Boker USA question.

R

robertj298

Joined
Mar 7, 2014
Messages
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I've read the history of Boker but my question is why
are the Boker USA knives quite a bit cheaper than the
ones made in Solingen Germany? Is the quality of the USA
models not up to what the Solingen ones are?
 
robertj298 said:
I've read the history of Boker but my question is why
are the Boker USA knives quite a bit cheaper than the
ones made in Solingen Germany? Is the quality of the USA
models not up to what the Solingen ones are?
Click to expand...
I would guess it's because the American boker seems to have mostly made very common patterns and styles, in solingen they made many more notable patterns like the camp messer and other classic German knives that are a bit more sought after.
My only Boker is a USA pen that seems to be a very good knife , if I'm not mistaken they were a relatively affordable knife though.
 
I don't believe Boker USA knives have actually been made in the USA, since the 1930's or 1940's, presuming they ever have been. Whereas the Tree Brand, at least, is made in Solingen, Germany.
My understanding is Boker USA is responsible for the Asian imported Boker Plus and Boker Magnum lines..
 
I've heard, and I may be entirely wrong, that it was cheaper to make and sell the knives here than have them shipped over.
 
afishhunter said:
I don't believe Boker USA knives have actually been made in the USA, since the 1930's or 1940's, presuming they ever have been. Whereas the Tree Brand, at least, is made in Solingen, Germany.
My understanding is Boker USA is responsible for the Asian imported Boker Plus and Boker Magnum lines..
Click to expand...
They absolutely were made in the USA up to 1983.

https://www.bokerusa.com/timeline
 
I didn't know it was as recent as that. My Levine 2 says Boker USA was a manufacturer and importer.
 
I have a few Boker USA knives and love the carbon steel in them. I imagine availability had alot to do with the price. Boker USA also manufactured the John Primbles with the star on the back of the tang by the model number.
 
afishhunter said:
I don't believe Boker USA knives have actually been made in the USA, since the 1930's or 1940's, presuming they ever have been. Whereas the Tree Brand, at least, is made in Solingen, Germany.
My understanding is Boker USA is responsible for the Asian imported Boker Plus and Boker Magnum lines..
Click to expand...

Yes they were and were at one point owned by Wiss / Cooper tools until shutting down sometime in the 80's.
 
The book on Boker is an amazing book by Neal Punchard and Ricky Ray.

This book will tell everything and is a beautifully set out book with great photography.

It explains the History of Boker, why Boker USA began etc.
In my opinion Boker USA in their day were as good as German built Knives.
 
This thread needs pictures. Boker USA with an Otter from Solingen.
6qlr3xu.jpg
 
Bastler said:
This thread needs pictures. Boker USA with an Otter from Solingen.
6qlr3xu.jpg
Click to expand...
Agreed!

I think the question: "Are USA made Bokers as good as the Solingen ones?" might depend on which pattern, and when it was made. These Boker USAs are as good as the Solingen ones.
eDjwzem.jpg

This Jack is also well made, but probably intended to be more of an "economy" model, with plastic covers.
cHyEoMm.jpg
 
Campbellclanman said:
The book on Boker is an amazing book by Neal Punchard and Ricky Ray.

This book will tell everything and is a beautifully set out book with great photography.

It explains the History of Boker, why Boker USA began etc.
In my opinion Boker USA in their day were as good as German built Knives.
Click to expand...

Campellclanman, thanks for the nice comments towards the Boker book.
There has been quite a bit of misinformation posted recently about Boker knives and history on a few various threads which could be cleared up by sourcing the new book.
Enclosed is a link to a book review from someone who I have no connection to.

 
Like r8shell has said Boker USA could and did make knives every bit as good there German counter parts. Their large bone handled 4 blade Congress pattern is a good example of some of their best work.
 
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