Lucky Wood Stainless Steel Dinner Fork, Plain Fiddle with Thread Pattern
Flatware (Dinner Fork) · Lucky Wood, a brand of Kobayashi Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Japan). Founded in 1868, they are one of Japan's most prestigious cutlery manufacturers located in Tsubame, Niigata, known for high-quality Western-style tableware.
Pattern: Plain Fiddle with Thread Border. This is a classic, utilitarian design commonly produced for the hospitality and home market throughout the late 20th century.
Type
Flatware (Dinner Fork)
Maker
Lucky Wood, a brand of Kobayashi Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Japan). Founded in 1868, they are one of Japan's most prestigious cutlery manufacturers located in Tsubame, Niigata, known for high-quality Western-style tableware.
Material
Stainless Steel. The piece is clearly stamped 'STAINLESS STEEL'. It contains no silver. Common compositions for this brand include 18-8, 18-10, or 18-0 chrome-nickel steel variations.
Dimensions
Estimated 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length; Weight approximately 45-60 grams. This is standard sizing for a Western dinner/table fork.
Description
A utilitarian and durable stainless steel dinner fork by the respected Japanese firm Lucky Wood. The design features a timeless fiddle shape with a minimalist thread border, balancing classic aesthetic with the low-maintenance benefits of modern steel. It is a workhorse piece intended for everyday dining.
Key Features
Lucky Wood brand stamp; Fiddle silhouette; Threaded border; Stainless steel construction; Four-tine configuration.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel. The piece is clearly stamped 'STAINLESS STEEL'. It contains no silver. Common compositions for this brand include 18-8, 18-10, or 18-0 chrome-nickel steel variations.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish on the handle with a mirror-polished head. The decoration consists of a simple 'thread' or 'line' embossed border around the handle edge, following the fiddle-leaf silhouette.
Hallmarks & Stamps
STAINLESS STEEL - LUCKY WOOD - JAPAN. The marks are machine-stamped on the back of the neck. These indicate the material composition, brand name, and country of origin.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured. The piece is die-struck from a sheet of stainless steel, then trimmed and tumbled. There is no evidence of hand-forging or silver soldering.
Functional Features
Four-tine design with a tapered neck and flared handle for grip. The tines have blunt ends consistent with modern mass-market safety standards.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral solid stainless steel handle. The handle is a flat, 'fiddle' shaped silhouette with rounded edges for ergonomics.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. Precise die-striking ensures symmetry. The edges are well-deburred and smooth, characteristic of Japanese manufacturing standards.
Authentication Indicators
Clear 'STAINLESS STEEL' and 'LUCKY WOOD' stamps. The lack of silver hallmarks (like .925 or a Lion Passant) confirms this is not a silver or silver-plated item.
Origin & Manufacturing
Tsubame-Sanjo region, Japan. Tsubame is world-renowned for metalworking and high-quality cutlery production.
Era & Period
Modern / Late 20th Century. While the silhouette is a simplified 'Fiddle' pattern (originally 19th-century French), the material and stamping style place this in the mid-to-late 1900s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1990. The specific logo style and 'Japan' stamp are consistent with Lucky Wood's exports during the late Showa or early Heisei era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII globalization of Japanese industry, where traditional metalworkers transitioned from making swords and tobacco pipes to high-end Western export flatware.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible surface wear, including micro-scratches and light scuffing consistent with dishwasher use and contact with other utensils. No sign of corrosion or 'pitting'.
Value Estimate
$2 - $8 USD. As a single, non-precious-metal piece of common flatware, the value is nominal and primarily functional unless purchased as a replacement for a specific set.
Care & Maintenance
Dishwasher safe. To prevent water spots, dry immediately after washing. Avoid using abrasive steel wool. Periodically use a stainless steel cleaner to restore luster.
Similar Pieces
Oneida 'Northland' series or Gorham 'Stainless' lines. These differ by having different tines-to-handle ratios and distinctive maker stamps on the back.
Interesting Facts
Lucky Wood is the oldest Western-style cutlery maker in Japan. Their products have been used in Japanese imperial banquets and are highly regarded for their durability compared to cheaper stainless steel imports.