The prehistory of the company Weyersberg, Kirschbaum and Cie in Solingen started in the Middle Ages, as one of the first trade marks of its type for the sabres and swords. In 1560, the ' ' king's head' ' mark, signature of forging mill,Johannes Wundes was recorded.

By this time, the "Solingen method," a division of labour organized by the guilds, was already established. For example, the tasks of sharpening and polishing of swords were performed not by the same workers, but by craftsmen trained for the single skill. Due to this innovation, the craftsmen of Solingen gained a good reputation for excellent blades. The quality of the blade was recognised to such an extent that the name "Solingen" became an international brand name. Even today, "Solingen" is a legally protected trademark. During the time of the Industrial Revolution, the Weyersberg family played an important role in sword production and marketing in Solingen.

One of the reasons for this success was the invention of the blade forge roller in England. Fritz Weyersberg acquired this patent and introduced the roller in Solingen for the first time. Thanks to this equipment, Fritz Weyersberg was able to produce a significantly greater number of blades than normally possible.

1854:

However, at the same time another family also greatly influenced the city of Solingen: Family Kirschbaum gained a worldwide reputation for the marketing of Solingen's swords. In 1854, the helmet of knight, Kirschbaum's family trade mark, was recorded.

1883:

In 1883 the two families joined together and founded Weyersberg, Kirschbaum, and Cie. (WKC), the most powerful enterprise in Solingen at this time. In 1900, the company employed more than 1,200 workers.

In addition to swords, they also produced complete weapons, bike parts and motorcycles and phones. It was not a coincidence that the first two telephones in Solingen with the numbers 1 and 2 belonged to the company Weyersberg, Kirschbaum, and Cie.

1922:

In 1922, WKC was taken over by the "Siegen Solinger Gussstahlverein" and business suffered greatly under the severe economic crisis of the time.

1944:

Between 1933 and 1945, WKC regained a reputation for outstanding quality swords and knives and became the most important supplier of these items to the German army. During World War II, WKC was the target of Allied bombardments of Solingen and almost all buildings and equipment were destroyed. The production was stopped after the bombardment of Solingen, on Nov. 4th and 5th 1944

1956:

In november 17th 1955, the recent history of WKC begins. Hans Kolping from Solingen , a successful producer of high quality knives, bought WKC. Production was located in the former WKC pipe production plant on Wittkuller Street. Here, shortly after the war pistols were produced. Hans Kolping discontinued the production of pistols and focused on producing swords, WKC's main asset. WKC established its own etching plant, and the forge roller was running again. The first major orders came from the United States, especially from the Navy and the Marine Corps.

1995:

he most recent chapter of the traditional company WKC begins in 1995 when André Willms joined the company. WKC was able to widen its market share continuously and won additional customers worldwide.

Today WKC delivers to more than 70 different countries and produces more than 300 sword types. Despite this growth, WKC still uses the traditional production process. Twenty-five skilled specialists, including the last "Schwertfeger", "Schwertschleifer" and "Damaszierer", provide an unchallenged quality from the sword blade to the scabbard. An outstanding quality of WKC's sword is the blade etching that is especially deep and detailed, and is done by hand. This skill remains largely unchanged for over a hundred years, which makes the blade one of the best in the world. Since the end of the 1990's the name WKC stands not only for unsurpassed quality swords, but today WKC is also known as a reliable supplier of various uniform accessories such as sword knots, buttons, cords, epaulettes and much more.


2000:

In March 2000, WKC is certifed according to DIN ISO 9001:2000, It is a guarantee for you that you get a high quality service.

2005:

Wilkinson shuts down the sword factory in London November 2005. In December 2005 WKC acquires most machinery, tools, finished and unfinished parts of swords, daggers and knives. WKC is now in the position to produce most English sword models as per British MOD specifications using Wilkinson's tools.

Our recent development has taken place not only within the boarders of our city. Since the early 90's, WKC has become far more international than before. As an example, in the past, the epxorts of WKC's products to foreign countries would have been done through german Export companies, today, WKC has got more than 20 representatives in different countries of the world.

Languages like English, Spanish, French or Portuguese are fluently spoken at WKC now and link us strongly with our clients.

Same as fort the exports of our products, WKC has developed a network of international suppliers. Having the contacts with so many different people of various countries, it has been noted, that over there, special tecniques are still used, that we cannot find here anymore. This knowledge and also the skills, combined with the knowledge of us, will make an excellent product.

Be also pleased- that the company WKC was founded in 1883 and still exists today. This way we can enrich the world with some beautiful, handmade products.

We also thank you - our clients - to make this happen.

Firma WKC
Solingen
Germany