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Boker
Published: July 18th, 2025
The Boker story begins in the 17th century with a small hand tool factory situated beneath the canopy of a towering chestnut tree in Remscheid, Germany. That tree would later become so iconic that it was formally used as the company’s trademark as early as 1674, long before branding became widespread. In 1829, the company took a more defined shape when H.R. Boker Cutlery was formally established by Heinrich Boker and Hermann Heuser in Remscheid, building on generations of metalworking tradition. As political upheaval and industrial warfare loomed across Europe, the company’s reputation for quality craftsmanship positioned it for expansion into new markets and industries.
By 1837, Hermann Boker had emigrated to New York to establish H. Boker & Co., laying the foundation for what would become a transatlantic cutlery empire. During the American Civil War, from 1861 to 1866, Boker Germany supported the Union Army by producing muskets and over 18,000 sabers, solidifying their status as serious weapons manufacturers. In 1869, operations officially moved to Solingen, Germany, already famed as the “City of Blades”, and Heinr. Boker & Co. was established through a partnership between Heinrich Boker and Hermann Heuser. Just a year later, on November 10, 1870, the iconic “Tree Brand” logo was registered, anchoring the family’s symbolic heritage to a legally protected mark.
During the 1870s through 1891, Boker had become one of the most prominent knife sellers in the United States, even as economic tides shifted. The passage of the McKinley Tariff Act in 1891 increased duties on imported goods, prompting Boker to expand its American production base. In 1892, Valley Forge Cutlery was established in Newark, New Jersey, and in 1899, Boker USA merged with Valley Forge to strengthen domestic knife manufacturing. This move ensured that Boker could maintain a presence in the growing American cutlery market without being strangled by rising tariffs on foreign steel.
- In 1837, Hermann Boker established H. Boker & Co. in New York (pictured above)
- In 1870, Boker registered the iconic "Tree Brand" logo
- In 1899, Boker USA merged with Valley Forge Cutlery
By 1913, Boker had secured the registration of both “Tree Brand” and “Arbolito,” ensuring trademark protection not only in North America but also in the growing markets of South America. However, the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 drastically altered the company’s priorities. From 1914 to 1918, nearly all German knife production was redirected to support the war effort, halting global commercial exports. That same year, the American arm, Hermann Boker & Co., filed for bankruptcy. Nevertheless, in 1916, H. Boker & Co. managed to purchase Cyclops Steel Works in Pennsylvania, ensuring a domestic steel supply for American blades. In 1921, the Maplewood, New Jersey, facility was opened, and by that same year, Boker Cutlery and Hardware had consolidated with H. Boker & Co., streamlining U.S. operations.
In 1925, the 100-year-old chestnut tree that had inspired the brand was tragically struck by lightning and consumed by fire. From its charred remains, an artist carved a memorial bearing the Boker logo, a relic that still greets visitors at the Solingen facility today. By 1928, Boker was producing 16 different knife patterns with stainless steel blades in the United States, capitalizing on advancements in metallurgy and American consumer demand. The 1930 Neutrality Act, however, restricted U.S. trade with Germany, signaling growing global tensions. By 1941, U.S.-made Boker knives bore “Boker USA” etches to replace the former German origin markings, reflecting both geopolitical divides and the practical limitations of wartime trade.
On November 5, 1944, British bombers dropped over 700 tons of explosives on Solingen, nearly leveling the Boker factory and destroying irreplaceable records, equipment, and heritage. The war’s end in 1945 marked a grim pause in operations, but in 1947, U.S. Army Intelligence officer Major John Boker purchased the rights to the Boker name back from the U.S. Government and rebranded the company as “Boker USA,” ensuring that the Tree Brand would continue in both hemispheres. In 1950, Boker USA resumed importing knives from the newly rebuilt Solingen factory, reigniting the family’s historical transatlantic partnership.
In 1956, Boker USA acquired the Geo. Schrade Knife Company (Schrade Cutlery’s automatic knife company) to capitalized on the growing demand for automatic knives. However, this momentum was short-lived. The Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 banned interstate commerce of automatic knives, forcing the closure of the Schrade plant that manufactured these models. In 1965, Boker USA was purchased by New Britain Machine Company, a large conglomerate that also owned Husky and Blackhawk tool brands. This parent company was absorbed into Litton Industries in 1968, and Boker USA changed hands again in 1970, this time to J. Wiss & Sons.
- In 1947, Major John Boker bought the rights to Boker name from the U.S. Government, and rebranded it as Boker USA
- In 1956, Boker USA acquired the Geo. Schrade Knife Company
- In 1965, Boker USA was purchased by New Britain Machine Company
- In 1970, Boker USA was aqcuired by J.Wiss & Sons
During the 1970s, Boker embraced the growing collector market by launching limited-edition and commemorative knife series. These included the Double Shield Series in 1973 and the historically themed Great American Story Series, which ran from 1974 to 1978. In 1976, Wiss was acquired by Cooper Industries of North Carolina, and two years later, Boker USA’s production was moved to Statesboro, Georgia. That era came to a close in 1983, when U.S. manufacturing ceased entirely. In 1984, a brief financial and distribution partnership called “United Boker” was formed with Smoky Mountain Knife Works and Blue Ridge Knives to stabilize the brand’s presence in the United States.
In 1986, after reacquiring the rights, Boker USA was officially reestablished in Colorado, with its own sales office and warehousing facility. This marked a new chapter of independence and reunification for the brand. By 1999, construction began on a modernized manufacturing facility and headquarters at Schützenstraße in Solingen, consolidating Boker’s operations into a state-of-the-art plant in the city’s historic cutlery district. The turn of the century saw Boker reintroduce traditional straight razors, starting in 2006, handcrafted by master artisans working alongside apprentices, reinforcing Boker’s role in preserving old-world knife making.
In 2019, Boker celebrated the 150th anniversary of its Solingen branch with a global event and the release of an exclusive Anniversary Collection featuring curly birch handles and Damascus blades. Two years later, in 2021, the company unveiled its most ambitious commemorative line to date: the Historical Damascus Project Series. The first release in this line repurposed steel from World War II tanks, the result of three years of sourcing, planning, and historical collaboration with collectors and museums. These knives, forged from the remnants of conflict, became symbols of remembrance, craftsmanship, and storytelling through steel.
- In 1986, Boker reacquired the rights to Boker USA and officially reestablished the brand in Colorado
- In 2019, Boker celebrated its 150th anniversary of the Solingen branch
Today, Boker remains one of the most respected and historically significant cutlery brands in the world. It stands at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and family legacy. Whether it's a tactical flipper designed in collaboration with a modern knifemaker, a limited-edition Damascus folder, or a classic Solingen-made slipjoint, the Tree Brand continues to symbolize resilience, masterful craftsmanship, and a heritage deeply rooted in centuries of expertise, originating beneath a chestnut tree nearly four hundred years ago.
What to Buy
The Boker Sherman EDC is a sleek, high-performance folding knife made in Solingen, Germany. It features a 2.95-inch CPM MagnaCut drop point blade with a stonewash finish for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Dual opening options, a blade flipper, and thumb studs allow for quick, one-handed deployment, while a framelock ensures secure use. The black carbon steel handle offers lightweight durability and a comfortable grip. At just 3.35 ounces and 7.01 inches overall, it’s compact, functional, and stylish. Designed by Chad Nichols, this knife is ideal for everyday carry, blending premium materials, refined ergonomics, and modern craftsmanship into a standout EDC tool.
The Boker Plus KALS Mini Auto delivers impressive performance in a compact form. Its 2.52-inch black-coated D2 tool steel blade offers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and a partially serrated edge for versatile cutting. The automatic push-button mechanism enables fast, one-handed deployment, ideal for urgent situations. A durable gray aluminum handle provides a secure, ergonomic grip, while the tip-up pocket clip ensures convenient right-hand carry. Weighing just 2.01 ounces and measuring 5.79 inches overall, this lightweight knife is built for everyday reliability, blending strength, speed, and compact efficiency into a dependable everyday carry solution.
The Boker Magnum Shango is a dependable folding knife that blends everyday functionality with rugged performance. It features a 3.43-inch satin-finished 440A stainless steel drop point blade for smooth, precise cuts and durability under pressure. A thumb stud allows quick, one-handed opening, while a secure crossbar lock ensures safe, stable use. The blue Micarta handle offers a comfortable, slip-resistant grip even in wet conditions, with an ergonomic shape for reduced hand fatigue. Measuring 7.87 inches overall, the Shango includes a tip-up pocket clip for discreet carry. It’s a versatile choice for daily tasks, outdoor use, or work environments.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.