I would like to help my hometown Ace Hardware Man...

[Mongo]

Greetings all,
I live in a great little 'burb of Chicago. It has a nice blue-collar "real" feel to it, in contrast to some of the snootier nearby towns. We have a nice family owned Ace Hardware store right in town. I recently went there for something and found that they had redone the whole layout. I was getting some assistance from the head manager and commented that I really liked the new layout and looked forward to finding out where everything was now located. Then I made an off-hand comment about "where is your old-timey pocket knife display"? He looked at me and got that same wistful look I probably had. He mentioned that he'd like to have one. Seeing my opportunity, I said he should put in some good stuff, not cheap Paki or Chinese crap. He asked me what was good, and I mentioned Case (especially CV models), Buck and Vic SAK's as a good start. I think he was seriously considering doing this, and I mentioned that I'd like to help him with it.

So, me being a humble Veterinarian and not knowing much about running and supplying a hardware store... who would he contact to set up something like this? I would think prices would have to be somewhat close to Walmart in order to stay competitive. I know I would be willing to pay a few bucks more because I like the ambiance of my hometown hardware store, and I try to keep my spending money in my hometown. I also like the idea of the glass and wood display box in an old-timey style.

What do you suggest for brands and types of knives? I'm thinking Case, Queen, Buck and Vic SAK's for starters. Maybe Leatherman multi-tools too.
(mods, please feel free to move this. I wasn't sure where to post this.)

Thanks in advance. I am very serious about this... I'd like to see it happen.

Mongo

 

[stjames]

I think some Spyderco offerings would be in order as well, but as you mentioned competative pricing will be key. I have my doubts about Case moving very well, but he couldn't go wrong with Vic SAKs and Leatherman.

 

[yablanowitz]

We have two Ace Hardware affiliates here, and Case makes up the majority of the knife display in both stores. In fact, the newer store (the actual hardware store, the other is a farm and ranch store) has an additional Case only display case. I mention all this because it seems those knives should be available through the Ace Hardware distribution system. Ask your guy to check with the home office. If he can't get them that way, tell me and I'll check with the managers here and see where they get their supply.

 

[woseyjales]

Mongo,
It may help your local Ace man if he talks with someone that has already been through the startup/restocking phase. Oakwood Ace Hardware in Oakwood Ga. (just outside of Gainesville) is a Case Platinum dealer working towards his Master level. OAH has only had Case since about 2003 so he is on the fast track it seems. Owner Kim Anderson 1-877-972-2732 may be able to give him some pointers of juggling Ace requirements (if any) with W.R. Case's requirements. If Kim not available, head knife wrangler is Mike McFarland. Always been nice folks to deal with for me, and always seems to have the latest hot items in stock or on the way when you have trouble finding one.
As many Case outlets as there are, another thought would be to offer other USA made brands not as commonly displayed as Case. This could include Queen which would also bring in S&M as a high line, Canal St. instead of the Schraylors, and the new kid on the block, Great Eastern Cutlery. Queen did have the jigged black cherry delrin as a low cost quality working knife line. Not sure they are going to continue the delrin and it is about a $15-25 jump to the bonestags. Easy enough to contact them and find out.
Another advantage of buying your knives with your local Ace hardware, is they have an Ace Rewards card, that accumulates points towards discounts and even enough points to get a freebie (eventually) I have received several $5 coupons or special cost +15% sale notices since I have had my Ace card.
I also like the fact local shopping gives me the chance to inspect a knife before purchase instead of taking "potluck" online. With all the variations in handle colors and workmanship, the ability to inspect before purchase does have Value.
I hope this info is of some help, and good luck getting your Ace Man up to speed.