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Böker’s Latest Spin on a Beloved Heirloom Knife Is on Every Collector’s Wishlist

The new limited-edition folder pairs premium blade steel with a unique handle material that’s been picking up steam.

Close-up of a textured dark red folding knife handle with a black pocket clip on a gray fabric surface.Böker
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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As regular readers of GP’s knife coverage likely know, the Barlow is one of the oldest pocket knife designs, with a history stretching back as far as 1670.

Highlights of the style include center-line symmetry running through the pivot, a rounded butt and an oversized bolster.

Folding knife with textured maroon handle and black blade standing upright against a black leather case.
The Böker Richlite Red is a tip-to-tail stunner, with both blade and handle sure to last generations.
Böker

However, with a nameplate that sounds like an app, the BRLW series from Böker continues to remix the silhouette with fresh takes that blend classic and contemporary vibes.

The latest, the incredibly literal BRLW Richlite Red, is one gorgeous, painfully exclusive edition.

Red-handled stranger

Popping up more and more in attractive knives from the likes of Benchmade, Kizer and others, Richlite appears to be having something of a moment.

It’s no wonder, as the material is not only durable and sustainable but also fairly easy to work with and unique texture that’s slightly rough yet smooth enough to be pleasing to run a finger over.

Close-up of a textured maroon metal surface with a blurred silver circular object in the background.
The beauty and craftsmanship of the Richlite handle should not be underestimated.
Böker

The eponymous company behind it employs a special process that infuses layers of high-quality engineered paper with a thermosetting resin.

The layers are then cut to length and stacked by hand, alternating the direction of the paper for stability. 

Hand holding a folding knife with a textured maroon handle and a black blade labeled "MAGNACUT.
While it’s a bit tricky to describe, the material rates high for “tactile satisfaction.”
Böker

Next, heat and pressure are applied to bond the layers together, before they are cooled to produce a solid material, with the signature texture owing to how the fibers lay within the paper. 

Though it can seemingly take on any color, knife brands seem to gravitate toward blue and red, as seen yet again with this new Böker knife.

Close-up of a black metal knife spine with "BÖKER SOLINGEN" engraved, set in a dark red handle.
All the units are manufactured at Böker’s main facility in the German knifemaking capital of Solingen.
Böker

The shade here is quite lovely, while the scales themselves are precision-machined to boost grip and reflect the Barlow’s heritage — hence the echoes of a bolster near the front of the handle, an aesthetic Böker has explored with earlier BRLWs as well.

Not to be outdone, the blade here is no slouch either. It’s a 2.6-inch drop-point made of MagnaCut super steel, which continues to impress with its premium blend of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance.

Close-up of a black knife blade with the word "MAGNACUT" engraved near a wooden handle.
A handle so rich deserves high-quality steel, and MagnaCut most certainly qualifies.
Böker

A black PVD coating adds to the modern look; it deploys via a subtle rear flipper (words that would have been unheard of in 1670), and a liner lock holds the blade securely in place.

Just to solidify its exclusivity, this collector’s knife comes with a Böker ADK (Annual Dealer Knife) Coin and a felt pouch.

Availability and pricing

Ah, there’s the rub. Limited to 500 pieces, the Böker BRLW Richlite Red is only available from select retail partners in Europe, at a price of 200€, roughly $236 USD. In other words, it might be time to reconnect with your old mate across the pond to hunt one down.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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