The History of Güde — Solingen, Germany Since 1910
Güde in the United States
Güde Shop USA is the authorized distributor of Güde branded products in the United States, purchasing directly from the manufactory in Solingen.
1910 — FOUNDATION OF THE MANUFACTORY BY KARL GÜDE…
at a time when more than 9,000 - mostly small - hand workshops were producing cutlery in Solingen and establishing the worldwide reputation of Solingen knives. From the very beginning, Güde knives were drop-forged from one piece of steel, ground by hand, fitted with handles and honed by hand - so they have always been among the highest quality Solingen products.
1923 — FRANZ GÜDE, KARL GÜDE'S SON, TAKES OVER THE MANUFACTORY
and continues to consistently apply the traditional quality standards. He is deeply involved in the development of new grindings and grinding processes.
The palms - Whether as a reminder of a trip to southern countries or as a reminiscence of the booming South American market at the time - in 1923 the three palms were introduced as the trademark of Güde and immediately became a worldwide known symbol for knife quality Made in Solingen.
1931-1941
FRANZ GÜDE INVENTS THE BACK-SET SERRATION
for use in bread slicing and slicing machines, which is the most common serration used in these devices today.
RELOCATION OF THE COMPANY…
into a former drop forge in Katternberger Straße - still the headquarters of the company Güde.
FRANZ GÜDE IS THE INVENTOR OF THE "GÜDE SERRATED EDGE", A SERRATED EDGE WITH POINTED TEETH.
A serrated edge with pointed teeth significantly increases cutting ability and edge retention.
1954 — FRANZ D. GÜDE, FRANZ GÜDE'S SON, TAKES OVER THE MANUFACTORY…
and, in turn, continues to maintain them according to the highest, time-honoured quality standards. Only a few of the best manufactories can survive the age of increasing automation and rationalised work processes with high-quality, handcrafted knives.
1983-1999
DR. KARL-PETER BORN
grandson of Franz Güde and great-grandson of founder Karl Güde, takes over the management of the manufactory and consistently leads it back to its origins: small quantities and high quality standards in the production of classic knife shapes of timeless, function-oriented design.
THE 7006/32 SHARPENING STEEL RECEIVES THE "DESIGN PLUS AWARD"
to the sharpening steel
THE DAMASK CHEF'S KNIFE RECEIVES THE "RED DOT DESIGN AWARD"
Probably the most prestigious German design prize
2001 — THE LARGE BREAD KNIFE "FRANZ GÜDE" RECEIVES THE "DESIGN PLUS PRIZE".
2002 — THE CHAI-DAO IS ALSO AWARDED THE "RED DOT DESIGN AWARD"
2006
DR. KARL-PETER BORN IS THE SOLE SHAREHOLDER OF THE MANUFACTORY.
2007-2010
THE "SHARK" HERB KNIFE RECEIVES THE "RED DOT DESIGN AWARD".
THE GÜDE ALPHA SERIES IS AWARDED THE COVETED BUSSE LONGLIFE DESIGN AWARD.
100 YEARS GÜDE
The family business celebrates its centenary. To mark the occasion, a very special anniversary series is being created: the Delta series!
2015 — THE KNIFE
We rediscover the chef's knife!
2016 — THE KNIFE. WINS GOOD DESIGN AWARD
wins its fourth and internationally significant recognition with the globally recognized design award.
2018-2020
SYNCHROS
A new era begins. After the THE KNIFE. we continue the evolution with SYNCHROS !
Shortly after its market launch, the series was promptly awarded the ICONIC AWARD 2019.
DINEUS AWARD FOR SYNCHROS
SYNCHROS BECOMES MANUFACTURE OF THE YEAR
2021
THE KNIFE MANUFACTORY GÜDE CELEBRATES 111 YEARS OF HANDICRAFT MADE IN SOLINGEN