Article in today's Times Herald Record
Ellenville Ellenville has its edge back.
Barely three months after longtime knife-maker Imperial Schrade shut down, a new knife company has forged its beginning in the village.
One of the two principals behind the rebirth is former Schrade President Wally Gardiner. He spoke last week by cell phone from the factory where the new Walden Knife Co. will locate. Ironically, the building on Canal Street was the home of Imperial Schrade for years before it moved to larger quarters on Route 209.
"Why Ellenville? Because we have some very talented craftsmen here, that's why," Gardiner said, "and because I want to continue the tradition of fine pocketknives here."
Village Manager Elliott Auerbach said he is excited about the endeavor. "We feel Ellenville has always been the home of a first-class knife manufacturer. We see this as the business coming back to its roots. We see it as the beginning for not only the knife industry, but also for the community at large."
Gardiner is not looking to replicate Imperial Schrade's mass marketing approach. Rather, he said, the Walden Knife Co. will focus on high-end, "boutique" folding and rigid-back pocketknives.
Craftsmen will fashion the knives by hand from natural materials like mother of pearl, ram's horn, ox horn and the like. "They will be very beautiful," Gardiner said. Prices will range from $40 to $300. The United States, Canada and Australia are the primary markets, but Gardiner said the company will market its products worldwide, particularly in Germany.
Right now, the company has three employees, including Gardiner and Joe Hufnagel, the other principal in the company. The numbers will grow to seven to 10 as sample production gears up next month. Regular production will start in January, Gardiner said.
Eventually, the company may employ as many as 50 people. Imperial Schrade, in contrast, employed as many as 450. "We will be very nimble," Gardiner said. He hopes to be able to produce as few as 25 units of a knife design if that is what the customer wants.
James Economos, another former Schrade executive, now works as a consultant. His prediction of success: "They have a great chance."
Ellenville Ellenville has its edge back.
Barely three months after longtime knife-maker Imperial Schrade shut down, a new knife company has forged its beginning in the village.
One of the two principals behind the rebirth is former Schrade President Wally Gardiner. He spoke last week by cell phone from the factory where the new Walden Knife Co. will locate. Ironically, the building on Canal Street was the home of Imperial Schrade for years before it moved to larger quarters on Route 209.
"Why Ellenville? Because we have some very talented craftsmen here, that's why," Gardiner said, "and because I want to continue the tradition of fine pocketknives here."
Village Manager Elliott Auerbach said he is excited about the endeavor. "We feel Ellenville has always been the home of a first-class knife manufacturer. We see this as the business coming back to its roots. We see it as the beginning for not only the knife industry, but also for the community at large."
Gardiner is not looking to replicate Imperial Schrade's mass marketing approach. Rather, he said, the Walden Knife Co. will focus on high-end, "boutique" folding and rigid-back pocketknives.
Craftsmen will fashion the knives by hand from natural materials like mother of pearl, ram's horn, ox horn and the like. "They will be very beautiful," Gardiner said. Prices will range from $40 to $300. The United States, Canada and Australia are the primary markets, but Gardiner said the company will market its products worldwide, particularly in Germany.
Right now, the company has three employees, including Gardiner and Joe Hufnagel, the other principal in the company. The numbers will grow to seven to 10 as sample production gears up next month. Regular production will start in January, Gardiner said.
Eventually, the company may employ as many as 50 people. Imperial Schrade, in contrast, employed as many as 450. "We will be very nimble," Gardiner said. He hopes to be able to produce as few as 25 units of a knife design if that is what the customer wants.
James Economos, another former Schrade executive, now works as a consultant. His prediction of success: "They have a great chance."
