Interesting Facts About Solingen Manicure Sets And Cutlery

Date Posted:3 April 2023 

Solingen is often understood to be a brand name and is frequently stamped on manicure scissors, knives or straight razors. However, Solingen is a city in Germany metaphorically described as the steel heart of the country or the city of blades. In this article we talk about what makes Solingen production so unique and sought-after, and why buying an authentic Solingen manicure set or nail clippers is a smart investment.

Interesting Facts About Solingen Manicure Sets And Cutlery main image Interesting Facts About Solingen Manicure Sets And Cutlery image

 

Nature itself created the legendary story of Solingen.

Its history dates back to the 14th century, when a little village in the beautiful valley of the Wupper river in Western Germany became known to its neighbours for high quality swords and dagger blades.

Rich in natural resources, the land had everything needed for the metal industry. Its soil had plenty of mineral ore for iron production; surrounding forests allowed access to coal needed for forges and furnaces; sandstone for grinding wheels was abundant in the Wupper river.

Solingen blacksmiths carefully kept their manufacturing traditions within the guild and were not allowed to relocate so all the secrets of creating metal masterpieces remained the property of Solingen.

Soon the city became a victim of its own fame. The quality and precision of Solingen knives, cutlery, blades and other cutting instruments was so high that fakes started to flood the market. Even European monarchs and kings valued Solingen weapons and placed orders to equip their armies involved in Middle Age wars.

Local craftsmen were allowed to protect their masterpieces by using Made in Solingen quality mark which is displayed on all Solingen products up to date. In 1938, a law called “Solingen Decree” was introduced in Germany and since then only products which are entirely made in Solingen and follow the rigid manufacturing code, are permitted to have a trademark “Made in Solingen”. 

Today, Solingen is the home for high-end manicure sets, knives, scissors, surgical and industrial instruments, and other cutlery.

Thanks to high quality materials and distinguished craftsmanship, Solingen is the name known to the entire world for the state-of-the-art quality, durability, and impeccable performance of its products.

 

Did you know?

  • Solingen became a victim of its own popularity when fake products from other regions were sold under Solingen name. No wonder it became home to the Museum of Plagiarism which features 'Innovation versus Imitation' by displaying the originals of world-famous brands next to their fake copies (often undistinguishable even to an expert's eye).
  • In the 19th century, many knife factories in the USA, Brazil and Mexico tried to replicate the success of Solingen by selling fake “Solingen” knives.
  • Weapon manufacturers in Solingen were much wealthier than cutlery manufacturers. During the Middle Ages many countries needed to defend their borders from invaders. Therefore, quality daggers, swords and other weapons were a real treasure - and thanks to the Wupper river which flows into Rhine, Solingen weapon manufacturers had greater access to other regions, where they sold their work.
  • To commemorate heritage origins of Solingen, the Museum of Blades rests in the heart of the city and features the most extensive collection of cutlery in the world, as well as swords, knives and daggers from every culture and époque.

 


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