Page 79 - Blade (February 2020)

resonate with him, setting a standard for been in business for 50 years,” she said.
50TH-ANNIVERSARY the second and third generations of the
WILLEY GREAT EVENTS Willey family.
“Dad would get off from work at the
th
n recognition of the 50 anniversary Air Force base, and we would be open
Iof Willey Knives, observances are in at night from 7 to 9. He would still be
the making. working after that. It is what he loves to
The company has two standing do, and mom was always supportive and
annual events: one celebrating Case helped him with it. We have great parents
knives in June and a fall open house. who have always guided us about how to
th
Case is making a limited-edition 50 - do business with people and treat people.
anniversary knife for the happening in I couldn’t ask for a better job with a better
the spring, while Buck Knives will be family. My sister and I are proud and
contributing a 50 -anniversary knife for excited to keep this going, and we hope to
th
the autumn gathering. pass it along to our kids as well.
“I am trying to plan a number of “Our company verse is Hebrews 4:12:
special things for our 50 anniversary ‘For the word of God is alive and active.
th
in 2020,” Geri Elliott explained. “Besides Sharper than any double-edged sword,
our two events and the limited-edition it penetrates even to dividing soul and
knives, I am planning on doing some spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
giveaways in the store and on Facebook thoughts and attitudes of the heart,’” Matt
and Instagram. Matt and I talked with pointed out. “We, as a family, live by that
some of our companies at the SHOT verse, and that is why we are at a ‘Willey
Show in January, and we might be doing Great 50 Years’ in 2020!”
some other limited-edition knives besides Along with a large selection of cutlery,
Buck and Case. In fact, we have already customers of Willey Knives find plenty of
been talking with David Yellowhorse ancillary items to choose from, including
about doing something, too.” Yellowhorse scissors, kitchen gadgets, knife blocks,
has visited the store at least once in the cutting boards, sharpening stones and
past.—by Mike Haskew supplies, and flashlights. HDPE (high-
density polyethylene) cutting boards
are custom cut for restaurants and retail
that we aren’t taking on any more shoppers.
commercial accounts.” Geri agrees that times have changed
Matt remembers his father grinding for cutlery retailers, but she appreciates
blades in the basement shop years the staying power of the family business.
ago, and the impression continues to “It’s hard for me to believe we have
Since the fall open house regularly attracts 300 to 400 patrons, for Customers enjoy a fall open house inside the renovated chicken house.
the overfl ow the Willeys renovated an old chicken house on the farm
behind the store. It’s outfi tted with fi ve showcases full of knives,
tables and chairs, and free food for the patrons.
FEBRUARY 2020 blademag.com 77
“Time has gone by so quickly, and we
have seen changes in the knife industry. I
feel blessed that through all the changes,
we have still been successful. Several of
the companies we are with we have been
with my entire life, and they are more
than just vendors to us. They are like part
of our family. I always look forward to
the SHOT Show and BLADE Show—not
just to see what’s new, but also to catch up
with the people.”
PRINCIPLES INTACT
The winning combination of family
commitment, excellent service and an
unsurpassed buying experience have
directed Willey Knives to its leading
position among cutlery retailers across the
country. With these principles intact, there
are surely more milestones yet to come.
For more information contact Willey
Knives, attn.: G. Willey, Dept. BL2,
14210 Sugar Hill Rd., Greenwood, DE
19950 302-349-4070 sales@willeyknives.
com, willeyknives.com, Facebook: @
willeyknives, Instagram: willeysharp. Store
hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
EST and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST.
For the latest knives, knife news, trends
and more visit blademag.com, BLADE®’s
popular Instagram page @blade_magazine,
and on Facebook and Twitter.