Has anyone had any service from Boker? I sent them a message asking them if it is possible to get a set of bone scales that are on their Edelweiss and they responded "We do not offer the scales for sale. We cannot assist you with this."
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Has anyone had any service from Boker? I sent them a message asking them if it is possible to get a set of bone scales that are on their Edelweiss and they responded "We do not offer the scales for sale. We cannot assist you with this."
I'm not 100% positive on this statement, but I don't think Boker has made any razors in several decades.
I do know that some of their knife line is made in China nowadays as well as in Germany.
Can't comment on where it's made, but they still have straights:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wullie
Boker offers Straight razor Boker Straight Razor Edelweiss.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wullie
China? That doesn'tsound good for quality control..
Get a set of custom scales made.
Shows what I know. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Cove5440
Thanks for the update. Newest razor I own was probably made in the 30's. I guess I need to get out more. ;)
I think Schlieper ( EYE BRAND ), and PUMA are the only Solingen houses that don't yet outsource to the Pacific Rim. Probably a few others but at the moment I can't think of any. Robert Klass, (KISSING CRANES) is totally Chinese nowQuote:
Originally Posted by Wintchase
Utica, Case, Queen (and it's subsidiaries like Canal Street), Great Eastern Cutlery, KA-BAR/CUTCO, and Bear MGC are still manufacturing exclusively in the USA as far as I know.
Schrade is totally Chinese manufactured now.
BULLDOG BRANDS are an American company yet made in Germany
I have never tried to order scales or similar directly from Boker, but two years ago i ordered an 'Edelweiss' from a vendor and recieved the (probably) ugliest razor i had seen so far. The toe was almost 1/16" smaller than the heel, the 'Edelweiss' emblem was diagonally placed on the blade instead of a nice straight line and with lots of scratch marks aswell. I think i could have done it better myself, drunk, with my hands tied on my back and blindfolded!
The vendor i ordered from did not offer honing service so they probably never knew what they were sending out. I wrote them a mail telling them about the issues and they offered me a refund. But i still wanted an 'Edelweiss' in good condition, not my money back, so instead of taking them up on their offer i wrote directly to Boker's main office in Germany and told them (in a polite way) what i had recieved.
Here are some quotes of their reply:
Thank you for your mail, and thank you for taking the time to share your
experiences with us.
We are glad to hear that our King cutter meets your expectations that well.
But I´m irritated to hear about the problems you have with your latest
razor.
As you say, a knife which leaves our manufactory should not show any of the
quality issues you mentioned.
We take issues like that very serious, for it´s our goal to have a satisfied
customer in the end.
If you prefer to change the knife, we would do that, no problem.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen - Best Regards
Heinr. Böker Baumwerk GmbH
Produktmanagement
Solingen
I returned the razor and recieved a new one within two weeks they also covered the shipping expences both ways. It also goes with the story that i had brought the razor to the hones to straighten it to some degree and this i told them, but they did not question that. All in all great customer service. I also got the impression that their straight razors are made 'in-house' in their factory in Solingen, but this i don't really know for sure..
they do not sell premade scales, I have asked them too.
Just get a custom set made.
One brand that doesn't seem to get enough attention is Wacker - they have a nice selection that appear to be made in Solingen. If the example I bought a few months ago is anything to go on, the quality is excellent. Unfortunately their ordering service is not easy for non German speakers but if you email them with an order, they send an invoice and paypal details. I wrote complimenting them on their service and quality but did not get a response - they appear to prefer a low profile approach. Take a look at their range and prices:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wullie
Über uns
about 4 years Boker started making razors in solingen. they are reviving many of their old designs and razor lines as business expands. So far i have been as happy with their new ones and their old ones. like everybody else their cheaper cutlery is made in china, but their German and Argentinian blades are still wonderful.
as for boker's customer service i think it is great... maybe someday they will sell parts... if enough people politely ask for them, perhaps mentioning that they are restoring vintage boker razors they might add a few options of replacement scales, but it will take time and they will only do it if they perceive a market for them. JMHO
enjoy,
jim
In 2008 we found a seven day set of Boker razors at a local shop. CarrieM wrote to Boker asking some questions about the set and also sent some pictures. The President of Boker replied to her email questions personally. We were very pleased with his response and interest in the razors. That was the only interaction we had directly with Boker. I agree with Jim's statement above. Several years ago I read that Boker was working with someone, I think it was Wacker, to set up in house razor manufacturing. The first razors out were in the $400 range, maybe even more. Since then the price of some of their models have been more affordable to the average person.
I am not surprised that Boker does not sell razor parts like scales separately, at least at this time. Your best bet would be to look through the custom builds and restorations forum and find some rescales you like. PM the person and ask them to rescale your razor in bone. The scales should really be made for the specific razor you want them put on as the length of razors varies some and the pivot holes can vary in distance to the toe of the razor.
If you wanted to try your hand at making your own scales, I have seen a pdf file that had all the patterns for TI razors, just can't remember where off hand.