For metal forks, the tines could get all bent out of wack, or one could break off… The fork could rust or become stained or otherwise unsafe for eating.

I had a friend that when he first moved into his own place, he bought the cheapest flatware he possibly could. He left them to soak in the sink overnight and they were showing signs of rust when he finally went to clean them.

That sucked for him, but he kinda asked for it by buying cheap metal flatware. At least get stainless steel. Doesn’t have to be good stainless, just something that’s stainless.