first class

1948
1968
1978
2005
2006
2007
2008
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.
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
one of the most successful „no-name“ manufacturer of cutlery in Solingen.
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).
Within very short time Friedhelm Sträter succeeded in distributing not only in Germany and Europe
but all over the world the particularly high-graded solicut-products, quality and absolute functional
safety of which result from the precise professional labor, the utilization of best steels, and the long
year’s experience.
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.
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 nominated for the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, the so-called
“award of the awards”.
The investments into product development and international sales are once again reinforced by the
foundation of Solicut Distribution GmbH. The FIRST CLASS chef's knife receives once again recognition
as test winner and best rated German chef's knife in the January issue of Germany's leading
independent product testingmagazine, "test".
Solicut Distribution GmbH · An den Eichen 10 · 42699 Solingen · Tel. +49 - (0)2 12 - 65 89 302 · Fax +49 - (0)2 12 - 65 89 700 · service@solicut.de · www.solicut.de
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THE COMPANY
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