Stainless Steel Hardware

While on holiday in St Ives, From The Anvil founder Mark Underhill made an interesting discovery. He noticed that the salt-rich coastal environment had caused all the door and window hardware to deteriorate, leaving them looking dull and rusted.

However, there were a handful of properties whose ironmongery had survived and still looked shiny and new. Upon closer inspection, it was only the hardware made from stainless steel that could withstand the harsh environment, but Mark felt that their designs were boring and it was clear that they had been commercially mass produced.

From that moment, Mark made it his mission to develop a range of hand forged stainless steel ironmongery that would be as durable as it is beautiful. He spent years trying and testing different materials and manufacturing techniques before finally perfecting his craft.

Ten years later, Mark released his exclusive collection of hand forged Marine 316 Stainless Steel door and window hardware.

• Highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion. This means that it can survive even in the harshest environment, including both heavily polluted cities and coastal regions, without deteriorating over time.
• Suitable for both internal and external use. This allows for coordination of hardware throughout your home.
• Very low maintenance. Marine 316 Stainless Steel doesn't require constant maintenance or the use of any expensive cleaning equipment to keep it looking its best.
• Long lifespan. When properly cared for, Marine 316 Stainless Steel hardware will last for generations. The premium price point of this finish is justified by it's extensive lifespan; unlike other finishes, these products won't need replacing in the long term, making it a cost-effective investment.
• Hand forged. Because all of From The Anvil's Stainless Steel products are hand forged by talented blacksmiths, they're able to create unique shapes and designs which are unattainable with mass-production techniques. Every piece of Marine 316 Stainless Steel hardware is a work of art, and if the look of the product doesn't prove this, then the sheer weight of them certainly does!
• Two mesmerising finishes. From The Anvil currently offer both Polished and Satin Marine 316 finishes. Both are equally striking, yet visually different as we explore further in this blog.

Above: a comparison of From The Anvil's Polished (left) vs. Satin (right) Marine 316 Stainless Steel Ring Door Knocker.

 

Polished vs Satin Stainless Steel

From The Anvil currently offers two stainless steel finishes: Polished and Satin Marine. Both are hand forged from grade 316 stainless steel, but they differ slightly in their outward appearance.

Polished Marine products are smoothed and polished to create a bright, high-sheen finish that exudes luxury. This finish is highly reflective and works well in contemporary settings. Polished Marine hardware pairs well with painted timber and matt textures like slate, granite, and even marble. Deep, rich colours such as maroon, navy, and forest green can all be used to accentuate the charm of this finish.

Above: a mood board featuring an assortment of From The Anvil's Polished Marine Stainless Steel hardware.

 

Satin Marine products are a less reflective alternative than Polished Marine. This finish is loved for its frosted appearance and cool, blue undertones which add a wealth of character to their surroundings. Satin Marine hardware lends itself to modern and contemporary properties, complementing rustic timber and high gloss surfaces alike. Cold tones like blue, white, and grey will highlight the undertones of the finish, whereas warmer shades like pinks, reds, and creams create an interesting juxtaposition against them.

 

Above: a mood board featuring From The Anvil's Satin Stainless Steel hardware.

 

Our Favourite Stainless Steel Hardware

With so many stunning pieces available, it's hard to choose a favourite but we've managed to narrow down a few of our top picks of From The Anvil's collection...

 

Avon

The Avon stainless steel door lever handles and matching window hardware are an excellent choice for contemporary homes. Each Avon piece is hammered into shape by skilled blacksmiths and this design looks especially lavish in From The Anvil's Polished Marine 316 Stainless Steel finish.

 

Brompton

Inspired by industrial design, the Brompton range is characterised by its intricate knurling pattern. For modern interiors, the Polished Marine Brompton Stainless Steel door handle and matching stainless steel window hardware is a popular choice - don't they look wonderful on the aluminium door & window frames below?!

Above: From The Anvil's Polished Stainless Steel lever door handle and matching window espag. in a knurled Brompton design.

 

Newbury

Sleek and simple, the Newbury collection is an ideal choice for traditional, contemporary, and rustic interiors alike. Both the Newbury lever on rose door handles and slimline lever espag. lock sets are a beautiful addition to any door, particularly when paired with matching espag. fasteners and window stays.

Above: a neutral conservatory fitted with From The Anvil's Satin Stainless Steel Newbruy Slimline lever lock door handles.

 

How to Clean Stainless Steel Door Handles

One of the best things about Marine 316 Stainless Steel is that it's very low maintenance in nature. However, there are still a few tips and tricks you can use to prolong the lifespan of your product and keep it looking its best.

If you're using your product in a harsh environment (such as a coastal region with high atmospheric salinity or a busy town with high levels of pollution), you may find that your product starts to dull over time. It's important to note that this is not the same as tarnishing; it's simply a build-up of external pollutants and is very easy to remove. Simply use a soft, clean cloth and some mild soapy water to gently rub the surface of the product. After cleaning, immediately dry the product with a soft, dry cloth to keep your hardware in the best possible condition.

To increase the mechanical life expectancy of your product, we also advise oiling all moving parts using From The Anvil's 3-in-1 Oil upon first installation and repeating this process as often as necessary.