How your posh silverware makes food taste bad -- Interesting article but only considers taste as a reason to pick one metal over another. Does not discuss anti-bacterial properties of silver, you need to hit the comments for that discussion.

Of note, they mention "copper, chrome, zinc, tin, stainless steel, gold, and silver" in the article, but there is no mention of titanium which is much more affordable than silver or gold for eating utensils. You can buy Ti utensils at many online retailers. Ti should be similar to gold, no metallic taste because like gold it is non-reactive.

I have two titanium spoons that I use constantly - light strong, and they don't rust. Since I got them at REI my wife considers them "camping spoons"-drives her up the wall...

Titanium Spoon, Fork & Knife set. The pattern has been sold under a number of brand names, from what I can tell they're all the same. The set is also available without the knife. I like the spoons and forks; the knife not so much.

Sterling Silver cutlery sets are quite expensive and require maintenance to stop them oxidizing. Kitchen staff were usually left to do this if your living somewhere like Dowton Abbey. Typical sets will range from around £6000-£25,000
I've never been able to find a Cutlery manufacturer who offers a Titanium Cutlery Set. Solid Gold Cutlery sets are extremely expensive usually the realm of those who live in despotic countries, have matching bathroom taps and their home decor is quite outlandish, opulent and distasteful.
Plated Silver Nickel Silver set are available that are durable enough to be serviceable for 40 years

http://www.steelcitycutlery.com/cutlery/...vmbhorf77k3u3k3

I'll probably just stick with quality simple German WFM 10/18 Stainless for everyday use.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000L...=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Unfortunately though, the use of cutlery is being discouraged in re-education establishments so that young people are being trained to eat food now with either a plastic spoon/spork or with just their fingers. Soon they may not even recognize what a knife or fork is let alone specialist cutlery i.e. Steak, Fish etc or have the etiquette in how they are used.