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    <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/?sAtom=1" rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" />
    <author>
        <name>Boker USA</name>
    </author>
    <title>Blog/Atom feed</title>
    <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/?sRss=1</id>
    <updated>2026-05-16T10:41:04+02:00</updated>
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Company Profile | Heckler &amp; Koch</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/company-profile-heckler-koch</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/company-profile-heckler-koch"/>
            <summary type="html">
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                                            Innovation, reliability and technical perfection – for more than 70 years, security forces, police and emergency services in NATO and EU countries have sworn by the proven handguns from Heckler &amp; Koch (H&amp;K). The defence company was founded in 1949 in Oberndorf am Neckar, Baden...
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                 Innovation, reliability and technical perfection – for more than 70 years, security forces, police and emergency services in NATO and EU countries have sworn by the proven handguns from Heckler &amp;amp; Koch (H&amp;amp;K). The defence company was founded in 1949 in Oberndorf am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, by engineer Edmund Heckler, developers Theodor Koch and Alex Seidel, who had previously worked at Mauser-Werke, and sales genius Erich Unterkofler. Heckler &amp;amp; Koch originally started out producing machine guns and, over the years, has cemented its reputation for manufacturing high-quality, customised weapons for a wide range of requirements. Its claim: Made for Safety – H&amp;amp;K products are designed to protect people in free and democratic countries from threats and violence. 
 In the 1950s, Heckler &amp;amp; Koch developed the G3 assault rifle, which quickly became one of the company&#039;s best-known products and is used by many armies around the world. In the decades that followed, the company expanded its range and launched other important models, including the MP5, whose roots date back to 1966 and which is still used today in various versions by many police forces and military units. From 2025, the manufacturer will equip the German Armed Forces&#039; special forces with the G210 sniper rifle. 
 Heckler &amp;amp; Koch has long made a name for itself internationally and exports its products to numerous countries. With branches in Europe and the USA, the manufacturer contributes to security and democracy worldwide, always in strict compliance with the law and ethical principles. Despite the challenges and controversies associated with weapons production, H&amp;amp;K remains an important player in the industry as a global market and technology leader, focusing on innovation and the highest quality standards. 
 In 2024, decisive steps were taken towards a forward-looking cooperation between Heckler &amp;amp; Koch and Böker. First-hand tactical and military expertise combined with more than 150 years of experience in knife manufacturing form a unique symbiosis for a select product portfolio bearing the Heckler &amp;amp; Koch Made by Böker seal. The focus is on tactical knives that complement the equipment of police, military and security services, but are also available to private individuals. The fixed-blade MP7 Personal Duty Knife , which  effortlessly masters tactical and practical tasks thanks to its versatility, is a first notable success. 
 Heckler &amp;amp; Koch and Böker – a perfect match for knife fans around the world! 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2025-07-03T07:15:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Smilla Riege</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-smilla-riege</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-smilla-riege"/>
            <summary type="html">
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                                            She always knows what&#039;s what, and she certainly knows what ‘fase’ means. Böker customers have long appreciated her high level of expertise and understanding manner. Her smile: audible over the phone and an absolute added value in many Böker YouTube videos. Her skills: expertis...
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                  She always knows what&#039;s what, and she certainly knows what ‘fase’ means. Böker customers have long appreciated her high level of expertise and understanding manner. Her smile: audible over the phone and an absolute added value in many Böker YouTube videos. Her skills: expertise, people skills, willingness to learn, enthusiasm and plenty of composure. Smilla Riege has been working in Boker&#039;s private customer service department since May 2023 and has held the position of team leader since January 2025. Her responsibilities include taking and processing telephone orders, providing comprehensive advice on the right knife and answering customer enquiries. More recently, she has also been appearing in front of the camera as the secret star of the Boker videos and is an important pillar of influencer marketing. In the following interview, we find out what fascinates her about forgotten places and how she manages not to leave customers alone in the lost place known as ‘Messerwirrwarr’ (knife confusion).    How did you come to Boker?   My grandmother sold Boker cutlery in the 1960s, as demand for complete cutlery sets was very high in the post-war years. In addition, my grandfather was a hunter, which meant that I came into contact with the legacy of his passion at an early age. This included the famous Boker sports knife.   What did you do before?   I completed my training at a building materials wholesaler specialising in roofs and facades.   How do you apply your previous professional experience to your tasks at Boker?   The industries I have worked in so far could not be more different. But they have one thing in common: a passion for a product that will give customers a lifetime of enjoyment. Attentive and personal customer contact has shown me how valuable empathetic sales are today. In addition, new challenges and customer appreciation drive me every day. Moving from one male-dominated field to another, it never gets boring, and that&#039;s exactly what motivates me to be better tomorrow than I am today.&amp;nbsp;   What do you particularly enjoy about your job?   The opportunity to discover a new perspective on my job every day and the complexity of customer service. Advising customers on ‘the right knife’ is always an exciting journey, while implementing constructive customer feedback is important for flexibility in the market.  I also really like the fact that my presence on the Boker YouTube channel helps me get to know our customers even better.   What is important when dealing with customers?   First and foremost, it is important to always be friendly and respectful. At the end of the day, we represent our manufacturer to our customers and have high standards of service for ourselves.   Do you carry knives in your private life?   Yes! Whether you&#039;re a knife fan or not, once you start working at Boker, you get caught up in the fever. For me, it started with small knives between 2 and 5 cm long. My absolute favourite is still the Boker Plus Atlas. Thanks to the option of individual laser engraving, most models can be personalised, which also catches the attention of non-knife enthusiasts.   How do you use knives?   I have many of my knives on display at home. It&#039;s a small collection that is constantly changing as I swap with friends. My Boker Plus ‘Atlantas’ each have their place in my handbags, depending on which one I&#039;m travelling with. My multi-tool is my favourite companion for long trips and camping holidays. I ‘successfully’ dismantled my last one on holiday last year while travelling through the Benelux countries and immediately bought a new one.  And when I visit a lost place every now and then, my pry bar, torch and my Magnum Blomkvist are essential. They&#039;ve helped me out of a tight spot on more than one occasion.   You are now a familiar face on our YouTube channel. Describe the challenges of being in front of the camera.   Definitely living up to the expectations of the audience and the business philosophy. Professional, high-quality and informative videos that are still entertaining are a new challenge every time.&amp;nbsp;  It fills me with joy when we can bring the world of knives closer to laypeople in an understandable way and share our passion. It&#039;s also a modern approach and a unique opportunity to hear the voice of our customers.   Do you have any hobbies that involve knives?   These include hiking, exploring abandoned places and camping. It never hurts to have a knife with you. I am constantly amazed by the power of nature, whether it&#039;s its beauty or the leisurely pace at which it slowly reclaims abandoned places, for example.   Do you have any other hobbies?   Culinary arts are a big thing for me. I either cook myself or enjoy going out to eat. Otherwise, I spend a lot of time with my friends and like to go out.   What is your current favourite knife and why?   The good old Atlas! Because I&#039;ve used it to cut everything from melons to loose threads on dresses, it never seems to get blunt, it&#039;s easy to clean, it doesn&#039;t lose any screws because it&#039;s riveted, it fits flat in my pocket and isn&#039;t bulky, so it doesn&#039;t cause any frowns in public. But it shouldn&#039;t be carried in your hand luggage at the airport.&amp;nbsp;   What&#039;s next for you?   Alongside my work, I&#039;ve started studying business administration to sharpen my eye for internal processes and be able to understand them even better.   Smilla, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us. Oh, the phone&#039;s ringing, the next customer is already waiting.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2025-07-03T01:30:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Alex Kremer | Daily Customs</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-alex-kremer-daily-customs</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-alex-kremer-daily-customs"/>
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                                            Make everyday life unique! Inspired by Scandinavian pragmatism and driven by unbridled ambition, Alex Kremer, born in Fulda in 1993, combines his adventures with technical expertise and timeless designs in his creations. His stated goal: to get the most out of every cut and ma...
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                  Make everyday life unique! Inspired by Scandinavian pragmatism and driven by unbridled ambition, Alex Kremer, born in Fulda in 1993, combines his adventures with technical expertise and timeless designs in his creations. His stated goal: to get the most out of every cut and make EDC even more exciting! Daily Knives is a joint project between Daily Customs and Böker, combining innovative approaches and more than 150 years of manufacturing expertise in knife making with the ‘Handmade in Germany’ seal to create an unparalleled synergy. With great success, because the fixed Böker Daily Knives AK1 has already taken an exceptional position in the knife world with its carefully selected variants. Developed as a compact and practical everyday knife, the series is now considered a pioneer in the high modifiability of fixed knives. When you choose a Daily Knives, you not only get a high-quality, well-designed knife, but also passion and customisation! Alex Kremer reveals below which materials are suitable for his knives and what is an absolute no-go for him.    How did you first come into contact with knives?  
  As children and teenagers, we often spent our holidays in Scandinavia. This involved a lot of hiking, fishing and discovering nature in all its facets. But there was also always a lot of work to do at home. My grandfather ran a small farm, so a knife was always essential.&amp;nbsp;   When did you design your first knife?  
  It&#039;s hard to say, I guess 2009 or 2010. Although I started out (classically) with purchased Scandi blades, I always had my own ideas, but unfortunately they weren&#039;t feasible at the time. Back then, in 11th grade, I still thought that files and sandpaper were cheaper than buying knives.   How long have you been working as a custom knife maker?  
  I work full-time as a development engineer. I&#039;ve been making knives as a side business since around 2012. The two complement each other surprisingly well. The overlap between ergonomics, function and styling is particularly interesting.   What has your career path been like so far?  
  After graduating from high school, I started a dual degree programme in mechanical engineering, then worked as a design engineer in plant engineering and have been working in vehicle development for two years. Knives have always been a part of my life.   Is there anyone you would describe as your mentor?  
  Unfortunately not. I have many sources of inspiration and people I admire. I try to do a lot of things myself, but I often get in my own way until I finally stumble upon the right solution. Nevertheless, I enjoy exchanging technical information with a few knife makers on a friendly basis and, of course, I also give tips. However, there are many designs and knife makers who were active between 1990 and 2000 that I really like. This starts with Microtech knives (from 1990) and continues with Japanese classics from Al-Mar and SOG to modern tactical knives. Walter Brend, Robert Terzuola, Micheal Walker, Shane Sibert, Tom Krein and Kiku Matsuda are masters of their craft and have had a significant influence on the knife industry. &amp;nbsp;  What do you consider your greatest talent as a knife maker?  
  I really enjoy repairing badly damaged knives and restoring them to their former glory. Many production knives can be considered a ‘good basis’ and can be further optimised. Thinning them down a little or restoring their cutting edge after a few sharpening sessions often breathes new life into knives, which I particularly enjoy.   What do you like most about your work?  
  Satisfied customers who keep coming back with ideas and orders. Fortunately, for many, the first order is not the last.   Where should you start if you want to make your first knife?  
  Buy good materials, get some simple tools and get started. It&#039;s much easier if you have clear goals in mind.&amp;nbsp;   Which materials do you prefer to use?  
  For the blade, I particularly like steels with high hardness and edge retention, e.g. CPM-S-90V, M4, Cruwear, D2, K390 and others. In many cases, I cannot understand the motivation for VG-10, 440C, N690, AUS-8, O1, 1.2842 and similar (apart from kitchen knives). For me, long-lasting, reasonably high sharpness is important. I am therefore delighted that the current Boker CPM-3V blades are very well made. I prefer to equip my blades with a flat grind, as this combines good cutting properties with good repairability and can be thinned if necessary. I prefer synthetic materials for the handle, as they do not shrink or swell. They also look more uniform. G10, CFRP and Micarta are my top three. &amp;nbsp;  What distinguishes your designs?  
  Clean lines, functionally optimised shapes, few frills, good grindability, good repairability and uncompromising performance.   What motivates or inspires you to create new designs?  
  To create better knives than are currently available. They should be easier to cut with, more robust, easy to handle and simple in appearance. Even though my knives often don&#039;t stand out with unusual details and colourful materials, they still catch the eye. That&#039;s what makes them so special to me.   Can people simply order a custom-made knife from you?  
  Unfortunately not at the moment. However, I try to have handmade novelties based on my current ideas ready for trade fairs.   What does a typical working day look like for you?  
  With building a house, a child, a job and a side business, there haven&#039;t been any typical days for a good two years.   What projects are you currently working on?  
  I want to expand Daily Customs, so I&#039;ve got a couple of things in the works right now. Otherwise, I hope to have more time soon to work on my ideas. I&#039;m currently setting up a new workshop and hope that everything will be nicer, cleaner and better.   Do you ever get fed up with knives?  
  Rarely. If so, then more from the people. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ‘experts’ with little technical and craftsmanship background who still like to push themselves to the forefront. In my opinion, this leads to a lot of half-baked knowledge being spread around, which is often very tiring. I also often find it difficult to understand the motivation of many ‘designers’ with little craftsmanship background knowledge. The lack of experience is evident in the designs, but that&#039;s not my concern. I also don&#039;t like the trend of having everything manufactured cheaply in the Far East and selling it here with a 300% mark-up. For me, knives are only a secondary source of income, which is why I want to keep it as a sideline. That way, I can afford to have this opinion.&amp;nbsp;   What about your wife? Does she share your passion?  
  Not really. But she has come to appreciate good, sharp knives.   Do you have time for other things besides your extensive work?  
  I always make time for my family, even though I&#039;ve been very busy lately. Building a house is currently on the agenda, but there are also general repairs that need to be done. Old cars and mopeds are always interesting, and every now and then I get a day off to go fishing.   How do you best switch off in your free time?  
  I don&#039;t really switch off. There&#039;s always something going on.   Do you have any other hobbies that have nothing to do with knives?  
  Holidays, fishing, working on cars, spending time with my friends or shopping for tools.   What can&#039;t you do at all?  
  I&#039;ve never been very good at leatherwork; my woodworking skills are also rather limited. I&#039;m much better at working with metal.   Is there anything else you would like to share with our customers?  
  I think Boker is currently on the right track. A lot has been changed and improved, especially in terms of steel and grinding. The prototype blades and pre-production knives I recently received from AK1 and AK4 really blew me away. Very hard, very thin, absolutely custom-made in terms of performance. So I&#039;m very happy and proud to be able to play my modest part in this. Especially since manufacturing in Germany is also a particular motivation for me. There are enough soft-washed Full-Ti flippers from the Far East, we don&#039;t need another one. But high-quality products from Europe are becoming rare.&amp;nbsp;   Dear Alex, thank you very much for taking the time for us and our customers.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2025-07-03T01:30:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Ramon Chaves</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-ramon-chaves</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-ramon-chaves"/>
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                                            Straightforward, without detours. Minimalist, with an impulsive character. Timeless - in time with eternity. Ramon Chaves&#039; knives combine the best materials and top performance with a timeless, no-frills design. The US custom knifemaker with Mexican roots has long since made a...
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                  Straightforward, without detours. Minimalist, with an impulsive character. Timeless - in time with eternity. Ramon Chaves&#039; knives combine the best materials and top performance with a timeless, no-frills design. The US custom knifemaker with Mexican roots has long since made a name for himself on the international knife scene - not least thanks to the unmistakable skull clip as a trademark. Despite all the success of his company Chaves Knives, the designer remains modest and grateful. In the following, Ramon Chaves reveals the advice he still follows today and why the Boker Mini Redencion closes a circle.  
  How did you come into contact with knives?  
 Basically in the classic way, as with most people, through the family environment. My father never left the house without his 3-blade knife. I used to watch him with admiration as he cut out the beautiful lighthouse logo from the front page of our local newspaper for me almost every day with his knife. I was maybe three or four years old at the time. When he gave me my first pocket knife, which was a Boker Tree Brand Slipjoint knife, the fire was finally lit in me. 
  When did you design your first knife?  
 I was in the 10th grade of high school. After finding a knife that my uncle had made as a wedding gift for my parents in the 1950s, I started designing my first knife. 
  &amp;nbsp;  How long have you been working as a custom knifemaker?  
 Since then, I had made a few knives from time to time, which I gave away or even lost. In 2010, a friend approached me with the request to make a knife for him, which he also wanted to pay for. 
  What is your professional career to date?  
 After graduating from high school, I worked my way through a wide variety of jobs. I finally settled down with the BNSF railroad company and most recently worked as a train driver. 
  Is there anyone you would describe as your mentor?  
 That would be overstating it, as I taught myself most of what I know. When I went to more trade fairs, I regularly met a few good friends from the knife scene who gave me one or two valuable tips on how to build a folding knife. 
  Where do you see your greatest talent as a knifemaker?  
 That my designs are consistently characterized by a minimalist and straightforward concept without any frills. So here too, less is more, which doesn&#039;t necessarily make things any easier. 
  Where do the ideas for your designs come from?  
 The source of my work is immortality as both an inspiration and a requirement. It may sound philosophical, but I take a very pragmatic view. On the one hand, this applies to the construction and the choice of materials, so that my knives become lifelong companions if they are cared for properly. On the other hand, my designs should be timeless and not just represent a certain era. 
  What do you like most about your work?  
 What could be better than exchanging ideas with like-minded people who share the same passion for knives? And when I see that my knives are not an end in themselves, but inspire people all over the world, I feel confirmed in my vocation. 
  Where should you start if you want to make your first knife?  
 Although I mentioned earlier that I didn&#039;t have a mentor, shortly after completing my first knife, I met ABS (American Blade Society) certified master blacksmith Joseph Cordova. I asked him if he could take me under his wing, but he declined with thanks. Nevertheless, he liked my designs and gave me a crucial piece of advice: “Don&#039;t use cheap materials, only use the best for your knives!” I can only pass that on. 
  What does a typical working day look like for you?  
 Since my knives are increasingly being produced in series, you&#039;re more likely to find me behind the computer than at the bench grinder. That&#039;s necessary, but not necessarily fulfilling. Because I&#039;m still a custom knifemaker at heart who loves and appreciates the good old knife craft. That&#039;s why I&#039;ll be devoting more time to individual projects with custom-made products in the future. 
  Is it easy to order a custom handmade knife from you?  
 No, unfortunately I don&#039;t have the capacity or the time at the moment. 
  What projects are you currently working on?  
 I am currently developing an attractively priced line of my original designs. But always with Joseph Cordova&#039;s striking guiding principle in mind: “Don&#039;t use shit materials!” The best quality for the money, nothing less is the motto here too. Most recently, I developed the compact and powerful Mini Redencion together with Boker, a kind of heartfelt project as a thank you for my very first pocket knife, which started my passion for knives. 
  Do you sometimes get fed up with knives?  
 Not at all. My passion for knives is my mother tongue. 
  What about your wife? Does she share this passion?  
 No, when it comes to knives she tends to be emotionally sparing. But she loves our business and dealing with our customers all the more. 
  Do you still have time for other things besides your extensive work?  
 Spending time with my wife Lorrie is my top priority. My second great love is my company Chaves Knives. 
  What&#039;s the best way to switch off in your free time?  
 Due to my job, I don&#039;t have much free time at the moment. That&#039;s why I spend almost every free minute with my wife. 
  Do you have any other hobbies that have nothing to do with knives?  
 Yes, I am a passionate gun collector. 
  What can&#039;t you do at all?  
 I can&#039;t think of anything at the moment. I would say formulating spontaneous answers with complete cluelessness. 
  What would you even get up in the middle of the night for?  
 If my family or friends need help. 
  Is there anything else you would like to pass on to our customers?  
 My wife Lorrie and I are grateful for each and every one of you. After all, it is you who keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. We are deeply indebted to you for that. 
  Thank you very much for the interesting insights you have given us into your work.  
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                            <updated>2024-09-29T01:30:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Thomas Wurth</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-thomas-wurth</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-thomas-wurth"/>
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                                            Energized without being under power. Caffeine? Only in cans - preferably from cans. Standstill? Never heard of it. Thomas Wurth has been working at Boker since 2016 and, as Head of Marketing and authorized signatory, is also responsible for the knife store, customer service an...
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                  Energized without being under power. Caffeine? Only in cans - preferably from cans. Standstill? Never heard of it. Thomas Wurth has been working at Boker since 2016 and, as Head of Marketing and authorized signatory, is also responsible for the knife store, customer service and warehouse logistics and is one of the people pulling the strings in the foreground and background. True to the motto: “Where there&#039;s a will, there&#039;s a sausage!”, he drives numerous projects in the company and, as an experienced angler, lures his team with the necessary motivation for top performance. The following interview reveals what Boker fans can look forward to in the future and how the father of three can best switch off.  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Why Boker?  I came across the job advertisement rather by chance and in the traditional way on a careers portal. As a passionate angler, I immediately found the product portfolio exciting and didn&#039;t hesitate to apply. I was contacted by Boker the very next evening. 
  What did you do before?  I had previously worked in the paint and varnish industry for 10 years, where I held various positions from IT clerk to authorized signatory. Even then, my focus was on sales and strategic marketing. 
  What range of tasks does your work involve and how can you apply your previous professional experience to the daily challenges at Boker?  The range of tasks is broad and has grown continuously over the last eight years. In marketing, it is primarily the B2C activities with all marketplaces that make up a relevant part of my work. A new addition this year is our YouTube activities, where we also practice in front of the camera and produce and publish new videos every week. I am also deeply involved in product development and am constantly working on expanding and optimizing our product portfolio, always with an eye on trends, new materials and the needs of our customers. Although the industries and customer groups are different, I have been able to contribute a lot of my previous professional experience to Boker. 
  What do you particularly enjoy about your job?  Even after many years, it is still something very special to be able to realize my own product ideas. From the product idea to prototype construction to the finished product, it is always an exciting process. If the product is subsequently well received by the market, it&#039;s a lot of fun. Projects such as our Boker Advent calendars or the Boker Bronco are particular highlights of my time at Boker. 
  What is important to you when dealing with your team?  As a team, we work on an equal footing and as equals. We benefit enormously from the different skills that everyone brings to the team. In our marketing department in particular, every employee is a specialist in their field, which means that our success has many fathers. 
  Do you carry knives in your private life and do you have a favorite knife?  You&#039;ll hardly ever find me without a knife. My passion - especially for EDC folders - has grown continuously in recent years. My favorite knife has been one of the first prototypes of the Boker Plus Canoe by Joe Mangiafico for some time now. However, due to the strong competition from Solingen innovations such as the Boker BRLW or the Boker Mini Redention, it will probably have to stay at home a little more often in future than in the past ?. 
  Do you have any hobbies where you use knives?  Of course. Basically, I live in a very rural area and played a lot in the forest and by the stream as a child - so a knife was naturally part of my standard equipment. But my greatest passion is definitely fishing, more specifically predator fishing, especially for pike but also for zander and perch from a boat. Weather permitting, I&#039;m out on the water several times a week. Either on the local reservoirs or by motorboat in the Netherlands. Fixed knives like the Boker Bronco are a must in my fishing bag. 
  You have already landed one or two big fish while fishing. What about well-known personalities as cooperation partners for Boker?  We are always on the lookout for exciting partnerships - be it with content creators, i.e. influencers, or with other companies. We are currently working intensively on exciting follow-up projects with the sons of nature. Two further outdoor knife projects are also in the pipeline: This fall will see the launch of the DBK Bushfriend 2000 made in Solingen, as well as a UG Tools special version of the Boker Bronco. And not to forget: New high-quality chef&#039;s knives from Steffen Henssler will also be manufactured by us in Solingen. 
  Do you have any other hobbies?  Hobby is the wrong word. My family is definitely the most important thing. My three children in particular keep me on my toes and take up most of my time alongside work. Due to my age, I have largely left my long-standing fun sports activities (skateboarding, wakeboarding and snowboarding) behind me. Nevertheless, sport is still very important to me. If injuries don&#039;t slow me down, I like to play soccer and keep fit by running or cycling. 
  Forward momentum is your middle name. Where do you get your energy from and what&#039;s the best way to shift down a gear from 6th to 5th?  I&#039;ve always been a very active person and have always been enthusiastic about many tasks. Nevertheless, without my wife, who has my back and always supports me, it wouldn&#039;t work. In my opinion, it is essential to balance body and mind in order to maintain performance in the long term. I achieve this through sport and, of course, spending time on the water fishing. 
  What does the perfect vacation look like for you? All-inclusive, adrenaline or aspirin?  Definitely an active vacation - whether on Lake Maggiore in Italy, in Scandinavia (Sweden and Finland) or the Netherlands. There&#039;s plenty to discover with kids everywhere. However, a fishing rod (probably at least 10 rods in reality) should never be missing from the luggage, regardless of the vacation destination. 
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Thomas, thank you very much for giving us these interesting insights.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2024-09-25T01:30:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Tommaso Rumici</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-tommaso-rumici</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-tommaso-rumici"/>
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                                            Veni, vidi, Rumici - I came, saw and designed. Feeling the idea, letting the pen flow, living the vision. Each of his designs bears a unique signature, characterized by versatility, meticulousness and graceful perfection. Tommaso Rumici (* 1983, Italy) is one of the most sough...
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                 Veni, vidi, Rumici - I came, saw and designed. Feeling the idea, letting the pen flow, living the vision. Each of his designs bears a unique signature, characterized by versatility, meticulousness and graceful perfection. Tommaso Rumici (* 1983, Italy) is one of the most sought-after knife designers in the world and has already been commissioned by the best-known knife brands. His latest work: the powerful Boker 1969 Mach-1 Damascus. Although function and ergonomics come first, his works of art exude an irresistible attraction. In the following, Tommaso Rumici reveals what a Clint Eastwood film has to do with it and what dream he still wants to fulfill. 
  How did you come into contact with knives?  
 Even as a child, I always had a knife with me - whether I was hiking, out in nature or carving. I can still remember my first knife very clearly. It was a classic Swiss Army knife from Wenger with a wooden handle and slipjoint. There was a small cutlery store in my town called Coltelleria Scintilla. I went there regularly and started collecting knives. Over the years, I developed a deep friendship with the store owners. As a teenager, I eagerly browsed the online forum of the largest Italian cutlery retailer Coltelleria Collini and went to more trade fairs. It wasn&#039;t long before I put my first own design attempts on paper, which were certainly influenced by the golden era of the industry towards the end of the 1990s. 
  When did you design your first knife?  
 In 2005, I designed a tactical knife with the aim of making it by hand. I put this proposal to my friends Rudy and Davide from Coltelleria Collini, who advised me to approach companies in the Italian knife capital of Maniago. I was awarded the contract by Viper and the result was the Viper Fearless. My first commercial design on the market and Viper&#039;s first tactical military knife, which was immediately exhibited at Italy&#039;s most important arms fair. The success of this model was so overwhelming that Viper hired me for further projects and even other brands expressed interest in my designs. 
  Is there anyone you would describe as your mentor?  
 Not really. I owe my success to several people who helped me with advice and support. I was also lucky enough to meet some of the most gifted knifemakers who opened up completely new perspectives on knife making. In particular, I would like to mention Moreno Franzin, a genius in the flesh, who was also responsible for the design of the Mercury Logan and who designed the Viper Free together with me. I have also learned a lot from the companies I have worked with over the last 20 years. 
  Where do you see your greatest talent as a knife designer?  
 True to the motto of the legendary movie character Gunny Highway: &quot;Improvise, adapt, overcome!&quot; I am able to improvise, adapt and overcome possible resistance. I achieve this by creating designs that are fundamentally different from each other and are tailored to the requirements and production possibilities of the respective manufacturer. Combined with a clear style and an unmistakable design language, the result is a knife full of character. Every contour in my designs is meticulously planned and has its raison d&#039;être. Another of my strengths is my keen sense of ergonomics. When I&#039;m asked why someone should buy one of my knives, my answer is always the same: &quot;Just pick it up!&quot; 
  Where do the ideas for your designs come from?  
 In principle, ergonomics and practicality are the top priorities in my designs. Only then comes the aesthetic finishing touches. Each project requires a different approach and new ideas. With knife &quot;A&quot;, I work out the concept based on the manufacturer&#039;s wishes, while with knife &quot;B&quot; I take a close look at the manufacturer&#039;s portfolio to identify any gaps in the range or I even approach the manufacturer with my own, independent designs. In the latter case, I am not dependent on their specifications, but can give free rein to my creativity. I generally draw my designs by hand and take inspiration from shapes from nature, technology or art. 
  What do you like most about your work?  
 I think it&#039;s the variety. Every project is different and I always have to reinvent myself. I am always on the lookout for new technologies and can rely on a lively exchange with experts from the industry. I am constantly discovering new materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, blade types and applications. The constant race for innovation makes projects feasible today that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Furthermore, new challenges are my driving force to always go that little bit further. Because nowadays there are many good designers and an increasingly demanding clientele. Designing a successful knife is anything but easy, but it&#039;s worth all the effort! 
  What does a typical working day look like for you?  
 No two days are the same for me and fortunately I don&#039;t fall into a typical work routine with the same tasks all the time. On the contrary: on some days I sit at the drawing board, on others I work on orders from various manufacturers, on yet other days I carry out field tests or take part in training courses for experts with whom I work on the design of new knives. All this keeps my mind fresh and gives me new ideas for my designs. I have also been working as a tester and columnist for several gun and knife magazines since 2009. Last but not least, I have recently been involved in several training programs for professional rescuers, military and police officers on the effective use of knives, legal aspects and how to deal with armed attackers. 
  What projects are you currently working on?  
 I&#039;m currently working on new pocket knives and fixed-blade knives. I&#039;ve already found a manufacturer for some concepts, but I&#039;m still looking for others. But that&#039;s a normal process. At the end of 2023, I bought a new CAD program (computer-aided design) and am getting to grips with the material more and more. I hope that my website will finally be updated in 2024. Because only a few of the 40 product lines that I have designed throughout my career are shown there. At the moment, my entire portfolio can only be seen on my Instagram profile. 
  Do you sometimes get fed up with knives?  
 Definitely not! My work around knives is so fulfilling and varied that I never get bored. As an experienced user, a knife is not just a design object for me, but the result of extensive research. However, there are still so many things that I would like to explore in more detail or experiments that I would like to carry out. Some of my innovative concepts have not yet found a buyer or are still in the drawer as drawings. I would still like to fulfill a long-cherished dream at some point: Not only to design knives, but also to manufacture them. I already have a workshop, but so far only wooden models, metal parts or rough prototypes have come off the production line. 
  What&#039;s the best way to switch off in your free time?  
 Even though my free time is limited, I consciously create space for family, hobbies and sport. I firmly believe that creative work needs such a counterbalance in order to maintain a high quality of life. At the moment, I keep fit by running, climbing and doing gymnastics. Whenever time allows, I go hiking or traveling with my girlfriend Annabella. Navarre, our German shepherd, is of course a must. I like to read a lot, but sometimes I can&#039;t decide between literature and technical manuals. 
  Thank you very much for the interesting insights you have given us into your work.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2024-02-26T07:30:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Michael Rohlf</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-michael-rohlf</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-michael-rohlf"/>
            <summary type="html">
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                                            It is this moment that strips away the hectic pace of everyday life and fills the silence with mysterious fascination. Thoughts drift away, contentment flushes, with a smile as the inevitable result. Between tranquil calm and imposing sonic power, it&#039;s just a push of a button ...
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                 It is this moment that strips away the hectic pace of everyday life and fills the silence with mysterious fascination. Thoughts drift away, contentment flushes, with a smile as the inevitable result. Between tranquil calm and imposing sonic power, it&#039;s just a push of a button away that gets the anticipation and record player going within seconds - for unfiltered listening pleasure as soon as the pickup reaches into the first groove of the record. Rich in detail, timeless and full of character - the sounds from rock to electro are exactly his, including the charm of the typical crackle. Switch on to switch off - that is Michael Rohlf&#039;s motto. Whether he&#039;s enjoying music, riding his motorcycle or fishing - the outdoor enthusiast and head of the Boker Knife Shop always puts his heart and soul into his work. In the following, the likeable family man reveals how he creates a buzz among knife enthusiasts and why he is a driving force in the Boker team. 
  How did you come to Boker?  
 From 2014 to 2022, I had my own store with articles for the outdoor and tactical sector and matching clothing. The versatile Boker knife range was also a permanent fixture in my store under the supervision of my current work colleague Hajo Wilkes. I had to close the business in September 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While browsing Instagram, I saw in a Boker post that they were looking for a store employee. I quickly wrote my application, called Hajo and I already had a new job. 
  What did you do before?  
 I worked in the horse industry with my father for over 20 years. We had a large warehouse in Wuppertal with around 120 horse-drawn carriages and lots of harnesses. At that time, we were one of the largest carriage suppliers in the world. Our customers included the Swedish and Dutch royal families, the Sultanate of Oman and many others. The carriages were manufactured in Poland, where I liked to spend a lot of time. 
  How do you use your experience for your tasks at Boker?  
 Through over 20 years of purchasing and sales, I have developed a flair for assessing and getting to know customers quickly and accurately. I enjoy responding to the many different types of customers. For example, I know in advance which news and new products are of interest to regular customers. 
  What do you enjoy about your job?  
 Working together in the Boker team. It&#039;s great to see what can be achieved in a team. There&#039;s always something going on here in my store, lots of new people with whom you can talk shop and learn new things. And the best thing: I can combine some of my passions with my job. 
  What does the knife store offer visitors?  
 An incredible variety in all areas relating to knives. This includes pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, chef&#039;s knives, razors, knife sharpeners and matching accessories. All areas are covered: outdoor, bushcraft, collecting, tactical, kitchen, shaving, etc. Anything not on display in the store is quickly fetched from the large warehouse next door and can then be examined in a pleasant atmosphere. Collectors get their money&#039;s worth, as they can choose the knife they like best from a selection of knives. 
  What is important when dealing with customers?  
 The focus is on friendliness. Every customer has different wishes and interests and also different requirements and price expectations for a product. My colleagues and I treat all customers equally. Active listening and friendliness are important, even in the case of complaints or exchanges. 
  Do you carry knives in your private life?  
 Sure, I&#039;ve always felt that way. I immediately miss something if I leave the house without a knife. I then have to turn around and take one. 
  How do you use knives?  
 I change knives depending on the situation: work, my ponds, motorcycling, going to restaurants. I use my Boker Vigtig vs Wild the most and it looks the part, an absolutely reliable thoroughbred workhorse. I carry a gentleman&#039;s knife in style in a leather case. It would be a shame to leave a knife unused in a display case. 
  Do you have any hobbies for which you use knives?  
 I have leased fishing ponds for private purposes. I use them as a biotope and for relaxation. I take the Tech Tool Fork with me on my motorcycle rides for a welcome currywust break. In addition to the sons of nature, the Trymacs / Rumathra team of the last 7 vs Wild season was also equipped with a Boker knife, the Boker Vigtig vs Wild. 
  This knife would not exist without you. What was your role?  
 An ex-soldier friend of mine is an expert in survival and life in nature. He owns a large forest and offers training and weekend courses for individuals and groups. Well connected in the scene, he received a request from Rumathra to prepare him for the 14 days of 7 vs Wild. Together we paved the way for the later Boker Vigtig vs Wild knife. 
  Do you have any other hobbies?  
 At the weekend, I like to spend time at my ponds or ride my motorcycle, now also with my eldest son, who I have infected with this passion. Once a year, I go away for a week on my motorcycle, just following my nose. To relax, I like to listen to music, preferably from vinyl records. Rock and electronic music from the 1970s and early 80s. Played from this medium with impressive depth of sound and the typical crackling and crackling: pure goosebumps! 
  What is your current favorite knife and why?  
 In terms of sheer frequency of use, it should actually be the Boker Vigtig vs Wild, but it&#039;s actually the Boker 98K-Damascus from our company. The blade steel carries a lot of eventful history, it is legal to carry, an absolute classic and an eye-catcher at the same time. 
  Weather permitting, you prefer to ride your motorcycle to work. Which bike are you currently riding?  
 The weather doesn&#039;t matter, I always go for a New Year&#039;s ride on January 1st. At the moment it&#039;s a Harley Davidson XR1200, we&#039;ll see which Harley is next. 
  Michael, thank you very much for giving us these interesting insights.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2024-02-26T01:15:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Simon Gerard</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-simon-gerard</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-simon-gerard"/>
            <summary type="html">
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                                            In the right place at the right time - for some it is a stroke of luck; for Simon Gerard it is a lived philosophy that makes for success. For Boker&#039;s logistics manager, the most important thing is the right coordination. Optimised processes and the best possible efficiency req...
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                 In the right place at the right time - for some it is a stroke of luck; for Simon Gerard it is a lived philosophy that makes for success. For Boker&#039;s logistics manager, the most important thing is the right coordination. Optimised processes and the best possible efficiency require reliability, a structured approach, a committed team and out-of-the-box thinking. Speaking of boxes - de facto, no package bypasses it, no matter whether in incoming or outgoing goods. The logistics department is one of the central pillars for customer satisfaction, as it is the link between goods and customer. The articles from our own production and from suppliers reach their right place on the warehouse shelf in the right quantity, so that when the customer orders them, they immediately find their way to the packing table and ultimately to the customer. With over 9,000 different products in the range, this is both a logistical challenge and a matter of the heart. Why sharpness plays a special role in his life and what he would like to have more space for at home, the Boker Pac(k)-man reveals in the following. 
  How did you end up in the knife industry?  
 I first came into contact with knives at the age of 25, when I wanted to make my own knife. Since then I have been fascinated by the many possibilities that a piece of steel opens up for making a knife.   You work at Boker as a logistics manager. What does a typical working day look like for you and what all falls within your area of responsibility?  
 A wide variety of tasks fall into our daily business. When goods are received, the ordered goods are electronically recorded, labelled and then put on the shelves. Returns are also passed on to the appropriate department. In addition, warehousing includes procurement management to ensure sufficient availability of goods in demand. The product life cycle of an article also requires the creation of new storage locations or their dissolution in the case of discontinued models. For shipping, the goods are packed safely and in a resource-saving manner and handed over to the shipping service providers. Every step is meticulously recorded. As logistics manager, I divide up my team according to requirements and ensure that all employees have the same level of knowledge for their daily tasks, so that they can develop personally and further optimise the processes. In this sense, I am both a contact person and a motivator. 
  When do you call it a successful working day?  
 When my team and I manage to send out the parcels on time, so that the customer has a consignment number on the day of his order. As we sell through several channels, prioritising the relevant orders and integrating them into the daily business is not an insignificant challenge. From storage to shipping, you accompany the goods during many processes.   Which of your activities are particularly challenging? What do you particularly enjoy and how do you inspire your team to work together for success?   
 Especially at peak times, such as our specials for spring and autumn or during the Christmas business, there are strongly changing loads due to fluctuating order numbers. We face this task as a team and exhaust all means and possibilities for maximum success. And each time we can draw on the experience of previous peak periods to make the processes even smoother the next time. Recently, the implementation of a new warehouse management system took place during the day-to-day business. That was not without its challenges. 
  How much physical and mental strain is involved?  
 It&#039;s all manageable. My team gratefully accepts my hands-on mentality as inspiration for ideas, self-motivation and proactive work - this is exactly the attitude they need for daily success. During peak periods, physical and mental stresses are naturally much higher. Nevertheless, the year also offers times when the strain is moderate and energy can be drawn. 
  How critical are you of yourself and your team?   
 I am much more critical of myself than of my team. This is due to my own standards, my responsibility and the fact that mistakes in my department reflect on me. Because you can tell the quality of a teacher by the quality of his students. 
  Do you have a personal connection to knives besides your professional work?  
 Yes, one of my long-time hobbies is making special damask chef&#039;s knives. With a forge and a hammer, I create other delicacies for the kitchen. 
  A knife fan through and through. How long have you been forging knives and how did it come about? Will we find you secretly making knives after work?  
 It was a good 11 years ago in a rather rustic way with a gas bottle and a railway track. In the course of time I was able to refine my skills through several blacksmithing courses, e.g. at the LVR Solingen and with a historian. Mainly I make damask kitchen knives, for the damask I almost always use the steel types 1.2842 and 75Ni8, the pre-stapled bundles (7-21 layers) are &quot;packed&quot; in the fire and fire-welded under exclusion of air by using borax. This produces these impressive showers of sparks. I like to aim for a final layer count of 250-300 layers. During further processing, the final shape is worked out and heat treatment is applied. This is followed by the fine grinding and etching of the damask. I pay special attention to the choice of handle material, often a combination of woods and metal finds its way into my creations. But I could certainly still use one or the other tool. When you look into the Boker production halls, you could become envious. The selection of machines that are not in my workshop is very tempting, but my space at home does not allow it (laughs).    
  Can you still remember your very first knife? What childhood memories do you associate with it?  
 My very first knife was an Opinel 169. Small, light, easy to use and then it was off into nature. Besides your profession, are there any hobbies or other things you pursue in your free time? I appreciate sharpness not only in knives. Another hobby of mine is growing chillies. So if you see me with a red head, it&#039;s not necessarily because of my state of mind. I also like jogging and fitness as a balance to everyday life. 
  Can you tell us your current favourite knife? What do you particularly like about it?  
 Here, too, I like to look outside the box. Of course, that includes Boker knives, like the Boker Sherman EDC. At the moment, however, I&#039;m very fond of the CIVIVI Appalachian Drifter II with a Nitro-V blade, carbon bolsters and purple G10 handle scales. A modern slipjoint knife, light, dynamic, always with you and with great performance. 
  Simon, thank you for giving us these interesting insights.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2023-09-26T00:45:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Dirk Hofmeister | Midgards Knives</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-dirk-hofmeister-midgards-knives</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-dirk-hofmeister-midgards-knives"/>
            <summary type="html">
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                                            In the record time of only 6 years, Dirk Hofmeister has succeeded in becoming a firmly established figure among knife designers as well as among productive semi-custom knifemakers - a goal that many knifemakers, despite their hard work and heart and soul, do not achieve in a l...
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                 In the record time of only 6 years, Dirk Hofmeister has succeeded in becoming a firmly established figure among knife designers as well as among productive semi-custom knifemakers - a goal that many knifemakers, despite their hard work and heart and soul, do not achieve in a lifetime. The unmistakable feature of his knives is their angular design with immense material thicknesses, manufactured using the most modern production techniques. The knives are rightly called by their pithy names from Nordic mythology. Dirk Hofmeister tells us how he keeps his inner idea machine running and why his company and his knives bear names from Nordic mythology.   Dirk, what efforts did the scouts from the Nordic world of the gods Asgard have to go through to track down an excellent bladesmith like you?   (Laughs): They did indeed have to go on a long journey, which led to Hilzingen/Binningen near Lake Constance. However, I grew up in the tranquil village of Tabarz in the beautiful Thuringian Forest. 
  When did your enthusiasm for knives begin?  
 I started collecting knives as a child at the age of 9. I could dust off kitchen knives from my mother, and since we ran a pub and had enough knives, I hung one or two on the wall as decoration. When I was about 12, I tried to make knives myself. A scar on my finger still reminds me of it today. I collected knives assiduously until I was 47. I would even go so far as to say that I had one of the largest knife collections in Baden-Württemberg with about 1000 knives.   Can you still remember your first knife?   The first knife was actually the one I borrowed from my mother&#039;s kitchen.   Collecting knives is definitely a great passion. But that was probably not the end of the line for you, are we right?   Exactly, at the age of 47, the idea of making my own knives matured. Although I had already owned many knives in my life, I wasn&#039;t completely convinced by any of them, so I sold my entire collection and started building and designing knives on the side. My penchant for perfection awakened in me the hunting instinct for the perfect knife. The first knife was the &quot;Boker Plus URD&quot;. This was intended as a knife with interchangeable handles that could be personalised using 3D printing. 
 &amp;nbsp; A step that must have cost a lot to overcome! How did things continue after that?  
 In March 2017, I founded my own company &quot;Midgards Knives&quot; and have been working as a knifemaker ever since. In the middle of 2018, I finally set up my own business as a knifemaker and designer and gave up my previous profession. We currently employ 12 people who actively support us in our work.   What did your professional career look like before you started your own business as a knifemaker?   I completed a 3-year training as a safety officer abroad. This was followed by another 4-year apprenticeship in merchandise management. In 2018, I finally set up my own business. We recently opened a branch in the USA in December 2022 with two employees. 
  Your knives combine striking design, high functionality and outstanding quality. Tell us more about your recipe for success.   Through my years of collecting knives, I have had many knives in my hands and have developed a feeling for what works and what does not. So far, we have developed 220 models and 3D printed the handles and sheaths to match. We are being asked more and more by other companies for help with design questions and problems. About 10% of our ideas come from our own Facebook group, where we definitely implement some ideas from our ever-growing community under the heading &quot;Knives by Freaks for Freaks&quot;. Our YouTube and Instagram channels also contribute significantly. We place particular emphasis on transparency so that we can work openly with our followers and inform them about our progress and challenges at any time.   Looking at the range of Midgards knives, you mainly address tactically experienced and outdoor enthusiastic customer groups. How do you meet their demands?   In the tactical field, I have gained a lot of experience abroad through my training in security services. So I know how tactical knives work and how they are best used. The rest comes from my previous experience as a knifemaker since 2017. 
  Is it also possible to have a custom-made knife made?   Making a customised knife is our daily business. Of course, you can also book a knife-making course with us.   What makes a knife a Midgard knife?   We offer particularly robust, powerful knives with mainly thick blades to our customers and dealers. All knives bear names from Norse mythology. This idea originally came from my daughter, who was writing a novel about Norse mythology at the time. We like to take our inspiration from historical models and then produce them in a modern way. In conclusion, the company &quot;Midgards-Messer&quot; is the only company known to us worldwide that combines handmade knives with the 3D printing process for handles and sheaths. This applies to all our models. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2023-09-08T02:00:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Alessandra De Santis from Hydra Design</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-alessandra-de-santis-from-hydra-design</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-alessandra-de-santis-from-hydra-design"/>
            <summary type="html">
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                                            Confident designs full of passion, emozione and the necessary attention to detail - Italian Alessandra de Santis is a passionate knife designer and the face of Hydra Design. The knife division emerged from Hydra Armaments, her husband&#039;s company that produces accessories for fi...
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
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                  Confident designs full of passion, emozione and the necessary attention to detail - Italian Alessandra de Santis is a passionate knife designer and the face of Hydra Design. The knife division emerged from Hydra Armaments, her husband&#039;s company that produces accessories for firearms such as muzzle flash suppressors and muzzle brakes for sporting, tactical as well as hunting applications. Her creations are characterized by a distinctive design that combines unique details with uncompromising functionality and high utility.  
   How did you get involved with knives?  
 Knives have always fascinated me. And with me it was actually no different than with many other knife enthusiasts before that the passion was sparked in early childhood. Having grown up in the countryside, I always considered knives to be useful tools rather than collectibles. Later, I delved more and more into the matter and began my own path in the knife industry. Incidentally, I can still remember very clearly my first knife, which really enchanted me. It was a compact pocket knife with back lock that I got from my father after we moved abroad. We were in a knife store and I wanted a big knife. My father looked quite puzzled until the owner said that the knife he had chosen was perhaps a little too big for the young lady. Then he showed me the small pocket knife, which I still own and keep in my display case. Maybe it&#039;s because of that store owner that I rarely pull out smaller knives to this day (laughs). 
  Before you designed your own knives, you spent years testing and reviewing knives. How did this change of perspective come about?  
 Exactly, since 2011 I have been working with several knife magazines, critically examining industrial knives. I still work with the most important knife magazine in Italy to this day. The test judgments have helped me enormously to get a comprehensive overview of the knife industry. Coupled with my enthusiasm for knives and the incentive to develop myself further, it was only logical to take the next step and design my own knives. 
  You have a degree in chemistry, many years of experience as a knife journalist, extensive knowledge of historical blades and are also a self-confessed Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) fan. To what extent does this help you in your knife designs?  
 I think you can generally say that you should be willing to think outside the box in all areas to broaden your horizons. My studies have helped me gain extensive knowledge of steel and other materials. A passion for historical knives has made me delve even deeper into their origins, while practicing Filipino martial arts has given me an even better understanding in the use of tactical knives. I can incorporate all of this beautifully into my designs. 
  How long have you been working as a knife designer?  
 I got my start in 2015 when I designed my first fixed blade knife. As this was more of a pastime, the dream initially ended up in the famous drawer before taking concrete shape in 2018 and reviving under Hydra Armaments, my husband&#039;s label. Already in 2019, the first collaborations with international knife manufacturers took place. So hopefully my journey is not over yet, as I am honored when pioneering and traditional manufacturers like Boker approach me for selected projects. 
  Will you tell us what inspires you?  
 The source of my ideas can&#039;t be pinpointed at all. It&#039;s not unusual for my surroundings to inspire me. A certain shape or texture that might come into question for the next handle. But I usually take a goal-oriented approach, harmonizing the type of knife with its intended use in terms of form and function. 
  What do you enjoy most about your job?  
 I would actually say everything. But what I enjoy most are the many positive letters from knife fans who have bought one of my designs or who express their enthusiasm about my work. It&#039;s just a great feeling to know that my products touch people all over the world and play a permanent role in their everyday lives. The knife world is made up of great people. I have already been able to make new friends in many countries. I keep in regular contact with some of them. 
  And your husband? Does he share your enthusiasm for knives?  
 Definitely! We share a passion for knives and firearms; in a way, it brought us together. He&#039;s also a gunsmith. There has never been any prejudice on his part about my affinity for knives. When we moved in together, however, there was a lot of chaos. Knives everywhere you looked. That&#039;s just the way it is with two crazy knife collectors. But one thing is for sure: There is no argument about it when one of us spends his money on knives or firearms. Passion unites and creates understanding. 
  What do you do in your free time to relax or unwind?  
 There are a few things. I like to shoot, especially with precision rifles at long range. But I am also fascinated by bows and crossbows, although I am not very good at them. Another passion is carp fishing. As a contrast to all the outdoor activities I love video games, due to the pandemic I have been seen in front of the console a bit more often lately. 
  Do you ever get fed up with knives?  
 That hasn&#039;t happened to me yet. I don&#039;t think it will happen to me anytime soon. Knives have always been my passion, and I&#039;m happy to be able to live it out professionally. But I don&#039;t rule out the possibility that certain work-related dynamics can develop that have a frustrating effect. When things don&#039;t work out the way I want them to, or when working together turns out to be difficult. But that&#039;s just part of it. 
  What projects are you currently working on?  
 Several exciting designs are already in the starting blocks. Unfortunately, the pandemic and the associated supply bottlenecks for material have resulted in unplanned delays. Nevertheless, eight of my designs are still scheduled for release this year. In addition, new projects and further collaborations are planned. 
  What would you like to leave our customers with?  
 I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have always believed in me and supported me on my journey as a knife designer. I have already received so much great feedback, which fills me with pride on the one hand, but also with a lot of gratitude on the other. I understand my work as a vocation, a passion that I breathe and that always spurs me on to develop further. 
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            </content>

                            <updated>2023-02-26T13:45:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview Boker Trainees</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-boker-trainees</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-boker-trainees"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            This year, too, new apprentices are taking their first steps into professional life at Boker Manufaktur in Solingen. We are currently training a total of 12 apprentices in the professions of metal technology specialist (specializing in machining technology and assembly technol...
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                <![CDATA[
                  This year, too, new apprentices are taking their first steps into professional life at Boker Manufaktur in Solingen. We are currently training a total of 12 apprentices in the professions of metal technology specialist (specializing in machining technology and assembly technology), machine and plant operator, industrial clerk, marketing communications clerk, IT specialist (specializing in system integration) and warehouse specialist. This time we looked over the shoulders of Nassim (21) and Eric (17) during their exciting training. If you are also looking for an apprenticeship and would like to become part of our apprentice team, we look forward to receiving your application!  
 &amp;nbsp; 
  Why did you decide on this apprenticeship?  
 Nassim: As an industrial clerk, you have the advantage of getting to know many different departments during the course of your training and working there for about 12 weeks (depending on the department). After graduating from high school, I wasn&#039;t sure which area I wanted to train in, so I decided to become an industrial clerk. This way I can answer the question for myself after finishing the apprenticeship, which department and which work suits me best and in which department I would like to work permanently. 
  Eric: I have always been interested in knives. Since my uncle also worked for a well-known company in the cutlery industry, it was obvious to turn my hobby into a profession. I have always been a craftsman, so the training as a metal technology specialist / specializing in assembly technology appealed to me directly.  
  Why did you decide on Boker?  
 Nassim: Before I started the apprenticeship, I didn&#039;t know Boker too well. But it was important to me to work in a company that manufactures a final product. At Boker, you can follow the high vertical range of manufacture in detail from the first to the last production step of a knife. In addition, you have many opportunities to work in different departments here after your training. Boker not only takes on many apprentices as permanent employees after their training, but also offers further training opportunities. 
  Eric: As a knife fan, Boker was of course a household name to me and not really comparable to other employers. Boker has a very long history and is a Solingen-based bedrock in the knife industry. As a traditional company, producing not only classics but also modern knives simply convinced me.  
  What are your tasks?  
 Nassim: At the moment I&#039;m in the work preparation department and will probably work there until the end of my apprenticeship. There, it&#039;s mainly about control processes in production. We plan and create production orders. This includes creating and revising article parts lists and work sequences. In order for us to be able to create a production order, all production-relevant individual parts and components must be in stock in the parts warehouse in sufficient quantities. Since we produce the individual parts such as blades, shells, blanks, jaws, back springs, etc. ourselves, good planning is extremely important in order to avoid delivery bottlenecks in the final product. We buy in screws and small parts, so communication with external suppliers is also part of our activities. The tasks in this department are very varied. 
  Eric: My basic tasks are drilling, countersinking, reaming, pinning and knife assembly. A particular challenge here is that each of these work steps requires maximum concentration. Every deviation, every inaccuracy affects the next work step. The standards I set myself are therefore very high.  
  What do you enjoy the most?  
 Nassim: I personally enjoyed working with my colleagues and the excursions and events with the trainees, which were always very entertaining. In addition, we trainees organize the company parties together (e.g. Christmas party), which is always a great change. 
  Eric: What I enjoy the most is the reiding (i.e. the assembly). Here you are even closer to the end product than when machining individual components. Learning the art of knifemaking from experienced colleagues and getting tips and tricks firsthand is definitely always something special for me.  
  What do you like best about our products?  
 Nassim: The diversity in our range. Even if you have little interest in knives, you would find the right knife for you in our range. I especially like the design of our more modern pocket knives like the Boker TRPPR. 
  Eric: I particularly like the high proportion of handwork. The products don&#039;t just fall out of a machine, but go through an insane number of individual steps. Here, quality is the be-all and end-all - without it, nothing works.  
  What future prospects do you have in this profession?  
 Nassim: My goal is to stay with Boker after the apprenticeship in the work preparation department. Although I am only in my second year of training, I have already received an offer of employment, which I am happy to accept. After the apprenticeship, I would like to continue my education, for example by studying business administration while working. 
  Eric: At Boker, you can train extensively and learn other professions such as electrician, tool mechanic and others. This opens many doors for me. I would also like to stay at Boker after my apprenticeship. Both employment as a reider in the reiderei or in the etching department would be very appealing to me.  
  Are you sometimes fed up with knives?  Nassim: No, not really. At the beginning of my training, I wasn&#039;t that interested in knives. In the meantime, I have developed a distinct passion and my interest continues to grow.  Eric: No, the variety of knives inspires me anew every time, so I don&#039;t get bored anytime soon.  
  How do you like to spend your free time? You both like to play soccer?  
 Nassim: Correct. I played for a long time in the club as a 10. Recently, I was unfortunately injured for a longer time at the knee, but now I play again twice a week with friends in a soccer hall and also organize smaller tournaments. In addition, I regularly go to the gym and to boxing. Otherwise, I spend my free time with family and friends. 
  Eric: I currently play for BVG Gräfrath in the Bergische Liga as a defender. Otherwise the usual: Meeting friends, going to the movies, listening to music.  
  Do you have any final words that you would like to address to potential future trainees?  
 Nassim: Back then, I was always told that you should go to university with a general university entrance qualification. I&#039;m glad that I decided to do an apprenticeship anyway, because the practical experience helped me enormously. Besides, I can still study part-time after my apprenticeship. 
  Eric: If you are interested in knives or even fascinated by them, then I would come to Boker, because you learn a lot about the history and variety of knives. Department managers and colleagues are very friendly and helpful. Generally flat hierarchies and a high appreciation for good work.      
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            </content>

                            <updated>2023-02-26T07:45:00+01:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
    
        <entry>
            <title type="text">Interview with Ricardo Salzmann</title>
            <id>https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-ricardo-salzmann</id>
            <link href="https://www.bokerusa.com/blog/interview-with-ricardo-salzmann"/>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                
                                            Ricardo, you are CEO of Boker Arbolito in Buenos Aires Argentina. The title of a CEO there is &quot;Presidente&quot;. That has a ring to it. You allowed us to address you as Ricardo before the interview. When and how did you come to Boker Arbolito? Before that, I worked for Mercedes Ben...
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            </summary>
            <content type="html">
                <![CDATA[
                  Ricardo, you are CEO of Boker Arbolito in Buenos Aires Argentina. The title of a CEO there is &quot;Presidente&quot;. That has a ring to it. You allowed us to address you as Ricardo before the interview. When and how did you come to Boker Arbolito?  
 Before that, I worked for Mercedes Benz Argentina as an engineer and also ran a traditional gun store in the heart of Buenos Aires. In the course of this, I imported Boker knives and an extensive range of weapons into Argentina and established them peu à peu. 
  What are special conditions and challenges in the production of knives in Argentina?  
 I was and still am very curious when it comes to the potential that lies in the various manufacturing processes and on which adjusting screws you can actively contribute your knowledge and skills. That motivates me immensely and keeps the mind young. Over the years, I have also discovered my passion for designing products. When the products are well received by the customers and the sales figures are good, then I feel really fulfilled. 
 &amp;nbsp; The Arbolito brand is distributed worldwide, as are Boker Solingen, Boker Plus and Boker Magnum. How do you keep in touch with the Boker locations in Solingen and Denver and with the international markets?  
 I always participate in the groundbreaking knife fairs as well as online meetings and travel regularly to Solingen, the USA and, before COVID-19, to Asia. 
 &amp;nbsp; What is the tradition of knives in Argentina?  
 &amp;nbsp;Agriculture has always been an important factor in our economy and in this breath, of course, we cannot miss the legendary gauchos who have always sworn by Arbolito knives and will continue to do so. 
  How would you describe the characteristics and charisma of your Arbolito knives and which users do you have in mind when designing them?  
  &amp;nbsp; The character of an Arbolito knife is essentially defined by its function and its distinctive design. For me, this is what makes up the soul of our knives. Our products are mainly aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, cooks, butchers but also collectors. 
  What is your personal relationship to knives and are you a user yourself?  
 Knives determine my life in many ways. My thoughts constantly revolve around conception, function, design, production, all the way to selling the finished product. And let‘s face it, an Argentine steak tastes so much better when it‘s cut with an Arbolito knife. 
  Do you have other passions besides knives and business that you spend your free time with? &amp;nbsp;Family, friends, some literature and some sports like windsurfing and cycling. 
  What should an outdoor fan definitely do when visiting Argentina?  
 Argentina has many beautiful facets to offer, some of which I would like to briefly outline here: in the north are the mighty Iguazú waterfalls; at the foot of the Andes is the city of Bariloche with its picturesque lakes, mountains and forests. Also worth seeing is the Paraná river delta near Buenos Aires and at the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego with its imposing glaciers. But there is much more to discover in Argentina. 
  What should you see in Buenos Aires?  
 Culturally, Buenos Aires has a lot to offer. There are several art museums, not to forget the traditional steak houses, various parks and avenues as well as sociable dance evenings entirely under the sign of the tango. In addition, there is music, polo, soccer and much more. But above all, there is the Argentine joie de vivre, which will remain in the memory of every visitor. 
  Ricardo, thank you very much for the interview.  
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            </content>

                            <updated>2022-10-25T06:45:00+02:00</updated>
                    </entry>

    
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