Source:
https://scmp.com/country-reports/country-reports/topics/germany-business-report-2017/article/2073286/one-oldest-knife
Country Reports

One of the oldest knife manufacturers, Felix Solingen carves niche in Asia’s kitchens

The company’s knives have earned a reputation for their quality, function, design and excellent craftsmanship

Klaus Schumacher

Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports www.discoveryreports.com

When German blacksmith Karl Gustav Felix began making cutlery in 1790, little did he know that his name would eventually carry a legendary brand proposition. Today, Felix Solingen has earned its place as one of the oldest manufacturers of the world’s best handmade knives – second to none in quality, function and design with a reputation for excellent craftsmanship – and has made its way to Asia’s shores after 300 years.

Tuning to Asia’s culinary tradition, which emphasises the use of an all-purpose Chinese chef’s knife for slicing, chopping and mincing fish, meats and vegetables, Felix Solingen has created a special line of knives targeted at Chinese customers. The Platinum knife is a thin-bladed kitchen knife designed for the Asian cook’s complex cutting requirements while carrying the Felix Solingen seal of high-grade German design and centuries-honed artistry.

Handmade quality, tradition, know-how, innovation, service and flexibility are the key words that powerfully define Felix Solingen’s success in the market today Klaus Schumacher, CEO, Felix Solingen

“Handmade quality, tradition, know-how, innovation, service and flexibility are the key words that powerfully define Felix Solingen’s success in the market today,” says Klaus Schumacher, CEO. “We specialise in detailed, handcrafted and forged knives, which not everyone can do. We want to expand our Asian business through distributors who represent the same values.”

Founded in Solingen – Germany’s “city of blades” and home to the best artisans of knives, swords, razors and scissors – Felix Solingen manufactures a wide variety of knives for different users. The company’s core products include private label knives, limited edition knives designed with famous chefs, and classic kitchen knife collections.

Beginning with premium raw materials such as stainless Damascus steel, each Felix Solingen knife undergoes more than 45 production steps before it leaves the factory. Blade blanks of high-alloyed steel are drop-forged, grinded, finely satin-finished or mirror-polished before being fitted with a handle and inspected under a special light by experienced artisans.

“We stand for a long history,” says Rosario Catalano, export manager. “Our products aren’t just here today and gone tomorrow, they’ve withstood the test of time. This is what our Asian customers value highly and respect about us.”

Felix Solingen
www.felix-solingen.com