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Hen & Rooster
Published: November 22nd, 2024
Hen & Rooster Knives, founded around 1845 in Solingen, Germany, represents a longstanding legacy in cutlery manufacturing. This iconic brand was the vision of Carl Bertram, a poultry business owner who decided to expand his operations into the cutlery industry. Driven by a meticulous dedication to quality and craftsmanship, Bertram established a modest manufacturing facility that would eventually shape the Hen & Rooster legacy. By 1865, the brand adopted the hen and rooster symbol to signify the product’s authenticity and connection to Bertram’s origins in the poultry industry. The logo would grow to become synonymous with high-grade cutlery and distinguished workmanship.
Over the years, Bertram’s company remained family-operated, passing from generation to generation. During the late 1960s and 1970s, Hen & Rooster expanded its reach through contract manufacturing, producing knives for various brands. These knives bore the Hen & Rooster logo on one side of the blade tang and the contracting brand’s name on the reverse. This period saw Hen & Rooster knives crafted for companies like Carter Cutlery, Kane, Voss, A.G. Russell, and Gutmann Cutlery, further establishing Hen & Rooster’s reputation in international markets.
In 1975, ownership of Hen & Rooster shifted when American knife legend A.G. Russell acquired the brand. Based in Springdale, Arkansas, Russell brought his expertise in knife manufacturing to Hen & Rooster, adding his own trademark to select pieces. Russell’s acquisition marked a significant point in Hen & Rooster’s history, as his influence helped maintain the high standards of the brand. During Russell’s tenure, Hen & Rooster continued producing high-quality knives, including contract pieces for other firms. However, by around 1980, the original manufacturing facility in Solingen closed, ending the brand’s physical presence in Germany for a time.
- Hen & Rooster was founded in 1845 by Carl Bertram (pictured above)
- In 1865, the brand adopted the hen and rooster symol
- In 1975, Hen & Rooster was acquired by American knife legend A.G. Russel (pictured above)
- In 1983, Hen & Rooster was acquired by James Frost (pictured above), Howard Rabin, and Hugo Schiesen
- Soon after, Frost gained exclusive rights to the Hen & Rooster trademark in the U.S.
Hen & Rooster’s legacy has endured due to its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and its ability to adapt while honoring its roots. Each Hen & Rooster knife embodies Carl Bertram’s original vision and dedication to quality, showcasing why the brand has remained respected within the industry.
Today, while Hen & Rooster Knives are no longer made in Solingen, the brand's legacy continues. Each knife embodies Carl Bertram’s original vision and dedication to quality, a commitment that continues to make the brand respected within the industry. Hen & Rooster Knives remain celebrated by collectors and knife enthusiasts who appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind each piece. The knives serve as both functional tools and pieces of art, honoring Bertram’s vision and preserving the heritage that has kept Hen & Rooster at the forefront of fine cutlery for over a century.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Hen & Rooster Stag Skinner Fixed Blade with a genuine stag handle is crafted for outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike. This 7-inch, full-tang knife features a 3-inch mirror-polished stainless steel skinner blade for reliable precision and durability, ideal for field dressing game and tackling tough outdoor tasks. The unique stag handle offers a comfortable, natural grip with stainless steel hardware for added durability and a polished finish. Complete with a high-quality leather sheath with a belt loop, this knife is both compact for easy carry and rugged enough for demanding use, making it a standout piece in any collection.
The Hen & Rooster 3 Blade Whittler Buffalo Horn pocket knife showcases premium craftsmanship and lasting durability. Featuring a striking buffalo horn handle with unique patterns, this knife offers a comfortable, secure grip, making each piece one of a kind. Its versatile three-blade configuration includes a Master clip point blade for carving, a pen blade, and a short clip blade for intricate tasks. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the blades resist corrosion and maintain sharpness. Crafted with brass pins, nickel silver bolsters, and the iconic Hen & Rooster shield, this 3.5” closed knife embodies tradition and excellence from a brand that has set the standard since 1845.
The Hen & Rooster Trapper features 3.25” mirror-polished stainless steel clip-point and spey blades with nail nicks for easy use, ensuring reliability for everyday tasks or outdoor adventures. Its vibrant blue smooth bone handles offer both comfort and style, accented by brass pins, liners, nickel silver bolsters, and the classic Hen & Rooster shield. Measuring 4.13" when closed, it's the ideal size for everyday carry, adding elegance to any collection. Perfect for seasoned collectors or beginners alike, this Trapper Pocket Knife combines functionality with sophistication, making it a standout piece.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.