Steinbach Nutcracker - Steps of a Quality Nutcracker

If you are fortunate enough to own a Steinbach nutcracker, you already know all about their high quality. When held up against a cheap import from China, there is no comparison in quality. Unfortunately, poorly made nutcrackers are cheaply available at big discount stores at Christmas. These are turned out in droves, rather than being made step by step by a true artisan. A Steinbach nutcracker may take 3 years or more to complete, beginning with the drying and curing of the wood.

Steinbach only uses the highest quality German wood and materials to craft their nutcrackers. There are over 100 steps involved in crafting a single finished piece. It takes an artisan with a true love of woodworking to complete such a detailed nutcracker. It normally takes about 6 weeks to finish a nutcracker, once the actual turning of the wood on a lathe begins.

According to German folklore, nutcrackers were first created to ward off evil and protect a home. That’s why they all have such stern looks on their faces and are baring their teeth. This is to scare away evil spirits and bad luck, and to promote good health.

The beginning of nutcracker carving dates back to the 18th century. Miners, in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) area of Germany, took up wood carving to supplement their income when the mines began to play out. Generations later, many nutcrackers and hand crafted items are still being produced in the Erzgebirge region.