Dessert knife 925 silver Astra Black

Black and silver in stark contrast: The handle of this dessert knife features a deeply engraved floral ornament, filled with a dark niello compound. No print, no lacquer – just silver and the centuries-old technique that transforms an engraving into a lasting image.

At a Glance

• Handle: 925 Sterling Silver with Niello Ornament
• Blade: Stainless Steel
• Length: 199 mm
• Width: 16 mm
• Weight: approx. 30 g
• Collection: Astra Black
• Delivery: Gift box

The handle is crafted at SevChern in Veliky Ustyug – the center of Veliky Ustyug niello art, first documented in 1683. The stainless steel blade is not a compromise but the global standard for silver cutlery: pure silver is too soft for blades, it won't hold an edge and would deform when cutting. The 925 sterling silver handle bears what you see and feel in your hand – the blade reliably performs its function.

Material and Workmanship

The floral pattern on the handle is created by a deep engraving, into which a sulfur alloy – the niello compound – is melted in an open flame. It chemically and physically bonds with the silver, not as an overlaying layer, but as an integral part of the material. As a result, the black-and-silver appearance does not change over time – on the contrary: with regular polishing, the contrasts between the dark ornament and the bright silver become increasingly defined. Niello silver is one of the few materials that gain character with each passing year.

Usage and Occasions

As a dessert knife, this piece is intended for cakes, fruits, and light desserts. It complements the Astra Black dessert fork and can be combined with other pieces from the Astra collection – teaspoons, coffee spoons, serving pieces – to create a harmonious table setting. A silver knife with a niello ornament is a gift for occasions meant to last: weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays – moments where a gift should not disappear into a drawer after one season.

Care

It's best to care for the handle and blade separately: clean the silver handle with warm water and a soft cloth, without abrasive cleaners. You can also wipe the stainless steel blade with a damp cloth. We advise against using a dishwasher – the aggressive lye can damage both the niello ornament and the transition area between the handle and blade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the blade made of real silver?

No, and this is a deliberate choice. Silver is too soft for blades and would not hold an edge. The handle is made of 925 sterling silver, the blade of stainless steel – the global standard among silver cutlery manufacturers.

What exactly is niello?

Niello is a sulfur alloy that is melted into engraved silver patterns in an open flame. It bonds firmly with the metal, creating a durable black-and-silver contrast that does not rub off or fade.

Does this knife match the Astra Black dessert fork?

Yes, both pieces feature the same floral niello pattern and are from the same production at SevChern. They can easily be combined to form a set.

You might also be interested in

Tableware and Silverware made of 925 Silver – other Astra pieces and cutlery.

Gift Ideas made of 925 Silver – suitable ideas for weddings and anniversaries.