## Common ground
All options refer to knives, defined by their material or construction.
## Options at a glance
**3924.10 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic plastic, often lightweight and non-metallic.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable kitchen knives, toy knives, plastic utility cutters.
- **Best fit when:** The knife is not intended for heavy-duty cutting and has no metal components.
**4419 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed mainly from wood, often with a blade of another material (e.g., steel) embedded.
- **Typical examples:** Traditional wooden-handled knives, carving tools, decorative kitchen knives.
- **Best fit when:** The handle or main body is solid wood, even if the blade is metal.
**6911.10 – Porcelain or china**
- **Defining trait:** Made from brittle ceramic materials, typically for display or light use.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative knives, ceremonial tableware knives, fragile kitchen art pieces.
- **Best fit when:** The knife is non-functional or used only for presentation.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Blade made from advanced ceramic (e.g., zirconia), known for sharpness and corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** High-end kitchen knives, precision cutting tools, surgical instruments.
- **Best fit when:** The blade is fully ceramic, not just the handle.
**7114 – Jewellery or precious metal**
- **Defining trait:** Features significant decorative elements using gemstones, gold, silver, or metal cladding.
- **Typical examples:** Ornamental knives with gem inlays, ceremonial daggers, luxury pocket knives.
- **Best fit when:** The knife is primarily valued for its design or material worth, not utility.
**8208,8211,8214.90,8215 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Made from iron, steel, or other non-precious metals; includes most standard knives.
- **Typical examples:** Kitchen knives, pocket knives, utility blades, industrial cutters.
- **Best fit when:** The knife is functional and made of steel or iron, with no precious materials.
## Key differences
| Option | Material Type | Durability | Primary Use | Decorative Value |
|-------|----------------|------------|--------------|------------------|
| 3924.10 | Plastic | Low | Disposable/light use | Low |
| 4419 | Wood | Medium | Functional/handled | Medium |
| 6911.10 | Porcelain/china | Very low | Decorative | High |
| 6912.00 | Ceramic blade | High (sharp) | Precision cutting | Low |
| 7114 | Precious metal/jewellery | Medium-high | Luxury/display | Very high |
| 8208/... | Base metal (steel) | High | General-purpose | Low |
## How to choose
- Is the knife made mostly of plastic? → 3924.10
- Is the handle or main body wood, even with a metal blade? → 4419
- Is the blade or entire knife made from porcelain or china? → 6911.10
- Is the blade made from ceramic (e.g., zirconia), not metal? → 6912.00
- Does it feature gemstones, gold, silver, or metal cladding as a key design element? → 7114
- Is it primarily steel or iron, with no precious materials? → 8208,8211,8214.90,8215
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A knife may combine materials (e.g., ceramic blade in a wooden handle). In such cases, prioritize the **blade material** for functional classification. If the decorative element dominates (e.g., gold-plated handle with steel blade), use 7114. If unsure, base the choice on the product’s **main function or defining feature**