The good old time

For years I have been annoyed about the rough quality of different knife manufacturers from Solingen – above all, brands like Otter or Robert Klaas. The bad thing about it is, that the knives of these Solingen legends always stand out from the crowd with dazzling beauty, but in terms of workmanship quality, they cannot compete with manufacturers such as Great Eastern Cutlery from the USA.   A few days ago, I was lucky to visit the factory of Robert Klaas with Maxi and a few friends and to put together a knife according to my wishes. Admittedly, I was quite skeptical at the beginning of this visit. Looking back, I have to say that I simply haven’t understood the Robert Klaas brand yet. Not the knives were the problem, but my point of view.

Klaas build knives like you could find in almost every pocket a few decades ago. Back in the days of our grandathers, it was all about having a solid tool that would reliably accompany you through everyday life. The manufacturers in Solingen therefore had to cover a high demand and build a large number of knives. There was simply no time for a costly final inspection to remedy cosmetic defects, and that was not even necessary. The knives worked – then as now. Small gaps, a slightly asymmetrical sharpening or a not perfectly centered blade simply did not interest anyone, as long as the function of the knife was not impaired. It was simply a matter of building a good tool and not an Instagram-Accessor.

This approach to manufacturing has not changed a bit to this day. In fact, not much has changed at all with Robert Klaas and when I walked through the production rooms, I had the feeling that I was somewhere in the early 60s. From the beaten stairs, to the machines that have been working reliably for decades, to the large time clock, one feels like being in a small microcosm in which one’s own calculation of time applies. Honest, solid craftsmanship is still practised here on a day to day basis. Optically not always perfect but nevertheless absolutely functional. Not always a beauty but always faithful to service.

As I saw the maker at work, it became clear to me that Robert Klaas’ knives are not the problem. Rather, my feeling for quality and workmanship has changed over the years, so that I believe that sometimes I lose sight of the essence of a knife.

Of course: an absolutely perfect tool is always impressive and admirable. But is that why it has to be the universal standard? Must traditional companies that consciously rely on old craftsmanship adapt to this standard? I don’t think so.

         

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Sometimes you have to remember that it’s not always about perfection, but also about functionality. I am absolutely happy to be able to make this experience and reconsider my view of the knives from Robert Klaas and the other Solingen manufacturers.