Posted on 09/29/2018 7:18:25 AM PDT by DUMBGRUNT
Over the years, abridged versions of the peeler’s origin story have been shared in design museums and even business schools. But talking to Smart’s founder, Davin Stowell, I had no clue how rich the history was, including cameos from Monsanto, samurai sword makers, and retail magicians from another era. What follows is his lightly edited story–an insider’s account of the world’s most famous vegetable peeler.
We went to knife companies in Japan. One company called Mitsubohi Cutlery, dated back to the 1800s when they made samurai swords.
We hop in the the limousine to the tooling factory, and there’s this guy with overalls, with a remote controller and a giant steel tool over his head they’re moving from one side of the shop to the other. They showed him the model I’d made, conversing back and forth in Japanese. We had no idea what they were talking about. Then all the sudden, they started to laugh, and they came over and said, “Yes, Mr. So-and-So said we can make this.” I asked, “What did you decide that based on?” When they were talking, they kept pointing at me, so I didn’t know what was going on. Apparently, Mr. So-and-So said that if I could make it, he could make it.
(Excerpt) Read more at fastcompany.com ...
I use Gallagher’s Sledg-O-Matic.
I thought Monsanto was Satan’s company from hell?
“If Mueller indicted Satan, I would make at least a favorable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.”
- Or something like that.
Winston Churchill
Ya gotta pay mind using one of those. Mine bit the end off my ring finger couple years back. Bled for an hour!
They need a proofreader.
There is no more racist or condescending people than the Japanese.
I do not know the speakers intent, but I have seen more than a few contracts signed that were way low; because of pride.
Including one, where the bid bond was OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS, and there were intense discussions of eating the bid bond. Not a viable plan.
After much cyphering, it was thought that if all went well, out of pocket cost would be about the same.
Happens often.
Deal of the Century!!!TM
BUT WAIT, THERE IS MORE...
Gallagher’s Sledg-O-Matic.
Gets the job done!
But, OH MY, the cleanup time.
Mine, hit on multiple fingers...
This is a great story...thanks for posting this. I love hearing how driven people bring great products to market. The real behind the scenes stories are always complicated — design, materials, manufacturability, tooling, getting shelf space, branding, positioning, legal challenges and patents, new technologies, distribution channels, financing, partnerships, etc.
There are so many interesting nuggets in this article — finding a Japanese manufacturer after having been told “not possible” by others, stumbling onto the Monsanto material, positioning the peeler as an aid to arthritis sufferers and then learning that stigmatizes them, packaging it so potential customers could feel the innovative handle, putting the new peelers in a bowl of carrots so people could try them out, bringing out 20 kitchen gadgets with the same breakthrough handle so they could get retail shelf space. Even the simple name of the company with the instant visual recognition of the simple shapes that trigger “hugs & kisses” reflex.
Great stuff! We are big fans of OXO products.
It makes me even think about getting out of retirement!
We like the Kuhn Ricon peelers, never thought I would like a “horizontal one” but these are great!
They need a proofreader.
A good editor costs good money.
This is from the low budget edge of the internet.
That said, I did notice a guy near the on-ramp with a sign;
GOOD EDITOR, WILL WORK CHEAP.
We are good friends of Chef Tony, a really great guy..
By far.
POW! SOWIE! To the moon Alice!
I have a couple of the old-fashioned peelers. They work fine for me.
Two peelers for health are the orange, thin plastic, with airplane tail tip, for Oranges. And the metal sharp circular triangle cuts, for the Apple.
Apples & Oranges are ever present and these two peelers are great inventions.
How the pieces of the puzzle came together.
The manufacturing guy being cocksure! (see #25)
That guy I know.
Occasionally at a meeting and my principal asks can we do it? I’m not here to give a song and dance, just yes or no.
I have to believe in the ability of the team to perform.
Only no, if there are serious doubts, with a short explanation.
This makes competitive capitalism work.
And still, the most basic potato peeler sells by the millions...
I can’t wait for the next episodes to tell the back story on toenail clippers and aglets!
And thay say, "A Whut??"
I can’t wait for the next episodes to tell the back story on toenail clippers and aglets!
Oddly as it might sound, long ago I read of an individual that put every cent he had into an improved toenail clipper.
Still, recall snips of it every time I trim my toenails.
Shoelaces; not so much.
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