Solingen – The City of Blades: What “Made in Solingen” Really Means
“Made in Solingen” is a legally protected mark of origin. Find out how long it has existed, which criteria apply and why Solingen stands for quality worldwide.
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A Craft Tradition Since the Middle Ages
Solingen has been making blades since the 13th century and has officially carried the byname “Klingenstadt” (City of Blades) since 2012. The combination of water-powered grinding mills, high-quality steel and craft knowledge passed down through generations made the city the centre of the German cutlery industry.
“Made in Solingen” – a Protected Name
The designation of origin “Solingen” for knives has been protected by law since 1938. The so-called Solingen Ordinance stipulates that all essential manufacturing steps of a blade must take place within the Solingen industrial area for a product to call itself “Made in Solingen”.
Why the Mark Still Matters
Unlike many indications of origin, “Solingen” is not a pure marketing claim but a legally secured guarantee of quality. Anyone buying a knife with this mark can be sure that the forging, grinding and finishing really did take place in the region – not just the final assembly.
The City of Blades Today
The cutlery industry remains a central economic factor for the city today: hundreds of businesses and thousands of people working in metalworking keep Solingen known worldwide as a byword for knife quality – a tradition to which F. Herder in Solingen is also committed.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Made in Solingen”
Is “Made in Solingen” protected by law?
Yes, since 1938. The Solingen Ordinance sets out exactly which manufacturing steps must take place in the region for the designation to be used.
Since when has Solingen been called the “City of Blades”?
The city has officially carried the byname since 2012 – but the tradition of blade making goes back to the 13th century.
What sets Solingen knives apart from others?
The combination of a protected mark of origin, a long craft tradition and strict manufacturing requirements stands for verifiable, high quality.
Are all German knives made in Solingen?
No. Only knives whose essential manufacturing steps actually take place in the Solingen industrial area may carry the protected designation.
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