History
Boker – 150 Years of Solingen Craftsmanship, Innovation and Knife Heritage
The Beginnings – Where It All Started with a Chestnut Tree
The Boker success story begins in the 17th century in Remscheid. A mighty chestnut tree once stood next to the family’s small tool forge – and became the symbol of a brand that today is known worldwide for premium knives, precision and craftsmanship. In 1674, the family officially registered the tree crest for the first time. Even then, Boker tools were regarded as quality products that quickly established themselves in Germany and neighboring countries.
As demand for edged weapons grew, the brothers Hermann and Robert Boker began producing sabers in 1829. By 1830, 64 smiths and 47 grinders were already producing around 2,000 pieces per week. Expansion soon followed: in 1837, Hermann Boker founded H. Boker & Co. in New York, while Robert opened up new markets in Canada and later in Mexico.
In 1869, Heinrich Boker laid the foundation for the manufactory that still exists today by founding Heinr. Boker & Co. in Solingen – the legendary “City of Blades”.
Expansion – Tree Brand Becomes a Global Promise of Quality
International demand for straight razors, scissors and pocketknives grew rapidly. To make the brand clearly recognizable worldwide, Heinrich Boker also adopted the tree logo for his production – a symbol that is still associated with quality, tradition and Solingen craftsmanship today.
Tree Brand quickly became a hallmark for knife enthusiasts around the world. Although the original chestnut tree was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1925, it lives on: its wood was used to carve the iconic Boker logo that still adorns the entrance to the Solingen manufactory today.
By the early 20th century, the U.S. market had become Boker’s most important sales market. Pocketknives turned into bestsellers, and Boker was soon producing both in Solingen and in the USA.
World War II – Destruction, New Beginnings and the Revival of the Boker Brand
As success in the USA grew, two product lines emerged – marked “Boker USA” and “H. Boker Improved Cutlery Solingen”. World War II, however, marked a turning point: the Solingen factory was completely destroyed, machines and patterns were lost, and the U.S. trademark rights were confiscated.
It was not until 1947 that John Boker Jr. succeeded in buying back the rights and relaunching Boker USA. In Solingen, returning specialists rebuilt the manufactory brick by brick. The quality remained as high as ever – and Boker USA soon once again became the most important partner.
Subsidiaries – Building a Global Network
In the 1960s, collaborations with major American distribution partners increased brand awareness and enabled important modernization in Solingen.
In 1986, the U.S. trademark rights returned to Germany – the starting point for the re-establishment of Boker USA, Inc. in Denver, Colorado, which still successfully serves the North American market today.
In 1983, Boker Arbolito S.A. was also founded in Buenos Aires. The household, hunting and outdoor knives manufactured there quickly achieved cult status in South America. Until 2020, all Boker logos carried the dual trademark “Treebrand & Arbolito” as a sign of this strong connection.
Pioneering Spirit – Knife Innovation from Solingen
Boker is among the most innovative knife brands in the world. Some of the most important milestones:
- 1980: First serial production of pocketknives made from Damascus steel – a collector’s tradition that remains in high demand to this day.
- 1990s: Introduction of the Magnum Collection as well as the Boker Plus and Magnum product lines.
- 1995: Launch of the Boker Speedlock – one of the most successful automatic knives worldwide.
- 2000s: Outside Japan, Boker is one of the pioneers of high-performance ceramic blades for kitchen and folding knives.
- 2002: Development of the iconic Boker Kalashnikov knife series in personal collaboration with General Kalashnikov.
Growing success led to the construction of a new, modern company headquarters in Solingen with an integrated flagship store at the end of the 1990s. In 2000, Boker was among the first German companies to launch its own online shop.
Today & Tomorrow – Boker as One of the World’s Leading Knife Brands
In the 2000s and 2010s, Boker evolved into Europe’s leading supplier of sporting, outdoor and collector’s knives. Trust, craftsmanship and international partnerships remain the foundation of this success.
Looking ahead, the focus is clear: North America. With major investments in the U.S. subsidiary in Denver, Colorado, Boker is unlocking the enormous potential of the growing markets in the USA, Canada and Mexico.