CHRONICLE

1948 In the year of 1948 at the age of 23 Kurt Sträter, father of the today’s owner, founded a small knife sharpening factory in the backyard of the house of his parents in Solingen. He was inspired by the idea to build up a modern knife production in his home town. Working hard and investing in new modern machinery he very soon became a trustful supplier to the aspiring knife industry all over Germany.

1968 In 1968 Kurt Sträter passed away at the early age of 42. His son Friedhelm who had just turned 18 took over the family’s business. Very soon already he proved worthy of the trust his father’s customers had carried to the small firm. With many fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm the company became the most successful „no-name“ manufacturer of cutlery in Solingen.

1978 In 1978 Friedhelm Sträter formed the enterprise Borkott Partner together with 3 friends. The inspiring special idea was to produce knives of top quality “made in Solingen” for colleague companies and brand name owners. After the 3 friends one by one entered into their deserved retirement Friedhelm Sträter took over the business as single owner and managing director and Borkott Partner turned into solicut (Solingen Cutlery).

1999 In the year of 1999 son Eike Sträter took over the company Flügel CSS (Cutlery Sharpening Systems), the leading manufacturer of top quality sharpening steels.

2005 In 2005 the step to establish an own brand followed. By taking over a well introduced distribution system and the change-over to the brand name solicut at same time, now an “in-house customer” was created.
The philosophy of solicut is easy - 100 % Solingen made knives in top quality for brand owners, private label volunteers and the qualified trade.

2006 Solicut places emphasis on design-oriented differentiation. A long-term co-operation with the successful industrial designer Carsten Gollnick is being agreed. His first project ABSOLUTE ML receives unexpected recognition. Solicut also accomplishes the international breakthrough, supplying 20 countries world-wide.

2007 Solicut receives the prestiguous if gold award for its ABSOLUTE ML knife collection, the most meaningful distinction of the consumer goods industry, known in the design trade as the Design Oscar. The same series is being nominated for the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, the so-called “award of the awards”.

2008 The investments into product development and international sales are reinforced by the foundation of Solicut Distribution GmbH. The FIRST CLASS chef's knife receives considerable recogniction as test winner and best rated German chef's knife in the January issue of Germany's leading independent product testing magazine, "test".