Body-Content
1. Generation 1846-1882
Johann Ulrich
Klötzli
Johann Ulrich Klotzli was born in Zauggenried, a little village in the famous Emmental valley, on May the 30th, 1820. On September the 1st in 1835, thanks to the support of the local priest, Pastor Kuhn, who wanted Johann Ulrich to be able to learn a craft, he started his 4 year apprenticeship as a knifesmith with knifemaker Burri in Burgdorf.
Burgdorf, late 19th century
For 100 years, from 1846 to 1946, the Klotzli workshop and retail store was located in the third house on the right-hand side. To this day, the old workshop in the back of the house is equipped for forging with fireplace and anvil.
In 1846 Johann's master Mr. Burri passed away and Johann was asked by Mr. Burri's widow to return from his travels and take over the knifesmithy in Burgdorf. He ran the business successfully until he handed it over to his son. Unfortunately there are very few documents left of his work.