Kenton Green has been working as a sales manager at Böker USA in Lakewood, Colorado since 2015.
Kenton, how long have you been working at Böker USA and what exactly are your responsibilities there?
I have been working at Böker since 2015 and am currently responsible as sales manager for the states in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.
What do you particularly like about your work and the products?
For the past 18 years, I've worked in the outdoor industry, gaining experience in sales, marketing, and product development for over 45 different manufacturers. This has given me the unique opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge of firearms, tactical equipment, and a wide variety of knives. I can perfectly apply this wealth of experience in my current position. Knives and cutlery in general have always fascinated me. And because a knife is subject to very few regulations, it's perfectly suited as a practical everyday item, possessing a distinctive flair and often passed down from generation to generation. The knives we produce today will outlive us and continue to tell the Böker story.
You are significantly involved in the conception of our military-historical Damascus steel projects and in procuring the original materials. Where does your fascination with historical steel come from, and when did it begin?
I've always had a great interest in historical events that have changed and shaped the world. Military history, in particular, holds individual significance for everyone. By this, I mean especially those who designed, built, or operated military equipment. Since joining Böker, I've also gained an increasingly deeper understanding of the company's long history in connection with its diverse product range. This foundation offers a unique opportunity to develop historical products and inspire our ever-growing and diverse global customer base.
How did you manage to get your hands on the historic steel ?
Many pieces of old military equipment are extremely rare these days, and often only a handful of examples exist. One might almost assume that the procurement of such materials can only take place through dubious sources.
Is that really the case?
I don't want to reveal too much at this point, but I can say that since the beginning of the initial tank project with the famous M4 Sherman three years ago, I have conducted extensive research to find high-quality steels for our Damascus steel production. Throughout history, engineers and manufacturers in the war economy have been extremely creative in their use of available materials. The search led me to the most respected dealers and collectors in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Along the way, I met numerous people who share our interest in these extremely rare pieces and are delighted that the stories of these historical artifacts are being continued in a new chapter with our knives. I can assure all those who suspect a "shady underground network" behind our projects that all acquired pieces have undergone a rigorous certification and documentation process with the local museum and antiquities authorities. The verifiable path to "historical scrap metal" is a lengthy process, but the effort is absolutely worthwhile!
How is the material checked for authenticity?
In our workshop, a piece is cut from each specimen and cleaned, then sent to our certified metallurgist for analysis. This process often reveals fascinating findings, such as the fact that historical armor and armor components were indeed manufactured using modern technology even back then. This is sure to excite not only experts.
Which historical Böker damask project do you personally remember most fondly, and why?
My favorite project to date was a close collaboration with the Americans in Wartime Museum, which provided us with the steel from the M4 Sherman tank. The museum also assured us of its willingness to cooperate on further US and European tank projects. The relationship with the Americans in Wartime Museum is very special, as a portion of the proceeds from each knife sold goes to the museum itself and various veterans' programs. Through our collaboration with the Americans in Wartime Group, we have also been able to establish new contacts with other military, naval, and aviation museums that are equally dedicated to preserving our history and represent valuable partners for future joint projects.
How did the contact and cooperation with the Americans in Wartime Museum come about?
The initial inquiry led to a detailed explanation of the historical program's concept, which over time allowed a trusting and personal relationship to develop, characterized by high mutual respect. Both sides offer each other entirely new perspectives, which are very beneficial for future collaboration.
What significance does contact with military veterans have in this context?
Through daily contact with active-duty soldiers and veterans, as well as regular participation in various veterans' events, one gains a much deeper understanding and respect for their civic duties and sacrifices. Every country, every company, and every individual has its own way of honoring those who serve or have served their country. By producing products steeped in history, we express our appreciation in this regard and hope that each story will be passed down for generations to come.
Is there a story that particularly impressed you?
Every historical piece has its own story. It's therefore very difficult to say that one particular story impresses me more than another. Ultimately, the potential customer, with their individual experiences and interests, can only decide for themselves which knife is right for them.
What do you do when you're not searching for historical steel ? What do you like to do in your free time?
In my job as a sales manager, I unfortunately don't have much free time due to the high volume of orders. I used to occasionally find myself spending time in the wilderness or building furniture in my workshop. Sometimes I would restore a car to sell it on to the next car enthusiast.
What advice do you have for newcomers who want to study military history and weapons?
One should not only read about history, but experience it with all one's senses, whether at historical sites or in museums. Words alone can convey neither the knowledge nor the necessary respect for the efforts and sacrifices of all those who have already contributed to history.