Solingen, often referred to as the “City of Blades” , is world-famous for its outstanding cutlery. This fame is the result of centuries of tradition in metalworking.
When and how did Solingen become the “City of Blades”?
The history of cutlery manufacturing in Solingen can be traced back to the Middle Ages. As early as the 14th century, the city was known for its sharp blades and robust swords. Over the centuries, Solingen's craftsmen developed their skills and increasingly specialized in finer cutting tools, including cutlery.
The high quality of the steel, combined with the tireless pursuit of perfection by the Solingen blacksmiths, contributed to the city officially being given the title of “Blade Place” in the 17th century .
The development of steel processing and its influence on the quality of cutlery
The key to the excellence of Solingen cutlery lies in the superior steel craftsmanship. The use of carbon steel refined through traditional processes such as hardening and tempering resulted in cutlery that is both sharp and durable.
In the 19th century, technological innovations, such as the steel strip process, led to even more precise and efficient production. These advances allowed manufacturers to create the delicate and artistic cutlery designs we know today, while increasing production without compromising quality.
What makes the cutlery from Solingen so special?
Solingen cutlery is characterized by an exceptional choice of materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. The use of high-quality stainless steel is standard, and many pieces contain additional chrome and carbon for extra hardness and corrosion resistance.
Specialized hardening processes, often rooted in secret methods passed down through generations, result in an edge that stays sharp longer and offers high flexibility and resistance to breakage. The traditional hand-honing process, in which each blade is sharpened by hand, also guarantees incomparable sharpness.
Comparison with cutlery from other regions of the world
Compared to cutlery from other regions, such as Asia or the USA, Solingen cutlery stands out for its detailed craftsmanship and durability. While many countries use efficient mass production methods that can often come at the expense of quality, Solingen sticks to its traditional manufacturing standards. This meticulous craftsmanship not only offers aesthetic benefits, but also guarantees that each piece of cutlery is an investment in lasting quality.
Manufacturing process of Solingen cutlery
The manufacturing process of Solingen cutlery begins with the careful selection of raw materials. Stainless steel is mixed in precise alloys and cast into blocks. These blocks are then heated and pressed into shape, a process known as forging.
After forging, the cutlery is hardened, where it is heated and then cooled quickly to increase its hardness. It is then tempered to achieve the necessary toughness. Each piece is then ground, polished and, if necessary, honed by hand to achieve the typical Solingen sharpness.
While the use of modern technologies such as automated CNC machines makes the manufacturing process faster and more precise, craftsmanship remains an indispensable part of cutlery production in Solingen. Many companies continue to rely on experienced craftsmen who refine each piece using traditional techniques. This mix of tried and tested methods and innovations ensures that each piece of cutlery is not only functional, but also a work of art.
Well-known manufacturer from Solingen | Sternsteiger Stahlwaren
The "Diana Cutlery Series" is one of the outstanding examples of Solingen quality from Sternsteiger Stahlwaren, a company that has made a name for itself through its high standards and creative designs. Not only is the aesthetic elegance of the series remarkable, but also its exceptional functionality and quality.
This series is characterized by its modern design and the use of high-quality stainless steel, making it a popular choice for discerning households and gourmets.
Most recently, Sternsteiger has launched the "Kickstarter Project for the Gold Cutlery Diana Series" which aims to introduce an exclusive gold plating to the already popular cutlery series. This project underlines Sternsteiger's commitment to innovation and willingness to invest in new ideas that take the dining experience to a new level.
The development of the "Diana cutlery series" was realized in collaboration with UBUTT Design , known for its exclusive design. This partnership has made it possible to create unique cutlery pieces that break new ground in both design and material selection. This design quality brings a fresh perspective to traditional cutlery production and combines modern aesthetics with the proven quality of Solingen steelware.
With cool projects like the “Diana Cutlery Series” and an exciting Kickstarter campaign, Sternsteiger shows how to combine innovation with tradition.
Get yourself a piece of exclusive design with the “Diana Cutlery” series or join our Kickstarter campaign for the luxurious Gold Edition. Take action and support handcrafted quality from Solingen!
