Why did Camillus cease?

J

JD Spydo

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Nov 20, 2004
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I hope this question hasn't been run into the ground already. But I am curious as to why Camillus went out of business? I really felt sad when I heard about it because the first knife I ever owned as a kid was a Camillus. You can probably figure by my name that I am an avid Spyderco collector but I also did have a few of the older Camillus knives in my collection as well.

I'm sorry that they are no longer around because I've always considered Camillus, Case, Ka-bar & Schrade as true American institutions as well as knife companies.

I guess a guy can figure that all Camillus knives are probably going to make decent long term collector pieces. thank you all for your time :)
 
It has been run out before.

Pick one or all: Poor Management, Oversees imports, expensive and striking labor.
 
DaveH said:
It has been run out before.

Pick one or all: Poor Management, Oversees imports, expensive and striking labor.
Click to expand...

Yup. Opinions vary greatly on the proportions. Here is my own opinion of causes in order of importance.

1. Uninterested absentee owners
2. Mismanagement by "turn-around specialists/consultants"
3. Retirement/loss of long term successful top management
4. Market competition from Pacific Rim importers, and equally... changes in the public's buying habits partly because of generational changes, and partly because of societal changes.
5. Rising overhead such as energy and material costs
6. Failure to modernize worn, outdated equipment
7. Failure to pay debts such as royalties to designers, pension funds, and ultimately suppliers and workers

Sorry, but the dedication, sacrifices and hard work of the workers and lower management were the reason it limped along as far as it did.

Codger
 
The Camillus web site indicates that Camillus is re-opening, but I saw another thread stating that there is going to be an auction. Is Camillus going to re-open in the same location? Are the employees going to own the company?
 
Xer,

Camillus will not be opening by the employees or anybody else. The equipment will be auctioned off next month and the property is up for sale. Someone MAY buy the name but will not be made at the factory.
 
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