German Kissing Cranes ?!

[keithw]

Hi All,

I think I'm about to ask a question that has no answer. I really like some of the (supposedly) German knives that I've bought recently, Eye Brand, Hen & Rooster, German Bull and Bulldog. I've read and posted on this forum regarding these brands, and I don't think anyone knows what's going on there for sure. I've read in a couple of places on the web (it has to be true since its on the internet) that there are no true German knives anymore because 1. they're farmed out to other EU countries and 2. there are no true country of origin laws in Germany.

I hope that isn't true, but my question is specifically about Kissing Cranes. I've looked at many pictures of KC knives for sale and there seems to be a pattern. The Chinese knives have "since 1834" stamped on one of the blades with no mention of Germany, while the German ones have either "Germany" or "Solingen Germany" stamped somewhere. Can anyone help distinguish which are which? I know the German ones will be harder and harder to find, and I would like to get at least a couple of examples before they get too expensive.

Thanks!
Keith

[philco]

I have a few German Made Kissing Cranes knives. They have the words;

Robt Klass
Solingen
Germany

Located on the tang stamp of the main blade. The newer ones which are now made in China are marked as you indicated, however they should have "China" etched or stamped on the blade somewhere. Some of the China made knives are now sold with a little sticker on one blade that says "China". This sticker is easily removed and lends itself well to those who would try to mislead a buyer.
Boker has begun producing a line of pocket knives in China sold under the brand name "Magnum". They are also having a lot of tactical style knives made in China. There are still Bokers being made in Germany as well.
Just as economic pressures are causing many U.S.A. knife manufacturers to fold, I'm sure the German counterparts are feeling the pinch of so much competition from the cheap China made knives now flooding the American marketplace.
I don't think the rumor you read about there being NO German production currently has any basis of truth.

Phil

[smiling-knife]

Philco was on the money. This is my understanding. The German made Kissing Cranes are stamped with the Cranes logo and Klass on the tang. The Chinese made knives have the words "Kissing Crane" on the tang. The shields on the recent Kissing Cranes (German) knives are circular, but the shileds on Chinese (Kissing Crane) knives are different...sort of a federal style with red birds. Look at the boxes with new knives... Kissing Cranes are made in Solingen and Kissing Crane are made in China. Often these are confused both ways on retailers' sites. e.g., they call them Kissing Crane when in fact they are Kissing Cranes from Germany and vice versa. I hope this made sens.

p.s. i think the sodbusters and stilettos are made in Italy.

[keithw]

Thanks for the replies. I had not picked up on the Crane vs. Crane'S'. I just bought my first KC and I'm really excited. I can't wait to get it.
Thanks again for your help!
Keith