Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

The Remington Corporation and the knives that they built have influenced the U.S. cutlery industry more than nearly any other manufacturer. From the time America was settled, to the end of WWI, American knife companies struggled to compete with Britain and German imports, but events that occurred during and after the First World War led to a great change in this phenomenon. Unprecedented opportunities arose, and Remington stepped up to seize the moment. In the process, they created some of today's most prized collectables. In an ironic twist, the next World War played the greatest role in ending the company’s domination of the industry.
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Below is an article that I've recently written and offer it for reading interest and fun. It's my first attempt at such things and comments are welcomed. The pictures that I had formatted into the article would not download as the original so I have added them at the end to show each advertising method Remington offered. ::tu::

Remington’s
Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

L. B. Wilson

Historically much has been written and or discussed regarding Remington’s advertising and marketing strategies in relation to their rise to prominence as the premier cutlery giant of our Nation from 1920 to 1940. I will attempt not to be redundant and laborious with that same material. The focus of this article is to share information on Remington DuPont’s cutlery production years during the Great Depression era and the financial marketing strategies they implemented in providing advertising, specialty and souvenir knives not only to the general public but to the small business owner and the larger national corporations.
Beginning with the expansion and the start of construction in 1915 of Remington’s Ilion facility and thus the pursuing inception of Remington’s cutlery division in 1920, Remington managed to maintain that superiority as a cutlery giant until the end of that reign in 1940 when a faltering economy was struggling to recover from The Great Depression. It was during this time as well that our Nation and the world was faced with a looming Second World War forcing the hand of Remington DuPont to once again reevaluate financial strategies that eventually would lead to the termination and selling of Remington’s cutlery division and the ensuing restructuring of factories in efforts to best to serve the needs of our Nation and it’s military forces. During those early years of the 1930’s Remington employed shear superiority in advertising and marketing skills of an industry that kept them on the National leading edge as King of the cutlery industry maintaining financial buoyancy when other companies were going under, drowning in the depth of a poor and unstable economy.
With that being said, it is important to note that the financial ill effects of the depression era forced Remington in 1933 to make a decision and offer a 60% share of Remington’s controlling interest to a company we know today as DuPont. This maneuver would give Remington executives a new breath of air financially thus potentially offering needed capital that would allow them to continue factory expansions, acquiring new resources and companies as well as continuing in a wide array of ventures related to research and development.
With DuPont executives at the helm, focus was directed and dedicated to Remington’s cutlery division’s financial success in a time of instability. DuPont management mandated changes that were designed to reduce overhead and general production cost. These changes in part regarded stipulations in manufacturing with standardized use or non-use of pattern number stamping and the introduction to inked pattern numbers, reduction in the number of knife patterns in production and those offered to the general public. The use or reuse of “shelf supply” blades, bolsters, liners, scale stock etc... all in all these efforts when calculated, would save thousands of dollars in material, production and labor cost alone and allow their cutlery works to remain solvent and simultaneously would safeguard the quality, craftsmanship and high standards that Remington was known for and of which they built as a foundation to their reputation, integrity and product lifetime guarantees.
Unfortunately, in the 1930’s when Remington DuPont was determined to implement a plan of action that would keep their cutlery works alive and well financially; unbeknownst to them futuristically, they would be unlocking a Pandora’s Box with regard to patent and logo infringements, unauthorized reproduction of knives, and reproduced or fake Remington cutlery sundries. All notwithstanding the unanticipated importance of Remington’s future impact in a world’s market demanding a desire for Remington’s knife collectables and the Remington memorabilia industry of today.
At this point let’s investigate a few Remington advertising methods and potential revenue strategies that were used to aid the Remington dealer and or Jobber to sell knives not only to the public individual, but also to the small and larger companies that would purchase large quantities of knives that could be used for employee giveaways, service awards, employee appreciation and or safety awards just to name a few. Remington targeted larger national companies for product marketing and promotions using public giveaways and purchasing product line incentives through distribution of promotional catalogs to the public at large. Companies such as Nehi, Curtiss Baby Ruth Candies, Coca-Cola, Wrigley’s and Anheuser Bush just to name a few. These companies worked in unison with Remington to sell their product by using in part Remington’s high profile trademark name and its established history in maintaining high standards in quality and product reliability.
In those promotions was often an opportunity for the public to receive a free Remington knife thus Remington offered to make up any pattern of pocket knife in their line which would bear advertising using six methods.
1. Die stamping which could be done on pyremite or nickel silver handles.
2. Lithographing advertising under transparent scales. This would include knives or letter-openers. One side or both sides.
3. Etching names or trademark on pearl or pyremite scales.
4. Embossing a shield carrying trademark or advertisement.
5. Embossed handles.
6. Etching on blades of pocket knives and flat cutlery.
The following is a brief description of what Remington would provide for each advertising method and the cost associated with that method to the consumer as well photos of Remington knives depicting the advertising method result.
1. Die stamping: In lots of 25 dozen or more of a number there is was no extra charge for the work excepting cost of the die used in stamping the lettering. That cost varied from $5.00 to $25.00 according to its character. Estimates of die cost would be “cheerfully given” by Remington.

(In lots less than 25 dozen an extra charge would be added as per cost schedule which will be shown below)

2. Lithographing advertising: Provided on one or both sides of transparent covers on knives or letter openers in lots of 25 dozen or more. An extra charge of $1.00 per dozen would be made over the cost of the same knife with regular pyremite and only one color was used. Additional colors would incur extra charges. Cost estimates would be furnished by Remington upon request.

3. Etching: Remington stated that they were able to etch any trademark, character or advertising in one or more colors in any desired effect. Extra cost would be $1.00 per dozen for etching on one side and in one color. $1.50 per dozen extra for etching on 2 sides and in one color. For each additional color desired add 25 cent per dozen for each side. All prices applied only to orders of 25 dozen or more on an order.

4. Embossing shield: Remington stated they were in a position to make up any knife in their line with special shield with advertisement, trademark or wording embossed thereon. Extra charges varied from $15.00 to $25.00 for the embossing die depending upon its characters.

5. Embossed handles: Using nickel silver Remington was able to emboss with raised figures or character in wording, trademark or desired design wanted. There was no extra charges for that work with exception to the embossing die which would vary from $50.00 to $100.00 per side.

6. Etching on blades of pocket knives and flat cutlery: Etching would consist of etch advertisement in plain blocked letters at an extra charge of $1.50 per dozen. If requesting a special type, character or trademark an extra die charge would incur for each etching stamp made, varying according to its character from $5.00 to $25.00 regardless of quantity.


Schedule of advances in prices for special knives ordered in lots of less than 25 dozen is as follows:
From 21 to 25 dozen…5% above regular price.
16 to 20 dozen…10% above regular price.
11 to 15 dozen…25% above regular price.
6 to 10 dozen…50% above regular price.
And anything under 5 dozen would incur a 100% above regular price fee.

In addition Remington also would produce engraving facsimile signatures on their Pearl handle patterns such as the R6434, R7364 that had flat surfaces and not oval.
1-11 knives… would cost the Jobber $1.00 each and at trade price would cost $1.35 each. 12 or more knives… would cost the jobber .75 cents each and sell at trade price for $1.00 each.
To engrave names in blocked lettering on one side of a knife only could be accomplished on oval or flat surfaced Pearl handles.
1-11 knives would be at .50 cent each for the Jobber and sell at trade price for .65 cent each.
1 dozen to 25 dozen would be .35 cent each for the Jobber and trade price each at .50 cent.
25 dozen or more would cost the jobber .25 cents each and sell at trade price for .35 cents each.
Engraving on gold knives would incur extra cost of .50 cent per knife for 3 letter initials. Remington was happy to provide price quotes for special designs, names, trademarks etc…
Emblems placed on knives that did not normally have emblems would cost the Jobber $12.00 per dozen for 1-11 knives and $6.00 per dozen for 12 or more knives. Trade price per dozen for 1-11 knives would cost $16.00 per dozen and $8.00 per dozen for 12 or more knives.
Shackles: extra charges would apply to add shackles to any knife that were regularly stocked without shackles. Jobber’s cost per dozen was $6.00 for 1-11 knives and trade price for 1-11 knives would have been $8.00 per dozen. For 12 or more knives the cost for the Jobber was $1.00 per dozen and the trade price was $1.50 per dozen.

In summation there is a wealth of discussion to be shared with regard to Remington’s cutlery division and the superb marketing skills and applied practices that made them the sought out Cutlery Champions of that era. Folks today still enjoy collecting, carrying and using Remington’s antique, vintage and modern cutlery. Their high standards in quality and craftsmanship continues to show keen and true, producing ongoing public demand and desire for Remington’s outdoor hunting knives, trade knives and general pocket knives. This is just one small area of interest and exploration for learning, sharing and discovery. Hope you enjoyed…aremingtonsedge
Attachments
Die stamping example.JPG
Lithographing Advertising.JPG
Etching with multiple color and design.JPG
Embossed  Advertising Shield.JPG
Embossed Nickel Silver.JPG
Blade Etching Scripted and blocked lettering.JPG
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
remington collector
Posts: 1395
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:53 pm
Location: north carolina

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by remington collector »

I click on the link and a page come up that says access denied. :(
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

This is the best fix I could come up with but it doesn't have the same format as the original article.
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
junebug
Posts: 5499
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:40 am

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by junebug »

WOW,VERY COOL!!!...THANKS,ROCKY!
APPRECIATE YER TIME,EFFORT,& RESEARCH!!!! ::handshake::
"Because tellin' people , i like having a SPYDIEHOLE sounds sooo much better than a THUMBHOLE"
- Junebug 2016
User avatar
Mumbleypeg
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 13409
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:28 am
Location: Republic of Texas

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by Mumbleypeg »

Very informative. Thanks Rocky. You may not want to fool with it but I'd recommend you submit this to Knife World to see if they'd publish it. Certainly more interesting, at least to me, than some stuff they publish.

Ken
Member AKTI, TSRA, NRA.

If your religion requires that you hate someone, you need a new religion.

When the people fear their government, that is tyranny. When government fears the people, that is freedom.

https://www.akti.org/
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Thanks J.B. and Ken. I value the kind words. ::nod::

Ken I have submitted the article to Roy Marcot who is the editor of the Remington Society of America's quarterly Journal. He and I have spoken before on occasions and he invited me to submit any articles that I have written. Hopefully, it will be accepted.
As far as Knife World I will look into that as well.
Thanks agin for the encouragement and I'm glad you enjoyed the read. ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
remington collector
Posts: 1395
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:53 pm
Location: north carolina

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by remington collector »

Is that your Morris + Castle leg knife ?
There was one on Ebay a few months ago, I came in as 2nd place bidder on it. :(
It was the only one of those I had ever saw, I was curious if might be the same knife.
stockman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 3666
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:19 pm

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by stockman »

Nice job Rocky I enjoyed the article. I do hope KW will want it.

Thanks
Harold
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

RC,
Yes it was. Had to have it and like you I have never seen one like it.

Harold, I am making minor revisions and having some professional pictures taken for the article and yes Kinfe World wants it and I have had some incredible conversations with Mark Z. and have been the recipient of some very cool info that I have never seen with the promise to never share it. What a cool guy he is and what a great experience it has been thus far! ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
Remumc
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 8:28 am

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by Remumc »

The circus leg knife is a good one. Also the only one I have ever seen. The Raybestos looks familiar. If you got it off ebay from Northwest Knives it was once in my collection. Of course the Nehi's are much easier to find but mint with etch are rare. Great article.
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Remumc I've had the Raybestos knife for a couple years now I did get it from eBay I think, I've got "several" fishin' holes for those Remington knives and to be honest I really don't remember. I have probably 3-4 of the original Remington Nehi lady's leg knives and one still has the etching. I have my eye out for the completion of the Nehi knife set and that is the scout knife with the shield that has "scout knife" engraved on it. I am moving to the rarer unique Remington's such as the R1823 Wild Duck shield and the promotional HTT knife... Had a chance at one bout a year ago and let it slip away...won't let that happen again, been kickin' myself ever since.
Thanks for the kind words to my article. Putting together an idea on a small book related to "special" Remington knives including background history, production years/history and current price ranges. I think collectors will like it a lot and it has the potiential to be a go to resource for Remington collectors. A lot of work and research to go. ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
ScoutKnives
Posts: 1394
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:58 pm
Location: Florida

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by ScoutKnives »

I have a few specialty Remington's if your interested ?
Y-pioneers , Hylander Boys and a YMCA .
Attachments
image.jpg
image.jpg
Always looking for Mint pre war scout knives
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

SK pm sent.
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
junebug
Posts: 5499
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:40 am

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by junebug »

VERY COOL!!!!!
ROCKSTER.... WISH YA LUCK ON BOOK ,BRO ::tu:: 8)
VERY COOL OF YA TO SHARE YER RESEARCH ::groove:: ::handshake::
"Because tellin' people , i like having a SPYDIEHOLE sounds sooo much better than a THUMBHOLE"
- Junebug 2016
Remumc
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Nov 23, 2013 8:28 am

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by Remumc »

Looking forward to the book and will keep you in mind if I see any rare specialty knives. I just found a Peters Shoes pyramite handle Remington at the OKCA show. Near perfect mint with etch but let a friend talk me out of it. If you are interested I can also put you in touch with a guy that is one of the top Remington Scout knife collectors and an expert on all things Remington. He may be a good resource for your book if you go for it.
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Remumc,
Thank you so much and I will take you up on the gentleman's number and contact when I get to that phase. As you know this is no small undertaking and setting up / organizing material, reference, authorization consents etc requires a lot of time, energy, monies and cooperation just to mention a few.
I have a vision in my mind and a desire and passion in my heart so I will give it my best.
I really appreciate the guidance and help and realize that it takes a village to accomplish such a task.
Again my heartfelt thanks as I plan and begin this journey. ::handshake:: ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Update: the article I wrote will be in the up coming July issue of Knife World. Many, many thanks to Mark who is just and amazing individual and is now also the owner of Knife World! Great things are on the horizon and I encourage all who can to support Knife World financially as they venture in to new areas that will continue to enhance our knife community in so many ways! Below is a tease of the July's front cover! ::tu:: 8)
Attachments
image.jpg
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
stockman
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 3666
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:19 pm

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by stockman »

Rocky, As soon as received my KW I sat down and read your article. Well done, good read my favorite type
of article old knives and some history.

Thanks Harold
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Thanks Harold, I 'm working on a new one in the venue you like! ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
junebug
Posts: 5499
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:40 am

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by junebug »

how cool 8) 8)
CONGRATS. ROCKY ::handshake:: ::tu:: ::tu:: 8) 8)
"Because tellin' people , i like having a SPYDIEHOLE sounds sooo much better than a THUMBHOLE"
- Junebug 2016
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Thank you JB! What a great experience! ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
junebug
Posts: 5499
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:40 am

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by junebug »

just PROUD ta say i knew ya , b4 you was the world famous: "ROCKY the REMMY WRITER" ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::ds:: ::super_happy::
"Because tellin' people , i like having a SPYDIEHOLE sounds sooo much better than a THUMBHOLE"
- Junebug 2016
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Nothing's changed JB still the same 'ol squirrel! LOL! Just sharin' the love of the older Remington products and knives with my buddies! ::tu::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
User avatar
espn77
Posts: 3545
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2016 4:01 pm
Location: South west Kansas by way of Texas

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by espn77 »

I thought I would piggyback on this conversation. I received this Remington "TABACCO" knife today. Got me to looking around at the rest of my Remington advertising knives. I have never seen this particular shield, or advertisement on a Remington before. Would love to hear your thoughts. I'll share a few more while I'm at it.
Attachments
TABACCO
TABACCO
Baby Ruth
Baby Ruth
Nehi giveaway
Nehi giveaway
IMG_20170114_192642.jpg
Merry Christmas father Wilson
Merry Christmas father Wilson
H.J. HEINZ COMPANY 57 VARIETIES
H.J. HEINZ COMPANY 57 VARIETIES
IMG_20170114_192132426.jpg
Santa Fe
Santa Fe
User avatar
AREMINGTONSEDGE
Posts: 1903
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA

Re: Remington's Cutlery Advertising and Marketing Strategies

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Keith I know you may already have this article from the Oregon knife club but if not here it is. So informative.

http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/Newsletter%200701.pdf

Keith as you know the R1823 was the often used pattern for giveaways and promotion knives. The shield on yours is new to me but I am not surprised by the "many variations" of that pattern's shield. The tobacco leaf remind me of the B&W leaf logo. Different than your but still alike.
The tobacco shield that I have found only once but could not buy was the "wild duck" advertising shield. Would love to have this in my collection.
The other knives you are showing are awesome and well maintained.
I have several smaller sub-collections in my collection which includes the advertising knives. I could go crazy in this venue but I have slowed down a lot. Keep up the awesome show and tell I always love to see what others have managed to collect. ::tu:: 8) ::super_happy::
Rocky, AKA- AREMINGTONSEDGE
Post Reply

Return to “Remington Knife Collector's Forum”