So you are considering purchasing a sword and would like more information about what it means to buy a sword from Frank Schmitz Metallwaren GmbH?

The story of Frank Schmitz Metallwaren GmBH started in SOLINGEN Germany with the E F Horster company in 1880 and the eventual acquisition of the Carl Eikhorn company. The Master swordmaker, Frank Schmitz began his apprenticeship in 1969 and worked for E F Horster for 28 years, achieving the highest mark (A+) in his final exam. In 1997 Frank bought E F Horster and with it the right to market his products under both E F Horster and the Eikhorn names as well as Frank Schmitz Metallwaren GmbH. He is now the only Master swordmaker still working in Solingen today.

On the next few pages, we invite you to view the stages that transform a bar of steel into a work of art, and you will quickly understand that you are following in the footsteps of thousands of other Officers who over the years have learned to trust the Made In Solingen mark. You are buying not only a sword, but a piece of history, something that was created by the hands and eyes of highly skilled craftsmen who faithfully passed their knowledge down from one generation to another.

German law is quite specific about the use of the Made in SOLINGEN (mark). It applies to cutting and thrusting weapons/blades and is protected by German law. In order to meet the exacting standards, the blades must be forged in either Solingen or the neighboring town of Haan. (please see legal definition) no parts, such as blades, handles, guards etc can be made elsewhere and assembled in Solingen. The swords and knives of Frank Schmitz Metallwaren comply faithfully to that guideline and they are proud to bear the made in SOLINGEN mark. We urge you that before you make your final decision, you insist upon documentation from any maker who claims their sword is made exclusively in SOLINGEN. This will not only help to protect and maintain the integrity of the craftsmen still working in this ancient trade but will uphold the proud name of Solingen. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at sheba@execulink.com or heraldic@execulink.com Sheila.