The Forge Of Kindermann - Home of the Original Waidler Pan

Nestled within the dense Bavarian Forest, the Kindermann family's ancestral blacksmith shop has been artfully working with glowing iron for centuries. In their ancient forge, both father Josef and son Stefan expertly fashion the unique iron pans, all from a single piece.

Stefan Kindermann is heir to a long family tradition in the art of blacksmithing. Now in the 9th generation, he runs the old smithy alongside his father. Despite being born into the trade, he didn't immediately grasp the hammer. He ventured out, pursued an education, and returned with ambitious plans. The forge was in need of a new direction, and it was through a collaborative effort between father and son that they found their calling in crafting these exceptional pans.

As so often happens, the idea was born out of personal necessity. In 2014, they embarked on a quest for a pan forged from a single piece, granting it a unique stability and durability. Yet, to their surprise, they couldn't find such a pan anywhere. The skillful blacksmithing duo of Josef and Stefan set to work and soon not only created a pan but crafted a culinary masterpiece. Within a few months, demand soared. Renowned chefs have come to appreciate the incomparable flavors that emerge when cooking with the Waidler Pan.

Craftsmanship in the Bavarian Forest Region

The Bavarian Forest has long been a magnet, not only for numerous glassworks but also for blacksmiths, able to stoke their furnaces with the abundant wood. Of the once more than 60 establishments in Eastern Bavaria alone, only a few remain today. In the past, they predominantly manufactured tools for forestry and agriculture. Those who continue this ancient trade have specialized in creating unique objects. The Kindermann Hammer Forge has developed an iron pan forged from a single piece of metal.

The Blacksmith's Craft

The blacksmith was once a staple in every village, much like the hammer and the anvil. They crafted everything, from working tools to horseshoes and ornate decorative fittings. While the few traditional workshops that have survived have adjusted their product range, the manufacturing process has remained largely unchanged. Even though machines now run on electricity rather than water power, the hammer remains an indispensable tool. The blows delivered by the blacksmith during the finishing process give each piece a unique character, making it truly one-of-a-kind.