Friedrich Herder Knives – Chef’s Knives and Kitchen Knives from Solingen

Friedrich Herder – Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn, Solingen Knife Tradition Since 1727

Browse the Friedrich Herder knife series:
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The knife manufacturer Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn is one of the oldest, most traditional, and culturally significant cutlery producers in Solingen, Germany. Its roots reach back to the early 18th century, a time when sword hardeners, grinders, and knife makers laid the foundation for Solingen’s worldwide reputation. The name Herder is inseparably linked to this era and continues to stand for a deeply rooted culture of fine blades.

The first documented record of the company dates back to February 27, 1727. On this day, Peter Herder of Pilghausen was granted the so-called “Schoppen Ass”, the famous spade ace trademark. This registered mark is among the oldest known cutlery trademarks and became the permanent symbol of Herder knives. From Solingen, these blades first found their way to the Netherlands, later across Europe, and eventually overseas. The craft was passed down through generations – from Peter Herder to Abraham and Johann Peter Herder, later to Johann Abraham Herder and his descendants – creating a continuity that is rare even today.

In 1839, Friedrich Herder joined the company as a partner. Just one year later, he took over full ownership and continued the business under the name Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn, which remains in use to this day. Under his leadership, the company transitioned from small-scale domestic production to an organized factory operation. In 1859, a large production facility was established at Grünewald, becoming the center of knife manufacturing. During this period, Friedrich Herder developed into an internationally active Solingen company with strong trade connections to the Netherlands, Romance-language countries, and overseas markets.

Over time, the trademark register expanded in parallel with the development of knife production. In 1848, the key symbol was added for Romance markets, followed in 1927 by the Constant mark for stainless high-performance steels, and in 1932 by the well-known Don Carlos trademark for professional knives. Despite political upheaval, economic crises, and profound changes within the cutlery industry, the company has remained present for centuries – a rare example of resilience in a constantly evolving market.

After insolvency in 1993, the knife factory was continued as Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn GmbH by Hans Joachim Röllecke and Detlef Weides. Since 2015, the company has been managed by Stephan and Benno Burghaus, who had previously worked closely with the manufacturer for many years as suppliers. Under their leadership, today’s production combines historically proven blade shapes with modern material expertise and contemporary manufacturing methods.

The range includes a broad selection of classic kitchen and professional knives. These include vegetable knives, paring knives, peeling knives, and bacon knives for fine cutting tasks, bread knives with clearly defined cutting geometry, as well as fish knives, filleting knives, carp knives, and boning knives for processing fish and meat. The assortment is complemented by carving sets, general kitchen knives, traditional chef’s knives, and well-balanced chef’s knives. Many of these shapes have remained almost unchanged for decades and have proven their value both in professional kitchens and in demanding home use.

Friedrich Herder chef’s knives are known for their clear lines, calm handling, and precise cutting performance. The blades are designed for controlled, clean work, can be finely resharpened, and develop a patina over time that reflects use and experience. These knives deliberately avoid superficial effects and instead follow a functional logic that has grown over generations.

At Messer Rödter, founded in 1909, we have carried Friedrich Herder knives for many decades. Our specialist store offers an exceptionally wide selection of Herder chef’s knives and kitchen knives, combining Solingen tradition with expert advice and worldwide shipping. Many of the models we offer are historic classics that are once again highly appreciated today for their outstanding everyday performance.

Friedrich Herder stands for Solingen’s history, for centuries of craftsmanship, and for knife making that still carries the origins of the city of blades within it. Choosing a knife from this brand means choosing clarity, tradition, and tools that work quietly – but endure.

Browse the Friedrich Herder knife series:
PIKAS MASTER | THERMO | MADERA | STYLE
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