Body-Content
5. Generation geb 1946
H.P.
Klötzli
H.P. Klotzli completed his knifemaker apprenticeship at Victorinox, the world-famous producer of the Swiss Army Knife. He started to travel in 1969, not to deepen his knowledge of knifemaking but to see the world. Since taking over the business from his parents in 1972, he has been embracing modern technology in the field of knifemaking while maintaining a strong appreciation for his family history and craftsmanship traditions.
High Tech Folding Knives
The ACC-1, THE Klotzli classic, the first gentlemans folding knife that H.P. produced under the name "Klotzli". There is an incredible amount of know-how and expertise in this product; and it led to the Klotzli knifesmithy receiving worldwide recognition from fellow knifemakers.
”I do realize how much work and compassion my ancestors put into this business. I have also realized what it takes to keep a business running for over 170 years, despite all of the ups and downs. I have deep respect for my ancestors, who have, each in their own turn and their own way, contributed their part to this endeavour. It was very important to me to continue that and to be able to contribute my part to the family business.”
The "Old" Workshop
19.07.1984 was the last day of production in the old workshop on Mühlegasse 6. H.P. Klötzli, Paul Flury, Paul Jenal and Tsiring Brun. The old rooms, which had been used since before 1846, had definitely grown too small and there simply wasn't enough space for the production of the new knife models.
1972 H.P. takes over the family business. With the same eagerness that he had travelled the world before (backpacking around Africa, souschef on a cargo-freighter or picking fruit on a Israeli banana plantation) he now takes on modernising the workshop. He starts with the production of the cheese triers.
Paul Flury
Knifesmith Paul Flury worked for three generations of the Klötzli family (1931-1990).
(Picture on the left, next to H.P. Klotzli)
Pioneer
In 1981 H.P. and German knifemaker Wolf Borger published the first European knife magazine, "European Blade", later called "Das Messer" (the knife). In 1982 H.P. organised the first European knife exhibition, the "Swiss Knife Show".
Colani Dolch
Designed by Luigi Colani, H.P. Klotzli created the Nobunaga Dagger in 1990. A collectors piece of which only three copies were produced.
Spyderco C22
The Spyderco C22, the first knife in the world with carbon fibre handles. Produced in the Klötzli workshop.
Prominent Visitors
The Production of these new gentlemans folding knives needed a great amount of know-how. The basis for this was given by Michael Walker and his "Liner Lock" technique. Some of Americas most famous knifemakers on a tour of the Klotzli workshop in Burgdorf. Bob Terzuola, Michael Walker and Ron Lake.
Passion
It has always been H.P.`s passion to produce an accurate and exact product. H.P. was the first in the world to use carbon fiber as handle material. Pictured on the left is the model C22 produced for the American knife brand Spyderco.
Bea Klötzli
H.P. Klötzli did a lot for the business - but none of it would have been possible without the support of his wife Bea. She had the finances under control, did the advertising, looked after the staff and stepped in to help with sales. H.P. often called her a "door opener": In fact, Bea not only had his back, but indeed opened many doors that lead them to success during their time managing the company.