J A Henckels 11" Slicer 209-11" Carbon Steel Solingen 1950s

Established 1731 in Solingen Germany thier trademark twins are recognized all over the world.  J. A. Henckels operated like many Solingen companies by utilizing the network of skilled craftspeople, forging and grinding in water-powered workshops or Kotten along the Wupper River, and heimarbeiter or home workers with workshops above the river, handling, or later, as coal-fired generators made large workshops possible in factories. Solingen factories operated with many workers as independent contractors, renting space in the factories.

J. A. Henckels began importing high-quality cutlery to the United States, both in their own stores and through domestic distribution networks, in the late 19th century, establishing the name Solingen in the United States. Many other Solingen knife-makers chose other markets, but Henckels chose the United States and grew into one of Solingen's largest manufacturers. Henckels made important discoveries in cryogenic heat treatment of stainless steel and introduced improved stainless cutlery with their Friodur line in the early 30s. Henckels maintained a good reputation among American chefs and butchers who would spend up to 5 times as much on their carbon steel knives. 

Henckels heavily utilized outsourcing outside of Solingen beginning in the 1960s and especially through the 90s moved a lot of production outside of Solingen. Some of this has been controversial and made for friction in Solingen they are not allowed by the Solingen government to use the word Solingen today. 

J A Henckels began importing high quality cutlery to the United States both in their own stores and through domestic distribution networks in the late 19th century establishing the name Solingen in the United States. Many other Solingen knife-makers chose other markets but Henckels was rewarded with their choice of the United States and grew to be one of Solingens largest manufacturers. Henckels made important discoveries with cryogenic heat treatments of stainless steel and made for improved stainless cutlery with thier Friodur line in the early 30s. Henckels maintained a good reputation among American chefs and butchers who would spend up to 5 times as much on their carbon steel knives. 

Henckels heavily utilized outsourcing outside of Solingen beginning in the 1960s and especially through the 90s moved a lot of production outside of Solingen. Some of this has been controversial and made for friction in Solingen they are not allowed by the Solingen government to use the word Solingen today.