The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TABLEWARE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
A
B
L
E
W
A
R
E
More clues leading to the result TABLEWARE
- I’m obliged to exercise caution when handling large knives etc
- Soldiers breathed heavily a long time, reflecting service?
- Perhaps dishes from Alberta we cooked
- Soldier lavishly spent ages recollecting service
- Dinner service producing a web alert
- Thanks to a warning trainee put in knives, forks and plates etc
- Thanks to warning seizes 50 knives?
- Spoons etc, to bale water spilt
- Old volunteers watch out carrying large dishes etc
- I'm obliged to exercise caution, handling large knives etc
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "knives etc" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case knives etc = tableware.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TABLEWARE mean?
TABLEWARE noun- The cutlery, crockery and glassware used in setting a table for a meal.