Hornmanufaktur Petz
Vienna’s Enduring Legacy in Horn Craftsmanship
1. Identity & Presence
Petz Hornmanufaktur stands as a distinguished Viennese institution dedicated to creating unique and high-quality products through the seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity. The company’s Vienna store is located at Westbahnstrasse 7, 1070 Vienna, while its main workshop and official address – a testament to its deep roots in craftsmanship – moved to the Werkstättenhof in Mollardgasse 85A, 1060 Vienna, in autumn 2024. In addition to their Viennese presence, Petz also operates a shop in Graz. The company can be reached via email at thomas@petz-hornmanufaktur.at or by phone at +43 676 7282 628. The Vienna store has its own contact at wien@petz-hornmanufaktur.at or +43 676 3021628. Petz Hornmanufaktur firmly situates itself within the specialized sector of horn craftsmanship, recognized for manufacturing bespoke accessories, jewelry, and interior items from natural horn.
Company Petz on Instagram
2. The Origin Story & Key Figures
The rich heritage of Petz Hornmanufaktur began with Tobias Petz, who laid the groundwork for the family tradition in 1833 by undertaking an apprenticeship as a Hornkammmacher in Ödenburg. He became the first in the family to receive his journeyman’s certificate in 1842, and the official founding year of the manufactory is documented as 1862. His son, Franz Petz, continued the operation, and following his untimely death, his wife Käthe Petz bravely took over the business as a widow’s operation, acquiring a larger plot of land in Vienna’s 15th district where the manufactory remained for decades.
Experience, knowledge, and craftsmanship were meticulously passed down through the generations. In 1951, Friedrich Petz, as the last master Hornkammmacher in Austria, received his master craftsman's certificate. He, along with his wife Eleonore, diligently continued the manufactory’s work. Despite the challenging times marked by increasing industrialization, their perseverance, innovative product range, and significant collaborations – such as with the renowned designer Carl Auböck – successfully guided the business through adversity. Friedrich Petz was particularly committed to maintaining the manufactory’s autonomy, even designing his own machines, many of which are still in use today.
A critical juncture arose when none of Friedrich's children expressed interest, threatening the extinction of this ancient craft. The manufactory eventually shut down following Friedrich and Eleonore’s retirement. However, the legacy was rekindled years later when Thomas Petz, Friedrich’s grandson, developed a keen interest in the craft. With unwavering patience, the then 80-year-old Friedrich personally taught Thomas the art. Equipped with strong will and courage, Thomas decided to revitalize the business, founding his new small manufactory in 2008. After his grandfather’s passing, Thomas continued to build upon the experience of his grandmother, Eleonore, who provided immense support. Since 2017, Thomas has been supported by his wife, Daniela Petz, who brings a strong affinity for craftsmanship and creative work to the business.
3. The Core of the Craft
Petz Hornmanufaktur's expertise lies in transforming natural buffalo horn into a diverse array of unique and high-quality creations, including classic horn combs, hair accessories, elegant jewelry, and practical everyday objects like shoehorns. Their product range also extends to timeless table culture items, exquisite interior accessories, handbags, and sunglasses.
The unique quality and artistic merit of each piece stem from the meticulous handcraftsmanship applied at every stage of production. From the moment the horn arrives as a byproduct of the meat industry, it undergoes a complex, time-intensive process of sawing, filing, grinding, and polishing – all executed by hand with traditional tools. A particular aspect unique to Petz Hornmanufaktur in Austria is their method of processing raw, hollow horns by heating and pressing them into flat plates. This dedication ensures that every item is a one-of-a-kind "Unikat" and is celebrated for its natural properties: horn combs are anti-static and gentle on the scalp, and all horn products are durable, skin-friendly, and boast a captivating, inherent beauty. This blend of traditional methods with modern designs defines their distinctive approach. The company also offers personalized touches, allowing customers to specify color preferences or choose custom engravings for a truly unique piece.
Core values such as a profound passion for the craft, maintaining personal customer contact, and an openness to new ideas and challenges are paramount to Petz Hornmanufaktur, guiding its commitment to quality, individuality, and innovation.
4. Enduring Legacy & Resilience
Petz Hornmanufaktur's remarkable ability to thrive for over a century, defying the odds in a rapidly changing world, lies in its steadfast dedication to natural materials, masterful handcraftsmanship, and an exceptional capacity for adaptation. Their "secret sauce" is the seamless integration of tradition with modern creativity, allowing them to reinvent their offerings while staying true to their core. Unlike many competitors who succumbed to industrialization, Petz remained committed to horn, transforming it from a mass product into a treasured, natural luxury item. The family's enduring passion for the craft, evident in the direct transmission of knowledge across generations – including the pivotal tutelage of grandfather Friedrich to grandson Thomas – has been a critical factor in their survival. Furthermore, their readiness to engage in strategic collaborations, such as with Carl Auböck, and their personal approach to customer service have consistently set them apart.
Throughout its extensive history, Petz Hornmanufaktur has overcome significant challenges. Early adversities included the untimely death of Franz Petz, after which his wife Käthe bravely took over, ensuring the business's continuity. More profoundly, the rise of industrialization post-WWI and the dominance of plastic post-WWII brought the craft to the brink of extinction. The ultimate resilience came through Thomas Petz's decision to revitalize the business, learning the dormant craft directly from his octogenarian grandfather. His strategy involved combining traditional methods with fresh, modern designs, painstakingly rebuilding a customer base, and expanding through their online shop, their physical store in Graz, and ultimately relocating to a new, collaborative workshop hub in Vienna.
5. Vision for the Future
In a constantly evolving world, Petz Hornmanufaktur envisions ensuring its rich traditions, intricate craftsmanship, and core values remain relevant and cherished by continuing its philosophy of "traditional craftsmanship, newly interpreted." They are committed to consistently highlighting the unique advantages of horn as a natural material – its sustainability, skin-friendliness, and inherent individuality – which serve as a compelling counterpoint to mass-produced goods. By actively engaging in collaborations with international designers, they ensure a continuous flow of creative input. Maintaining close, personal customer contact remains central to their approach, fostering lasting relationships built on trust and a shared appreciation for quality. The recent move to the Werkstättenhof Mollardgasse, a hub for other creative businesses, further underscores their openness to networking and collaboration, fostering an environment where heritage can inspire future innovation.
Looking ahead, Petz Hornmanufaktur implicitly sees itself and its industry continuing to thrive as a unique bastion of high-quality, handcrafted natural products. The industry will increasingly value such artisan enterprises that offer authentic, sustainable, and personal alternatives to ubiquitous mass production. The family's unbroken chain of passion and dedication, culminating in Thomas Petz's revitalization, ensures that the Hornmanufaktur continues to embody the seamless continuity of a historical guild into a vibrant, modern manufactory.