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Stainless steel pans are supposed to see signs of use. Unlike non-stick, it's a sign they are used by a real cook (who would mostly avoid non-stick to begin with). Maybe it's just a "car" thing, that the first ding is the worst. Over the next 20 years that pan will take on a patina. My advice, don't worry about it, instead, feel easier about taking it out for some real cooking.
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