Interview with Kenton Green. He has been working as Sales Manager at Boker USA in Lakewood, Colorado since 2015.
Kenton, how long have you been working at Boker USA and what exactly are your responsibilities there?
I have been working at Boker since 2015 and am currently the Sales Manager responsible for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states of the United States.
What do you like most about your job and the products?
I have been in the outdoor industry for 18 years now and have worked in sales, marketing and production development for over 45 different manufacturers. In doing so, I have had the unique opportunity to gain extensive knowledge of firearms, tactical equipment and a wide variety of knives. I can apply this wealth of experience perfectly in my current position. Knives and cutlery in general have always fascinated me. And since a knife is subject to only a few restrictions, it is perfectly suited as a practical everyday object that also has an unmistakable flair and is often passed down from generation to generation. The knives we make today will long outlive us and continue to tell the story of Boker.
You are instrumental in the conception of our military historical Damascus projects as well as the sourcing of the original materials. Where does your fascination with historic steel come from and when did it start?
Personally, I have always had a great interest in historical events that have changed and shaped the world. Military history, in particular, has an individual meaning for everyone. By that I mean especially those who have designed, built or operated military equipment for use. Moreover, since I have been working at Boker, I have come to understand the long history of the company more and more in the context of its diverse products. These foundations provide a unique opportunity to develop historical products and to delight our ever-growing and diverse clientele from all over the world with them.
How did you manage to get hold of the historical steel?
Some old military equipment is extremely rare these days, and there are often only a handful of examples of it. One could almost assume that the material can only be procured through shady sources.
Is this really the case?
I don't want to reveal too much at this point, but I can say that since the beginning of the initial tank project with the famous M4 Sherman three years ago, I have done extensive research to find high quality steels for our Damascus production. After all, engineers and manufacturers in the war industry have always been extremely creative with the materials available. The search led to the most respected brokers and collectors in the USA, Europe and Asia. In the process, I have met numerous people who share our interest in these extremely rare pieces and are very excited to see the stories of these historic pieces being retold in a new chapter with our knives. I can assure all those who suspect a "shady underground network" behind our projects, with a clear conscience, that all acquired pieces have gone through a tight certification and documentation process with the local museum and antique authorities. The provable path to "historical scrap metal" is a lengthy process, but it is well worth the effort!
How is the material checked for authenticity?
A piece of each specimen is cut off and cleaned in our workshop, which is then sent to our certified metallurgist for analysis. Very interesting things come to light in the process, for example, that historical armor and armor parts were definitely manufactured according to today's state of the art even back then. This inspires not only the experts.
Which historical Boker Damascus project do you personally remember most and why?
My favorite project so far was done in close cooperation with the Americans in Wartime Museum, which was able to provide us with the steel from the M4 Sherman tank. The museum has also assured us of its willingness to cooperate on other U.S. and European tank projects. The relationship with the Americans in Wartime Museum is a very special one, as a portion of the proceeds from each corresponding knife goes to the museum itself and to various veterans programs. Working with the Americans in Wartime Group has also allowed us to make new contacts with other military, naval and aviation museums that are also dedicated to preserving our history and are valuable partners for further joint projects.
How did the contact and collaboration with the Americans in Wartime Museum come about?
From the original inquiry, we were introduced to the concept of the historical program in detail, so that over time a trusting and personal relationship could develop, which has since been characterized by high mutual appreciation. Both sides open up completely new perspectives for each other, which are very beneficial for further cooperation.
What significance does contact with military veterans have in this context?
Through daily contact with active soldiers and veterans, as well as regular participation in various veterans' events, one learns to classify and respect their civic duties and sacrifices much better. Every country, company and individual has their own way of honoring those who serve or have served their country. By producing products that are steeped in history, we express our appreciation in this regard and hope that the story in question will continue to be told for generations to come.
Is there a story that particularly impressed you?
Every historical workpiece has its own story. It is therefore very difficult to say that one particular story impresses me more than another. Also, in the end, potential customers with their individual experiences and interests can only decide for themselves which knife is right for them.
What do you do when you're not looking for historical steel? What do you like to do in your free time?
In my job as a sales manager, I unfortunately don't have too much free time due to the high volume of orders. I used to occasionally catch myself spending time in the wilderness or building furniture in my workshop. Occasionally, I would restore a car only to resell it to the next car enthusiast.
What tip do you have for newcomers who want to learn about war history and military weapons?
One should not only read about history, but grasp it with all one's senses, whether at historical sites or in museums. Words alone cannot convey the knowledge nor the necessary respect for the efforts and hardships of all those who have already done their