The Cammenga family of Fremont, Mich., is far from the first family business to pursue manufacturing knives, but they’re certainly one of the most devoted. “Beginning in the early ’90s our family manufactured the U.S. military lensatic compass which was also used by hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts,” President and founder John Cammenga Sr. tells Handgunner. “We sold the business in 2005 and I planned to retire, travel with my wife Susan and go fishing. However, we soon realized we needed to go back to work as we missed the challenges and rewards of operating a small business.”
“In late 2010, an opportunity arose to purchase knife-making equipment from a local bank. I immediately asked my sons if they wanted to form a new family business,” John recalls. So in 2011 White River Knife and Tool opened for business. From the start, we committed to make all White River Knives in the U.S. with sourced materials made in our own country.
A great American company, and nice folks to boot. I came across this when doing some background research for Knife News column this month. I think what I covered is still embargoed, but I will share when I can.
Press Day today, so I am not going to get much of a newsfeed up. I need to hit the proofs.
Read the whole thing at American Handgunner.