for scratches, pitting, sharpness and retail packaging scan.
Landed cost example
| Line | USD / 40,000 flatware pcs |
|---|---|
| FOB at USD 0.30 | 12,000 |
| Ocean freight (1x20FT) + insurance | 2,000 |
| Duty and destination charges | 700-2,100 |
| Landed cost per piece | USD 0.37-0.40 |
FAQ
How do I prove a set is really 18/10?
Ask for XRF or lab composition testing on production pieces, not on the sample the supplier hand-polished.
Are mirror-polished pieces worth the premium?
For retail gift sets yes; for hospitality, satin hides scratches and cuts returns.
Do knives need separate tooling?
Blanking dies run USD 800-3,500 per blade shape. Agree in writing that the die belongs to you.
Work with TUSKO
We handle supplier selection, tooling, composition and migration testing, inspection and consolidated shipping under one purchase order and one price, with our fee already built into the landed cost. Send your item list or drawings to contact@tuskoconsulting.com or WhatsApp Business @tuskoconsulting and we reply within 12-24 hours.