Thread: Solingen Looking to Preserve SER Manufacturing

I had the opportunity to tour the facilities for Heinr. Böker Baumwerk GmbH in Solingen led nby the managing director. During the tour, we came across a piece of equipment that was no longer hooked up for use, and was actually rolled out into the middle of the floor area. He stated that this grinder was for applying the hollow grind to razors when Boker was still producing them (pre-war).

That's when he said something that gave me some excitement. He said that a group of manufacturers in Solingen were starting to look at how to preserve the manufacturing of straight razors in Solingen. Some concern is how to produce acceptable quality with acceptable cost (materials & labor) in today's market.

I asked him about this later on after the tour as well. While he stated that it would be premature to make an "official" announcement (at least 12 months away), it was okay if I mentioned it here on SRP. Furthermore, I gave him the URL for SRP for his future reference.

That's GREAT potential news.. I have only good things to say about Boker blades I've played with. They should also apply for government subsidies.

Chris,

That's really cool and exciting. I'd love to see straights make a comeback and actually grab some market share from Gillette ...

I don't know if it's possible, but it would be great if you could keep the lines open with this guy and let him know that we're standing by to help. I for one would volunteer to hone and test as many free samples as he'll send.

Josh

Wooow, that's kewl!! I bet you had great time touring the factory, Chris.

I really hope the appreciation for quality will return, if not for the average consumer, than for the larger group of people like SRP, and companies who care about quality will start making products that will stand the test of time, and perform flawlessly once again.

I support razor making comeback from Boker, and like Josh, I volunteer for any kind of support I can give to hem...


Nenad

YES!

Hell, when TI got wind of us and asked us a few questions, next thing you know we had a 'Straight Razor Place' exclusive razor, and 8/8 Damascus blades.

It would be great to see Boker throw their hat back in the ring.

If possible it would be great if a representative from Boker checked in and asked around....they would find a market!

C utz

This is exciting. I haven't got my Red Injun yet, but from all you guys have told me, they are great. It would be cool if they started making razors again. Hopefully they will keep us posted.

Can we get a "HELL YEAH!"?

I'll put my hand up to help out, I'll even fork out for postage to Australia.

I'd definitely love seeing Boker offering razors again. I have some of their old razors, and am quite happy with them, as well as the knives I've owned from them.
Very exciting news indeed. I support manufacturers starting production of straight razors especially if they keep the quality up (a mistake the Pakistani razor manufacturers may never recover from-look at the stigma they have to overcome even if they DO produce a quality razor).
I'd definitely consider buying a Boker.
John P.

Sure, I'll consider buying one too

Cheers
Ivo

I'd buy one as a gift for someone just to support the endeavor.