Full XRF reading set for this knife
When tested with an XRF instrument, the handle of this little Swiss cheese knife had the following readings:
- Lead (Pb): 19,300 +/- 800 ppm
- Chromium (Cr): 820 +/- 144 ppm
- Tin (Sn): 3,377 +/- 260 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 398,300 +/- 3,200 ppm
- Copper (Cu): 448,300 +/- 3,100 ppm
- Nickel (Ni): 112,900 +/- 1,400 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 6,974 +/- 478 ppm
- Silver (Ag): 6,620 +/- 290 ppm
What’s unique or important about this knife?
This little knife is an excellent example of how sometimes flatware in general (and cutlery specifically) can often have two components, made out of very different types of metal, and when it does have two types of metal (usually stainless for the functional food-use component and some sort of pot metal or other decorative metal for the handle) it is highly likely that the handle might test positive for Lead. This is especially true for things that may appear to be silver or silver plated OR things that appear to be yellow brass or have a gold look (similar to yellow brass.)
This knife is especially concerning, because as it is “just” a (soft) cheese knife; it is exactly the sort of “safe” knife a parent might let an older young child (like a 3, 4 or 5 years old) play with to cut cheese (under supervision). I have a real concern that this would likely cause lead particles to rub off on to a child’s hand (with a handle that is positive for such a high level of Lead as this one is) and it is not likely that a child would wash their hands in-between handling a knife like this and touching and eating food.
Takeaway
Stick with all-stainless for your utensils, even for fancy occasions! Also: avoid vintage food-use items whenever possible (this knife is not vintage!)
Thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
Callie Catani says
Is this from pottery barn?
Tamara says
Hi Callie – it may very well be. They sell a lot of leaded things. I will check with the owner and see if she remembers where she got it.
– Tamara
Callie Catani says
It is! I just found a confirmation picture on Pinterest. I think I have these!!! And store them next to my child’s utensils!!! Aaahhh!