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TOOLS FOR GENTS – DRIVEN BY PASSION SINCE 2016
From a lost pocket knife to an international specialty retailer of knives and watches
Sometimes the greatest stories arise from the smallest coincidences.
The story of TOOLS FOR GENTS began in 2016 during a fishing trip in Latvia. 🎣
Back then, my fishing buddy lost a special Victorinox pocket knife in the water—a prototype that I had personally received years earlier as a gift from Mr. Elsener, the then-CEO of Victorinox.
While searching for a replacement, I discovered a fascinating world online filled with extraordinary knives, international knife makers, and passionate collectors.
Through YouTube, I met Stefan123321 and Denis Hauser from FuwaForestFilms. Our initial contacts grew into friendships and eventually led to the idea of opening our own small knife shop.
In the fall of 2016, my wife Lena and I traveled to Russia. We visited the Arms & Hunting trade show in Moscow, met the knife maker Alexander Cheburkov, and toured the famous Shirogorov factory in Yaroslavl.
Without Lena’s knowledge of Russian and her support, many of these encounters would never have been possible.
November 1, 2016 – The Beginning of an Incredible Journey
On November 1, 2016, at exactly 10:00 p.m., our first online store went live.
It featured just 14 semi-custom knives by Alexander Cheburkov.
We sold out in just one hour!
What originally began as a small hobby project evolved into an international specialty retailer.
As early as 2017, we achieved our international breakthrough through collaborations with CollectorKnives and LionSteel. We distributed thousands of modern slip-joint knives worldwide.
In 2018, TOOLS FOR GENTS Vertriebs GmbH was founded; our new online store followed in 2019, and in 2023 we moved into our large warehouse in Hilzingen.
More Than Just a Knife Retailer – Our Own Designs
From the very beginning, we wanted to do more than just sell exceptional knives—we wanted to develop and help design them ourselves.
Together with internationally renowned designers and manufacturers, we’ve created numerous original models, special editions, and exclusive product variants.
Our most important partners include FOX Knives, LionSteel, Gudy van Poppel, Midgards Messer, Microtech, PMP Knives, Vanguard Knives, and Reate.
For example, our collaboration with Gudy van Poppel resulted in the Gitano series, the Magna, the Eastwood Tiger, and later additional projects such as the Bullet, Mini Bullet, and Eastbull.
We have also created special folding and fixed-blade knives in collaboration with international designers such as Miguel Barbudo from Spain, Markus Reichart and Andi Thiel from Germany, Mikkel Willumsen from Denmark, and Tim Bernard from Thiers, France.
Some of these models were manufactured exclusively for TFG, while others were later even incorporated into the manufacturers’ own international product lines.
A major milestone in 2021 was our collaboration with Microtech and Hanna Selena on the HS Rescue Tool, based on the Combat Troodon, accompanied by a corresponding BKA certification. This project attracted a great deal of attention and made TOOLS FOR GENTS known far beyond our existing community.
To date, we have well over 100 original items and product variations in our lineup—ranging from knives and watches to leather goods, bags, and backpacks.
And new ideas are constantly emerging!
Swiss Watches – Another Great Passion ⌚
In addition to knives, the watch division has also become an important part of our company.
We’ve been collaborating with the long-established Italian-Swiss watch brand Squale since 2017.
Later, renowned brands such as Laco, Hanhart, and Davosa joined the lineup.
Starting in 2019, we took it a step further and had our own watches manufactured in Switzerland.
These included both quartz watches and mechanical automatic watches.
Our Sports Diver watches, as well as the classically designed automatic Gent and Classic models, were particularly successful.
Here, too, we didn’t just want to sell existing products—we wanted to bring our own ideas and designs to life.
Secondhand, Collector’s Knives, and Auctions
Another special business segment emerged in early 2020.
We began professionally trading in high-quality used knives and watches.
We developed a loyal customer base, particularly for rare custom knives, limited-edition collector’s knives, and high-quality timepieces.
Over the years, we have brokered and sold numerous used knives and watches.
Later, we expanded our offerings to include auctions for rare custom knives and particularly high-quality collector’s knives.
As a result, TOOLS FOR GENTS now combines several business areas that few specialty retailers offer in this combination:
International specialty trade in knives and watches, in-house product development, exclusive special editions, secondhand sales, and collector’s auctions.
2026 – Ten Years of TOOLS FOR GENTS 🎉
On November 1, 2026, we celebrated our tenth anniversary.
To mark this special occasion, we teamed up with FOX Knives and Gudy van Poppel to create the exclusive 10th Anniversary Gitano Fixed—a limited-edition anniversary model that symbolizes our long-standing collaboration and our passion for exceptional knives.
Of course, these past ten years haven’t always been easy.
The pandemic, international crises, economic challenges, and market shifts have all left their mark on us.
But what started as a small idea has grown into a company with international partners, in-house developments, and a wonderful community.
Our TFG Family—The Heart of Our Company ❤️
What makes TOOLS FOR GENTS special to me isn’t just the products.
It’s the people behind them.
Our employees, our manufacturers and designers, our friends, and above all, our customers.
Many have been with us for years. Customers became friends, and from a small community, our TFG Family grew to nearly 5,000 members on Facebook.
When I look back on these ten years today, I think of extraordinary journeys, exciting encounters, collaborative developments, and countless friendships.
My special thanks go to my wife Lena, our entire team, our long-standing partners, and of course to you—our TFG Family.
Our mission has always been—and continues to be—not only to discover exceptional products but also to play an active role in bringing them to life.
After ten years, our enthusiasm for this remains just as strong as it was on day one.
❤️ TOOLS FOR GENTS – Since 2016, with passion, ideas, and personality.
Yours, Ricci
Founder and Managing Director of TOOLS FOR GENTS Vertriebs GmbH
