Scratches & Surface Wear – From regular use, utensils often have fine or deep scratches.
Dulling / Loss of Shine – Finish may not be as bright as new, especially with stainless steel.
Tarnish – Common with silver or silver-plated flatware.
Pitting or Corrosion – Tiny dark spots or pinholes, especially on stainless if exposed to harsh detergents.
Bending / Warping – Tines on forks or bowl of spoons may be bent.
Plating Wear – On silver-plated pieces, base metal may show through at edges or high-contact areas.
Dents / Dings – Sometimes found on knife handles or hollow-handle utensils.
Rust Spots – Occasional on cheaper stainless or mixed-metal flatware.
Engravings / Monograms – Some older sets have initials or decorative engravings.
Handle Wear – On plastic, wood, or resin-handled utensils: cracks, fading, or separation.
Loose Handles – Especially on hollow-handle knives where the blade can loosen.
Water Spots – Hard water deposits that dull the appearance.
Dishwasher Damage – Discoloration, rainbow sheen, or etching.
Set Incompleteness – Missing pieces compared to standard place settings.
Brand Stamps Worn – Logos or hallmarks may be faded or hard to read