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 remember seeing the first premium-priced peeler. My first thought was “Who needs this? The old metal ones work fine and cost maybe $0.49.”
Shows why I’ll never be a wealthy entrepreneur!
Thanks for the tip!
Ginsu knives, LOL!
When my Middle Kid was coming up, he went through this phase when he was 4 or so. We called him, “Crack of Dawn Boy’ because that kid was up and ready to roll at 4am EVERY DAMN DAY, no matter how early or late I put him to bed, how many shots of Nyquil I gave him, etc. (JUST KIDDING!)
He LOVED Info-Mercials and of course got a head full of them at 4am.
One morning he was shaking me awake, yelling, “I need the phone! I need your credit card! I GOTTA have this!”
LOL!
For many, MANY years ( and he’s in his early 30’s now) I bought him every piece of TV JUNK I could find at Thrift Stores and wrapped them up for him at Christmas.
Ginsu Knives, Sobakowa Pillows, Onion Blossom Makers, ANYTHING that was a Microwave do-dad, etc.
So. Much. Fun. :)
Of course, my Friend!!
Wilson county TN actually has a Tater Peeler road
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.