Marbles Gladstone Mich, knives

[stagman]

What a shame that the new owner of Marbles took their knives
"offshore" and destroyed possibly the best fixed
blade knife co in history into bankruptcy
I been collecting Marbles for 35 yrs or so and living in
Michigan this deal is hard to accept
Mike Stewart of now Bark River Knives had Marbles back
to making some of their best knives in the late 1990's
to 2003. In its heyday, you could find Marbles knives
and axe's in the far reaches of every continent on the planet
I know most on this site cater to folder's, but 70 % of my
knife collection is fixed blade knives
Just had to vent my disapointment on this subject
Stag
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/clearcreekknives

[Another Knife Collector]

I have similar sentiments. As both a lifelong resident of Michigan and a knife collector Marble's has always been the brand to be proud of for me. Also, as the only major cutlery company Michigan has ever had it was even worse when the quality and reputation associated with the Marble's name was sacrificed for profit. I was actually somewhat glad to hear the company went under and the name would no longer be put on an imported product. Hopefully whoever takes over the brand will restore its reputation.

Does anyone know what relation this company is to Marble's? They say "As always, Marble’s products are all steel, all American, and all Gladstone, Michigan U.S.A." It seems the company split in two at one time,
http://www.marblearms.com/index.html
While this company doesn't make knives (though there is one advertised there?) it seems their products are made in USA.

Also, as a temporary resident of the UP I hope to pay a visit to Gladstone soon and see what there is to see, does anyone know where the factory was, or is?

[orvet]

I share your pain.
I had one old Marbles and was very impressed with the quality.
I hate to see good old American Company names go offshore just for the $.

Hopefully they will again become an American Knife!
Do you know if Bark River will make Marbles again?

Dale

[junebug]

yeah...boy that's rough ........... sad ta see ,but ..........worse to see company go under........i think i'd rather see "some" stuff made over seas...till the company can get on there feet again.........hell we've all been there(hard up) but we pull through ...........HOPEFULLY!
just my counterfeit 2cents worth.........

[stagman]

Marbles set up a store a while back right on US 2
Don't know if its on the east or west side, but its in Gladstone
Ask anyone there, the yoopers will steer you in the right direction
Stop by Northwoods knives while you are there, Great shop
And Dale, they made Marbles at the Custom Shoppe in Gladstone
AKA- Dave Shirley & Andy Hess
Mike Stewart left Marbles when Brinkley took over and now
is the boss man at Bark River knives
Stag