<P> In 1913, the British metallurgist Harry Brearley discovered stainless steel by chance and this metal has come to be the predominant one used in cutlery . An alternative is melchior, corrosion - resistant nickel and copper alloy, which can also sometimes contain manganese and nickel - iron . </P> <P> Plastic cutlery is made for disposable use, and is frequently used outdoors for camping, excursions, and barbecues for instance . Plastic cutlery is also commonly used at fast - food or take - away outlets and provided with airline meals in economy class . Wooden disposable cutlery is also available as a biodegradable alternative . </P> <P> Cutlery has been made in many places . In Britain, the industry became concentrated by the late 16th century in and around Birmingham and Sheffield . However, the Birmingham industry increasingly concentrated on swords, made by "long cutlers", and on other edged tools, whereas the Sheffield industry concentrated on knives . </P> <P> At Sheffield the trade of cutler became divided, with allied trades such as razormaker, awlbladesmith, shearsmith and forkmaker emerging and becoming distinct trades by the 18th century . </P>

Why is stainless steel a good material for manufacturing spoons forks knives and kitchen utensils