Ingo Eispert is an expert on all types of wood at Böker. The married father of a family has worked at Böker since 2014 and is head of the handle department. Manufacturing the sometimes intricate handle scales requires extensive knowledge of materials and a high degree of craftsmanship. Furthermore, the master carpenter gives us some more interesting insights into his daily work.
Few people would expect to find a carpenter/joiner working in a knife manufacturing company. What are your responsibilities and what does your job entail?
In my department, I process all the materials needed to make the handle scales for our knives. This includes a wide variety of woods, such as bog oak, cocobolo , and pearlwood, but also many local varieties like oak, beech, and plum. Not only the raw material itself, but also the dimensions of the materials vary considerably. In the simplest case, my task is to cut scales from existing blanks. When working with entire logs that are almost unprocessed, or when cutting historical materials like oak beams and planks from Burg Castle or discarded whisky barrels, particularly meticulous care is required. Often, the very first cut determines how many scales can be obtained from these scarce and precious materials. In addition, animal materials like staghorn or bone , as well as plastics like Micarta and G10 , are frequently used. In my department, the raw material blanks are cut, milled, and drilled until the small scale for the knife handle is finally created.
Is the job difficult to learn? What aspects of your work are often underestimated by outsiders?
Manufacturing handle scales is complex and requires considerable experience and a delicate touch. As a cabinetmaker, I've accumulated a wealth of valuable experience over 34 years, which I apply to my daily work. This means that I first carefully select the materials and then process them as precisely as possible using machines, taking into account the specific properties of each material. Despite planned workflows, no two steps are alike, as the different material properties always necessitate specific handling and processing. This makes my work incredibly varied.
Are there any materials you need to be especially careful with to avoid damage?
Indeed, many delicate materials require careful and gentle handling. We stabilize particularly sensitive materials using state-of-the-art processes before processing, resulting in significantly improved hardness, durability, and stability. Thanks to this treatment, even soft or delicate woods are suitable for heavy (outdoor) use and contact with moisture. Hybrid materials present a particular challenge during processing. Here, fine natural woods are encased in high-quality, sometimes tinted, acrylic resins using a special process. Similar to the individual grain of each piece of wood, this creates unique patterns and visual effects. Cutting these materials also requires considerable experience and a delicate touch.
What is your favorite wood and why?
My favorite wood is American cherry. It only develops its deep reddish-brown color over time through exposure to UV light.
How self-critical are you about your work?
I set very high standards for my work and that of my team, because I always want to give 100% to achieve the best possible result. Böker's values and what the company stands for are the benchmark for my work.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My workday begins promptly at 6 a.m. First, I take care of the paperwork. This means checking emails, sorting orders, entering them into the computer, and distributing them to the employees. I usually then check the recently arrived materials for quality and condition. Only then do I begin my actual work: cutting wood and sheet materials. However, organizational tasks also fall under my purview, such as procuring samples or coordinating with other departments.
When do you consider a workday successful? Is it important to you that your job also presents physical challenges?
When I've completed the tasks I set out to do, everything has gone smoothly, and the department produces top-quality work, I'm happy. It's very important to me to be physically challenged at work, as I'm not exactly a desk jockey :)
What is the work like in the shell department? Does everyone work independently or do you complement each other as a team?
Working as a team is a lot of fun, but it's also essential in my department. Every step builds on the previous one. If one colleague isn't working cleanly, the next one has a lot more work to do. That's why we communicate a lot and help each other to ensure the high quality standards for the formwork and, of course, for the product itself.
Do you have any hobbies or other things you do in your free time besides your job? When you have time, what is important to you?
My family is the most important thing to me. I cherish the time I spend with them and it gives me a lot of energy. Another thing that's very close to my heart is my volunteer work for the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). Besides that, I spend a lot of time outdoors, mountain biking or taking long walks with our dog. Generally, I do a lot of sports in my free time.
Do you have a personal connection to knives outside of your professional life? (Was the fascination with knives instilled in you from birth?)
My grandparents introduced me to the subject at an early age. They owned a silverware factory, and I've been interested in knives since childhood. My first contact with Böker came at the Solingen Zöppkesmarkt, where the current managing directors and their siblings sold knives from a quaint, half-timbered-style stall.
Will you tell us your favorite knife? What do you like about it most?
I am fascinated by Damascus steel knives with wooden handles. The careful selection of the exquisite materials and the meticulous craftsmanship tell the story of the knife and make it truly special.
If you were to design your own knife, what would it look like?
That would definitely be a rescue knife. Being a practically minded person, I appreciate the versatility and robustness of these knives. On top of that, they look really good too.
What was your career path at Böker? What were the highlights for you during your time at Böker?
I was fortunate enough to be hired as head of the shell department in 2014. In addition, I'm a certified first aider and safety officer. While my daily work is in the shell department, site visits are also crucial for ensuring the quality of our products and preventing potential problems that might only surface later in the production process. I regularly visit major timber suppliers and importers with our purchasing team. Especially with scarce and rare materials, assessing the quality on-site is essential for a satisfactory final product. Here, I contribute my expertise, fostering an understanding of our requirements and processes in further processing. A particular highlight was undoubtedly the business trip to our sales partner, Muela, in Spain. It was absolutely fascinating to see how another company in the same industry processes demanding natural materials. The open exchange was valuable and very interesting for both sides.
Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you have any specific goals for the next few years?
I see my future in the shell department and look forward to more exciting projects. I would like to contribute and share my knowledge and experience there, thereby further strengthening the Böker brand for the future.
We've observed that sustainability and the local sourcing of our raw materials are playing an increasingly important role, and that native woods are once again being more highly valued. How do you assess this development, and where do you see the Böker manufactory in 30 years?
I think it's fantastic when we process wood and raw materials from the local region. This strengthens local markets, and the shorter transport routes make a lasting contribution to environmental protection. The Böker brand will continue to establish itself in markets worldwide, because its quality and values speak for themselves.
What advice would you give to applicants interested in a job at our factory?
You should generally have an interest in knives and/or their manufacture. In addition, manual dexterity and a good grasp of concepts are very advantageous. Furthermore, I greatly appreciate it when someone looks beyond the scope of their actual task in order to better understand and contextualize issues.