Richartz Bros. & Sons - Ohligs

Richartz Bros. & Sons - Ohligs Since 1900 one of the leading European makers of pocketknives. In parts of Germany known as "Rickards" but in 1953 it's name was Anglicised at their Sheffield factory (1949) to "Richards Cutlers Ltd." on Bishop Street.

 This name change may have taken effect even before WW2 using the "Lamp Post" trademark. The WHALE trademark by VEREINIGTE STAHLWARENFABRIKEN GEBR.RICHARTZ & SOHNE A.G. in SOLINGEN-OHLIGS. on July 14, 1954, a U.S. federal trademark registration, USPTO serial number of 71670014 . The current federal status of this trademark filing is EXPIRED on November 11, 1996 for WHALE brand "CUTLERY OF ALL KINDS" , POCKET KNIVES, HOUSEHOLD CUTLERY, PROFESSIONAL CUTLERY, HUNTING KNIVES, CAMPING KNIVES, SIDEARMS, SCISSORS, SHEARS, RAZOR BLADES, STRAIGHT RAZORS, LETTER OPENERS, TABLE CUTLERY, STAINLESS STEEL CUTLERY. Was also previously registered February 07, 1956 (#0620781).

 In 1974 Germany "toasted" the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Wallraf-Richartz Kuratorium. Chairman Hermann Josef Abs had been a prominent banker and financial adviser of Hitler’s Reich during the second world war. After the war he had been put into a position of particular power again through the 60’s up to the moment of his gift of the "Ardelia Hall Collection" in Linz, Austria (1977). The Richartz Family of Knives are just the greatest in the minds of many.

Wilhelm Mueller and Stephan Richartz continued the cutlery company in 1932 gearing up for Luftwaffe paratrooper that needed a "handy friend" when around those you need it the most. Unique style of these common items made it true art.

 "RANGER" lockback style.

  "LANDSER" style.

"None better..." the "Willie the Whistle" type plastic boy scout knife made by Richards Division - Sheffield. This factory burnt totally in the "blitz" December 12, 1940 so relocated in 1946. Wilhelm Mueller was manager from 1934-1977 but owned by Imperial Knife Company. By 1983 Richards closed entirely in Britain. Attached is a "kiss clasp pocketknife sheath" that I made in traditional "Handwerker" german style. Go to see the current new Richartz line of knives: www.richartz.com Still in business at: Richartz GmbH Merscheider StrAYe 94 42699 Solingen-Ohligs.