Boker Timeline - A Legacy of Steel
1674 – 1899: The roots of a global knife brand
1674
Tree as a Trademark
The Böker family registers the tree as a trademark for hand tools in Germany.
1829
Foundation
Founding of H. R. Böker in Remscheid by Hermann and Robert Böker.
1837
Böker USA established
Hermann Böker brings the brand to the USA. Boker USA is founded in New York City.
1861–1866
Manufacturing for the Civil War
Böker Germany produced muskets and 18,000 sabers for the Union Army in the American Civil War.
1865
Böker Mexico is created
Foundation of Böker Mexico by Robert Böker.
1869
Solingen becomes home
Establishment of Heinr. Böker Baumwerk in Solingen – the "City of Blades" – by Heinrich Böker.
1870
The tree logo will be protected
Registration of the trademark rights for the legendary tree logo in the "knives" class of goods – to this day a symbol of quality
1890s
Rise in the USA
Böker is becoming one of the leading knife providers in the USA.
1891
New customs barriers in America
Passing of US customs law to restrict imports of foreign goods (history repeats itself!)
1892
Production in the USA
Boker USA merges with Valley Forge in Newark, New Jersey, to manufacture Boker knives in the USA.
1900–1949: Innovation, War and New Beginnings
1913
Strong Brands for America
“Tree Brand” and “Arbolito” are registered as trademarks in the USA.
1914–1918
Manufacturing in the Shadow of War
During World War I, all knives manufactured in Solingen are produced exclusively for military use.
1925
The tree lives on
The iconic, over 100-year-old Boker chestnut tree is struck by lightning – its wood lives on in a hand-carved tree logo.
1944
Destruction of the tree population
British bombers destroy the Boker knife factory in Solingen
1945
Loss of US Trademark Rights
End of World War II. The Boker trademarks in the USA are confiscated by the U.S. government.
1946
Reconstruction in Solingen
The "Baumwerk" in Solingen is being rebuilt and production is restarting.
1947
Regaining US rights
Major John Boker acquires the US trademark rights of Boker USA.
1950
Return to the US market
Boker USA is resuming imports from Solingen.
1956–1958
Schrade and the Switchblade Act
Böker takes over the Schrade Knife Company for the production of switchblades. With the enactment of the Switchblade Act, the Schrade factory, specialized in automatic knives, later has to close.
1960s
Growth through strong partnerships
Collaborations with strong sales partners in the USA increase brand awareness for Böker and enable investments in Solingen
1980–2010: Expansion, innovation and iconic collector's knives
1983
Expansion to South America
Founding of Boker Arbolito in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to expand into South American markets.
1986
Restart in the USA
Böker acquires US trademark rights back. Re-establishment of Boker USA in Denver, Colorado - beginning of a new growth phase.
1995
The Speedlock Revolution
Böker Speedlock. Launch of the iconic knife series that revolutionized the automatic knife business
1999
New headquarters in Solingen
Construction of the new, modern Boker company headquarters in Solingen, combining tradition and innovation.
2002
The Kalashnikov Legend
Böker Kalashnikov. Developed in personal cooperation with General Mikhail Kalashnikov, this legendary knife series.
2005
Leopard-Damascus steel from tank armor
Böker Leopard Damast. Knives with blades hand-forged from the gun barrels of the Leopard tank impress TV productions (Galileo).
2006
Return of the Razors
Resumption of production of premium razors made in Solingen based on historical designs.
2010
Tirpitz Damask from original steel
Böker Tirpitz Damascus. Böker commissions Norwegian divers to salvage original steel from the battleship Tirpitz to forge Damascus blades.
2019–Today: Tradition, craftsmanship and the future
2019
150 Years Boker Solingen
Böker Solingen celebrates its 150th anniversary.
2021
Historical Damascus from Sherman steel
Boker USA Historical Damascus: Knife Blades Forged from Original Steel of a World War II Sherman Tank Open Up New Sales Channels
2025
Return of Made in USA
Boker USA Resumes Knife Production in Denver, Colorado – The First Boker Knives "Made in USA" Since 1945.