Discover the “City of Blades”
Content List
Introduction:
Solingen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The city lies southwest of Wuppertal in the Bergisches Land. The origins and center of the German cutlery industry lie in Solingen. Ore deposits, forests, and water, as well as the proximity to the trading city of Cologne, formed the prerequisites for a unique cutlery industry to develop in Solingen. The Wupper, a 116.5 km long tributary of the Rhine, flows through the blade city of Solingen. Since the 14th century, the water power of the Wupper served to drive the machines in numerous blade and knife manufactories. The Schleiferkotten, where the knife and scissors grinders worked, were built. The knifemakers' guild was first mentioned in 1571. In the 1960s, about 700 companies with about 19,000 employees existed in Solingen. In many cases, independent home workers were still employed, who collected the knife blanks from the cutlery company and delivered them back to their own cottages after sharpening. The city name "Solingen" is a protected trademark for quality knives and solid scissors, and companies from Solingen are world leaders in the manufacture of blades in particular, such as WKC, DOVO, Wüsthof, Zwilling J. A. Henckels, Böker, Güde Carl Schmidt Sohn, Dreiturm, Herder, and numerous other manufacturers. About 90 percent of German cutlery and flatware manufacturers are based in Solingen.
It was definitely worth taking a tour of Schloss Burg an der Wupper. As romantic half-timbered as in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with imposing towers and magnificent halls: Burg Castle on the Wupper invites you to experience the Middle Ages in a new way. For all fans of castles and palaces, it is a real highlight and an absolute must on any list of the greatest excursion destinations in NRW. The hilltop castle is located on a rock directly above the Wupper River in the Solingen district of Burg an der Wupper. A truly majestic location, where it overlooks the Bergisches Land and guarantees great views. As one of the largest restored castle complexes in Germany, the castle complex thrills visitors with exciting glimpses of times long past. While the knights' hall, keep, bower, and battlements (with lots of armor and swords) can be explored on your own, a guided tour is also worthwhile. You will learn about the history and the little secrets of the castle. Also for children one of the most exciting destinations in NRW.
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 in human history. The German Blade Museum features a unique collection of cutlery, bright weapons, and knives that impress not only experts and lovers of "sharp things." It holds an internationally significant collection of bladed weapons and cutting tools of all kinds and houses the largest collection of cutlery in the world. The museum covers a wide range, from blades used in warfare to the history of table culture. Exhibits include prehistoric stone blades, modern swords, simple medieval knives, and designer cutlery of the 21st century.
Solingen knives are especially known for their outstanding edge retention. Edge retention refers to how long a knife stays sharp. Traditional and elaborate techniques make the difference between a conventional knife and a Solingen knife. The German Blade Museum covers a wide range, from the use of blades in warfare to the history of table culture. Exhibits range from prehistoric stone blades to modern swords, from simple medieval knives to designer cutlery of the 21st century. Be sure to bring these famous Solingen knives home as perfect souvenirs. Get inspired by our selection of the best places to find high-quality professional kitchen knives and other kitchen accessories in Solingen! Don’t miss our list of the top kitchen knife stores when you visit this “City of Blades.”
Introduction:
Friedrich Engels & Cie GmbH was founded in 1893 and has now existed for over 120 years. This tradition is a commitment! As a leading 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 ensure good quality – all at fair prices.
Store Information:
(1) Address: Hochstraße 29-31, 42697 Solingen, Germany
(2) Opening 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 and uncomplicated customer service! Many thanks!"
One reviewer says: "Very sharp cutlery from Solingen!!"
One reviewer says: "Interesting offer at reasonable prices in factory sales."
Many people are surprised to discover that, after over 200 years, WÜSTHOF remains in family hands. Equally unusual is the fact that we have stayed loyal to the City of Blades, and still produce our forged knives only in Solingen, Germany. Large parts of Europe were still under the grip of the Napoleonic Wars when Johann Abraham Wüsthof founded his “Shears Factory, Steel and Iron Works” in 1814. One of the 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, took the first overseas trip in 1881. Today, the seventh generation of Wüsthof family members, cousins Viola Wüsthof and Harald Wüsthof, run what has become one of the most innovative knife manufacturers in the world.
Store Information:
(1) Address: Kronprinzenstraße 49, 42655 Solingen, Germany
(2) Opening hours:
Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM
Closed on Sunday
(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, but also superfluousness, to our original custom knives, therefore advisor and not seller."
One reviewer says: "A great, small Wüsthof shop. Modern and attractive. Very nice and competent advice. Always good offers for top goods. You can tell the quality from Solingen."
One reviewer says: "Nice little factory outlet with adjoining parking lot and professional advice. The full range is available here as A and B goods. If you have fallen in love with a knife in advance, it is better to call before the visit and ask if it is available. I'm looking forward to using my new Ikon Classic steak knife."
EL. Herder KG with its brand Tukan is a traditional Solingen company that has been in existence since 1928 and is dedicated to the production of high-quality cutlery and flatware. They specialize in the production of working knives for harvesting and butchery, as well as knives and accessories for the household. In the manufacture of our products, EL. Herder KG relies on the centuries-old manufacturing and production methods of our ancestors, which guarantee high quality products and have made Solingen the world-famous city of blades.
Store Information:
(1) Address: Walter-Flex-Straße 19, 42697 Solingen, Germany
(2) Opening hours:
Monday 8AM-2PM
Tuesday 8AM-2PM
Wednesday 8AM-2PM
Thursday 8AM-2PM
Friday 8AM-2PM
Saturday 8AM-1PM
Closed on Sunday
(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/performance ratio is excellent!"
One reviewer says: "Super friendly service and great products."
Introduction:
Since 1829, the company J. A. Schmidt & Söhne GmbH & Co KG with its brand DREITURM has stood as a family business for 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 manufacturer, they fulfill the demand for tradition and care associated with the Solingen location and cutlery products. They produce a wide range of high-quality scissors for every purpose—from nail scissors to large tailor's shears, pliers for manicure and pedicure, as well as 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) Opening hours:
Monday 8 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 8 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 8 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 8 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday 8 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Closed on Sunday
(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 company Dreiturm manufactures classic drop-forged scissors according to old traditional methods and of the finest quality. You shouldn't settle for less. Andreas Lorenzi, scissors and knife sharpener in the 6th generation."
One reviewer says: "A very good company, the products are made of high quality."
One reviewer says: "Excellent."
Introduction:
H. & F. Lauterjung GmbH & Co. was founded in 1897 and has now existed for over 120 years. Professional tools for bakers, confectioners, butchers, hotels, and restaurants. Here you will find a wide range of professional kitchen knives and other kitchenware.
Store Information:
(1) Address: Gasstraße 35B, 42657 Solingen, Germany
(2) Opening hours:
Monday 7 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday 7 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday 7 AM - 5 PM
Thursday 7 AM - 5 PM
Friday 7 AM - 5 PM
Saturday Closed
Closed on Sunday
(3)5. H. & F. Lauterjung GmbH & Co Details
(4)Phone: +4923158939174
Customer Review:
One reviewer says: "As a trained chef, I can tell the difference between good and bad knives/kitchen tools. At Lauterjung, I've always had good professional quality for decades... some knives are already 30 years old and still in use. When the handle rivets (from the commercial dishwasher) came loose, I was helped here in a completely straightforward way. A few days later, after a short call, I received an envelope with various rivets free of charge. Thank you, keep it up!!!"
One reviewer says: "Best knives I've ever had. And I've had many."
One reviewer says: "Best in Solingen."
