Survival Strategy of the Cutlery Centers : A Case Study of Sheffield and Solingen

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  • 刃物産地の生き残り戦略 : イギリス・シェフィールドとドイツ・ゾーリンゲンの事例
  • ハモノ サンチ ノ イキノコリ センリャク : イギリス ・ シェフィールド ト ドイツ ・ ゾーリンゲン ノ ジレイ

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Abstract

There are several famous cutlery producing areas in the world, namely Sheffield in England, Solingen in Germany, and Seki in Japan. Why could these areas become global cutlery centers？ In this paper, we focus on geographical and historical factors to clarify the reasons. Solingen, for example, was already a cutlery production center in the 13th century, the existence of the Rhine being one of the major reasons behind this — the river connected it to the trading city of Cologne, and many products were exported to countries worldwide; Solingen also had access to hydraulic power, including tributaries, where craftsmen such as blacksmiths and polishers gathered. Sheffield too used hydraulic power, of the Don river, to produce cutlery. In all these areas, quality is maintained through the division of labor and unique mechanisms such as a trade association. In addition to cutlery, they have diversified into new products such as scissors, tableware, and cooking tools. In other words, they have developed through such entrepreneurship.

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