Discover the “City of Blades”
Content list
Intro:
Solingen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The city lies southwest of Wuppertal in the Bergisches Land. Solingen is the origin and center of Germany’s cutlery industry. Ore deposits, forests, and water, along with the city’s proximity to Cologne, a major trading center, provided the conditions for a unique cutlery industry to develop in Solingen. The Wupper, a 116.5 km-long tributary of the Rhine, flows through the blade-making city of Solingen. Since the 14th century, the Wupper’s water power has been used to drive machines in numerous blade and knife workshops. Schleiferkotten, where knife and scissors grinders worked, were built. The knifemakers’ guild was first mentioned in 1571. In the 1960s, around 700 companies with approximately 19,000 employees operated in Solingen. In many cases, independent homeworkers were still employed; they collected knife blanks from cutlery companies and returned them to their own cottages after sharpening them. The city name “Solingen” is a protected trademark for high-quality knives and sturdy scissors, and companies from Solingen are world leaders in blade manufacturing, including WKC, DOVO, Wüsthof, Zwilling J. A. Henckels, Böker, Güde Carl Schmidt Sohn, Dreiturm, Herder, and numerous other manufacturers. Around 90 percent of German cutlery and flatware manufacturers are based in Solingen.
It was definitely worth visiting Schloss Burg an der Wupper. With romantic half-timbered buildings like those in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, imposing towers, and magnificent halls, Burg Castle on the Wupper invites you to experience the Middle Ages in a new way. For castle and palace enthusiasts, it is a true highlight and an absolute must on any list of the best excursion destinations in North Rhine-Westphalia. The hilltop castle is located on a rock directly above the Wupper River in the Solingen district of Burg an der Wupper. It occupies a truly majestic location overlooking the Bergisches Land and offering spectacular views. As one of Germany’s largest restored castle complexes, it delights visitors with fascinating glimpses into times long past. While you can explore the knights’ hall, keep, bower, and battlements—with plenty of armor and swords—on your own, a guided tour is also worthwhile. You will learn about the castle’s history and its little secrets. It is also one of the most exciting destinations in North Rhine-Westphalia for children.
Since you’re in the “City of Blades,” you have to visit the Deutsches Klingenmuseum (German Blades Museum), a special cultural-historical museum dedicated to the significance, manufacture, and use of blades throughout human history. At the German Blade Museum, you will find a unique collection of cutlery, bladed weapons, and knives that impresses not only connoisseurs and lovers of “sharp things.” It has an internationally significant collection of bladed weapons and cutting implements of all kinds and houses the largest collection of cutlery in the world. The German Blade Museum spans a wide range, from the use of blades in warlike conflicts to the history of table culture. The exhibits range from prehistoric stone blades to modern-day swords, from simple medieval knives to designer cutlery of the 21st century.
Solingen knives are especially known for their outstanding edge retention. The edge retention of a knife refers to the period of time over which a knife retains its sharpness. Traditional and elaborate techniques make the difference here between a conventional knife and a Solingen knife. The German Blade Museum spans a wide range, from the use of blades in warlike conflicts to the history of table culture. The exhibits range from prehistoric stone blades to modern-day swords, from simple medieval knives to designer cutlery of the 21st century. So make sure that you bring these well-known Solingen knives as the perfect souvenirs for your home. Let our selection of the best places to find high-quality professional kitchen knives and other kitchen accessories in Solingen inspire you! Be sure to read through our list of the top kitchen knife shops when you visit this “City of Blades.”
Intro:
Friedrich Engels & Cie GmbH was founded in 1893 and has now existed for over 120 years. This tradition obliges! As a major company in the cutlery industry, they supply the trade in all areas. Traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, high-quality materials and constant quality controls guarantee the consistent quality of our brand products. Modern production methods and the experience of qualified employees guarantee good quality - and all that at fair prices.
Store information:
(1) Address:Hochstraße 29-31, 42697 Solingen, Germany
(2)Open hours:
Monday 8AM-5PM
Tuesday 8AM-5PM
Wednesday 8AM-5PM
Thursday 8AM-5PM
Friday 8AM-5PM
Saturday 8AM-5PM
Sunday 8AM-5PM
(3)RÖR Friedrich Engels & Cie GmbH Details
(4)Phone:+49212331001
Customer Review:
One reviewer says: “Great products and super-nice, straightforward customer service! Many thanks!”
One reviewer says: “Very sharp cutlery from Solingen!!”
One reviewer says: “Interesting selection at reasonable factory-outlet prices.”
Many people are surprised to discover that, after more than 200 years, WÜSTHOF remains in family hands. Equally unusual is the fact that we have remained loyal to the City of Blades and still produce our forged knives exclusively in Solingen, Germany. Much of Europe was still under the grip of the Napoleonic Wars when Johann Abraham Wüsthof founded his “Shears Factory, Steel and Iron Works” in 1814. One of his sons, Eduard Wüsthof, eventually took over the factory and expanded the range to include 1,200 models of various handmade pocket, bread, vegetable, and butcher’s knives. His brother Robert, who managed the business, made the first overseas trip in 1881. Today, seventh-generation Wüsthof family members, cousins Viola Wüsthof and Harald Wüsthof, run what has become one of the world’s most innovative knife manufacturers.
Store information:
(1)Address: Kronprinzenstraße 49, 42655 Solingen, Germany
(2)Open hours:
Monday 10AM-6PM
Tuesday 10AM-6PM
Wednesday 10AM-6PM
Thursday 10AM-6PM
Friday 10AM-6PM
Saturday 10AM-4PM
Sunday Closed
(3)WÜSTHOF Store Details
(4)Phone:+492122067133
Customer Review:
One reviewer says: “Very nice and competent advisor. We were informed in detail about differences, alternatives, and even unnecessary features in relation to our original custom knives—an advisor, not a salesperson.”
One reviewer says: “A great, small Wüsthof shop. Modern and attractive. Very nice and competent advice. Always good offers on top-quality products. You can tell the quality comes from Solingen.”
One reviewer says: “Nice little factory outlet with an adjoining parking lot and professional advice. The full range is available here as A- and B-grade goods. If you have fallen in love with a knife in advance, it is better to call before your visit and ask whether it is available. I’m looking forward to using my new Ikon Classic steak knife.”
EL. Herder KG, with its Tukan brand, is a traditional Solingen company that has existed since 1928 and specializes in producing high-quality cutlery and flatware. It specializes in manufacturing working knives for harvesting and butchery, as well as knives and accessories for the home. In manufacturing its products, EL. Herder KG relies on the centuries-old manufacturing and production methods of its ancestors, which guarantee high-quality products and have made Solingen a world-famous city of blades.
Store information:
(1)Address: Walter-Flex-Straße 19, 42697 Solingen, Germany
(2)Open hours:
Monday 8AM-2PM
Tuesday 8AM-2PM
Wednesday 8AM-2PM
Thursday 8AM-2PM
Friday 8AM-2PM
Saturday 8AM-1PM
Sunday Closed
(3) EL. Herder KG Details(4)Phone:+4923154390
Customer Review:
One reviewer says: “Great kitchen knives, household scissors, and kitchen items for everyday use. The price-to-performance ratio is excellent!”
One reviewer says: “Super-friendly service and great products.”
Intro:
Since 1829, J. A. Schmidt & Söhne GmbH & Co KG, with its DREITURM brand, has been a family business representing the highest quality in scissors and cutlery. Join them on a journey through the company's history, take a look at the scissors and cutlery in the product overview, and read interesting facts about caring for your DREITURM cutlery. As a manufactory, they uphold the tradition and meticulous care associated with Solingen and its cutlery products. They manufacture a wide range of high-quality scissors for every purpose—from nail scissors to large tailor's shears—as well as manicure and pedicure pliers and classic and modern manicure cases made from the finest materials. A selected range of cooking and vegetable knives for professional or household use completes their product range.
Store information:
(1) Address: Wernerstraße 11, 42653 Solingen, Germany
(2)Open hours:
Monday 8AM-2:30PM
Tuesday 8AM-2:30PM
Wednesday 8AM-2:30PM
Thursday 8AM-2:30PM
Friday 8AM-2:30PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(3)J.A.Schmidt&Söhne GmbH&Co.KG Details
(4)Phone:+49231571851
Customer Review:
One reviewer says: “That's how cutting scissors should be!” The Dreiturm company manufactures classic drop-forged scissors according to time-honored tradition and of the finest quality. You should not settle for less. Andreas Lorenzi, sixth-generation scissors and knife sharpener.”
One reviewer says: “A very good company; the products are made to a high standard.”
One reviewer says: “Excellent.”
Intro:
H. & F. Lauterjung GmbH & Co. was founded in 1897 and has now been in existence for over 120 years. Professional utensils for bakers, confectioners, butchers, hotels, and restaurants. You will find a wide range of professional kitchen knives and other kitchenware here.
Store information:
(1) Address:Gasstraße 35B, 42657 Solingen, Germany
(2)Open hours:
Monday 7AM-5PM
Tuesday 7AM-5PM
Wednesday 7AM-5PM
Thursday 7AM-5PM
Friday 7AM-5PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
(3)5、H. & F. Lauterjung GmbH & Co Details
(4)Phone:+4923158939174
Customer Review:
One reviewer says: “As a trained chef, I can differentiate between good and bad knives/kitchen utensils. At Lauterjung, I have always received good professional quality for decades... some knives are already 30 years old and are still in use. When the handle rivets came loose (due to commercial dishwashing), I was helped here in a completely unbureaucratic way. A few days later, after a brief call, I received an envelope with various rivets free of charge. Thank you, keep it up!!!”
One reviewer says: “Best knives I've had. And I've had many.”
One reviewer says: “Best in Solingen.”
