Balke Richard & Söhne, Solingen

Balke Richard & Söhne, Solingen

Richard Balke & Söhne: A Rare Manufacturer from Solingen

The Richard Balke & Söhne, Stahlwarenfabrik, was founded in 1919 in Solingen. The company initially specialized in hotel cutlery and various pocket and camping knives. During the Nazi era, it expanded to edged weapons, particularly SA service daggers. The location in Solingen underscores the region's tradition as a center for blade production in Germany. The company did not receive an RZM license in 1935, thus it has no official RZM codes.

The firm produced approximately 2,000 SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung), rated with a rarity of 4/5 as highly rare. These daggers bear the motto "Alles für Deutschland" and typically feature nickel-silver fittings. Other products include honing steels, kitchen, and professional knives.

The logo of Richard Balke & Söhne consists of an oval emblem with the text "RICHARD BALKE & SÖHNE" along the upper arc and "SOLINGEN" along the lower arc. In the center is a stylized cross formed by the initials "B&S" and "R&S". The logo is in dark gray on a transparent background, symbolizing craftsmanship and tradition.

Today, the products of Richard Balke & Söhne are coveted collectibles that embody the historical development of the Solingen manufacturer history in the edged weapons industry. The limited production and focus on Nazi weapons make them an important example of the Nazi era, ideal for an encyclopedia on blank weapons manufacturers. We are interested in purchasing products from this manufacturer.