FRIEDRICH HERDER Knives – traditional Solingen kitchen knives and chef’s knives, available in the Messerröter shop founded in 1909

Friedrich Herder Abr. Sohn is one of the oldest and most historically significant knife manufacturers in Solingen. Its origins extend back to the early 18th century, a time when sword hardeners, forgers and cutlers established Solingen’s reputation as a global center of blade craftsmanship. The Herder name itself is rooted in this tradition and continues to represent a form of knife-making that preserves the character and precision of earlier centuries.

The oldest preserved company document dates from 27 February 1727, when Peter Herder of Pilghausen received the famous “Pik-Ass” (Ace of Spades) trademark from the Solingen knife guild. This symbol, one of the oldest trademarks still in use today, accompanied the company’s expansion through the Netherlands, later across Europe, and eventually around the world. The business passed through several generations of the Herder family, each maintaining strong ties to the craft while developing new markets.

In 1839, Friedrich Herder became a partner and soon took over full ownership. He modernised production and initiated the shift from small home workshops to a structured factory system. In 1859, he acquired a large property at Grünewald and built extensive manufacturing facilities, establishing Herder as a leading Solingen producer. Under his leadership and that of his descendants, the company expanded its international presence, particularly in the Netherlands and Romance-speaking regions.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company added several well-known trademarks: the Key symbol in 1848, the Constant symbol for stainless steels in 1927, and the Don Carlos mark in 1932 for professional knives. Despite economic and historical challenges, Herder remained a stable force within the Solingen knife industry and contributed significantly to its worldwide reputation.

After the 1993 insolvency, the company was continued by Hans Joachim Röllecke and Detlef Weides under the name Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn GmbH. Since 2015, the business has been led by Stephan and Benno Burghaus, long-standing suppliers who understand the heritage of the brand and the modern needs of knife manufacturing. Today, the company blends historical designs with contemporary expertise in materials and craftsmanship.

The product range includes classic chef’s knives, kitchen knives, boning knives, fillet knives, bread knives, fish and carp knives, vegetable knives, paring knives and various utility knives. Many of these shapes follow traditional Solingen profiles that have remained unchanged for decades. They are valued for their balanced geometry, clean cutting performance and long-lasting construction.

At Messerröter, founded in 1909, Friedrich Herder knives have been part of our assortment for many decades. The store offers one of the largest Herder selections in Germany, supported by deep product knowledge, expert advice and worldwide shipping. Many of the traditional knife designs that once shaped Solingen’s culinary heritage can still be found here in their original form.

Friedrich Herder represents rare continuity: a living connection between early Solingen craftsmanship and modern knife-making. Choosing a Herder knife means selecting a piece of history, a practical tool shaped by generations of experience, and an authentic example of Solingen’s enduring blade culture.