The Alpha Light Cutlery uses a durable aluminum combined with a sleek-yet-strong shape to create an extremely lightweight utensil at a surprisingly affordable price. By hard anodizing the aluminum it forms a kind of 'exoskeleton', so the utensils can be slimmer and lighter. This hardened shell also encapsulates the aluminum, to eliminate the risk of the alloy leaching into food. Note: the cleanser used in dishwashers will damage the anodization, so Alpha Cutlery should not be washed in a dishwasher