Can I put these in the dishwasher?

The high heat inside a dishwasher will melt the pitch used to secure the blades in antique silver knives. Once the pitch softens, the blades loosen and eventually fall out. The harsh detergents also cause heavy wear. They strip the surface layer and can leave deep pits in the silver over time. Hand washing in warm soapy water remains the best method.

My grandmother left me a box of these knives with silver handles but the blades look rusty and dull, is it possible to clean them?

Those carbon steel blades rust easily if put away damp. Surface rust often responds well to a light rub with fine wire wool and a drop of light oil. If the staining is deep, a professional cutler can polish the steel back to a clean finish. Some pitting may remain, but they will be safe for table use again. Wipe the blades with a dry cloth immediately after washing to prevent the rust returning. A thin smear of mineral oil protects them during long storage.

Why are some blades shaped like fish?

Fish knives feature a broad blade with a curved point. This shape lifts the meat away from the bones. The edge stays blunt because cooked fish needs no heavy cutting.

I bought some old silver knives online and noticed the hallmarks on the handles are worn flat so you can hardly see the letters, what causes this?

Continuous handling over many decades rubs away the raised details on silver. The hallmarks sit on the outer curve of the handle where fingers naturally grip during meals. Frequent polishing with abrasive pastes also flattens the struck marks. Generations of staff scrubbing the handles to keep them bright slowly erased the shallow impressions. This wear tells the story of the set's use. It happens frequently on table services that saw daily action rather than sitting in a display cabinet.

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Victorian Silver Knives

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Antique silver knives are dining and serving utensils featuring silver or silver-plated handles, often paired with steel or silver blades, designed to cut food while matching the formal table settings of their period.