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Is 420 stainless steel equivalent to 18/10 stainless steel [New York] 

May 28, 2008

I am working with nail implements. A cuticle nipper and tweeze - both are stainless steel.
The Chinese factory has advised the qualtiy is 420 stainless steel.

My customers requirements are 18/10

I am unable to determine if they are the same quality - though I understand both are used in cutlery.

Please advise if they are the same quality.

Christine Nolan
Sales office to Cosmetic Industry - Freeport, NY, USA

Hi, Christine. Sorry, they are not even close. 18/10 is a non-magnetic stainless steel with 10 percent nickel in it. 420 is a cheaper, nickel-free, magnetic stainless steel. The 18/10 is significantly more "stain less". But some experience suggests that these Chinese factories will be happy to label it 18/10 if you wish :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

420 stainless steel is 12-14% chromium and no nickel whilst 18/10 is a nominal 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The 18/10 is a "better grade" of stainless for most applications and is generally non-magetic, although some magnetism can be induced into it.

Trevor Crichton R&D practical scientist - UK