Knife manufacturing in Solingen: pocket knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives and straight razors, some in small series and special editions.
Böker
Solingen (DE)New on Amplifa
About Böker
Böker is a German knife manufacturer with origins in the 17th century that began as a toolmaker and moved into the production of swords and blades in the 19th century. According to company statements, the company was already producing 2,000 sabres per week in 1839. Today's production encompasses pocket knives, hunting knives, collector's knives as well as knives for sporting and professional use by military and police forces; in addition, there is a product line for professional kitchen knives and shaving products including straight razors. Manufacturing is divided into several brands: Böker Manufaktur Solingen for handcrafted knives in small series and collector's pieces, including Damascus blades and one-of-a-kind items made from steel from the Leopard tank gun or from the battleship Tirpitz; Böker Arbolito for products from the factory in Buenos Aires; as well as Böker Plus and Magnum by Böker for products developed in Solingen that are manufactured overseas. Böker was one of the first companies to offer ceramic knives as its own product line.
- Site
- Solingen (DE)
- Processes
- Knife manufacturing (pocket knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives, straight razors)
- Materials
- Damascus steel, Ceramic (knives), Steel (from Leopard tank gun/Tirpitz), Ceramic, Steel
- Industries
- Leisure and outdoor, Professional and household kitchens, Military and police, Grooming products/shaving supplies
- 01
Development and design in Solingen
- 02
Blade manufacturing
- 03
Handcrafting of the knives
- 04
Assembly and final inspection
Materials and Manufacturing
Damascus steel
For blades of the handcrafted knives of the Böker Manufaktur Solingen brand.
Ceramic
Böker was one of the first companies with ceramic knives as its own product line.
Steel
Including special steels, e.g. from the cannon of the Leopard tank or the Tirpitz.
Locations
Solingen
DEHeadquarters and manufactory
- Lot size
- Small series (collector's pieces), one-of-a-kind items
- Materials
- Steel, Damascus steel, ceramic
Buenos Aires
ARProduction site (Böker Arbolito brand)
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knife manufacturing (pocket knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives, straight razors)Manufacturing/joining processes | – | – | – | Small series (collector's pieces) | Steel, Damascus steel, Ceramic |
History
- 17. Jh.
Origins as a toolmaker in Germany
- 19. Jh.
Transition to the manufacture of swords and blades
- 1839
Reportedly production of 2,000 sabres per week
- 1860er
A branch of the family emigrated to North America and established works in Canada, Mexico and the USA
- Zweiter Welt
Destruction of the Solingen plant; Boker USA temporarily took over the trademark rights
- 1950er
Rebuilding of the Solingen plant
- 1960er/1970e
Several changes of ownership
- 1983
Closure of the US site Hermann Boker & Co
- 1986
Buyback of the US trademark rights; founding of Boker USA in Denver, Colorado