Smith Abrasives Inc.

Smith Abrasives got its start in 1886 mining rocks that would become Arkansas stones, which are acknowledged as the world’s best at giving a polished edge to a knife.

While traditionalists still prefer the natural stones, which make up nearly a quarter of Smith’s business, the future is in fixed-edge tools with carbide or ceramic rods or diamond systems that make knife-sharpening faster and easier. The 121-year-old company designs, manufactures and sells a broad line of knife and scissor sharpeners both under its own brand name and for other manufacturers, such as high-end knife manufacturer Wüsthof-Trident. The sharpeners can be found at sporting goods stores such as Dick’s, Academy, Cabela’s, Bass Pro, Gander Mountain and REI, big-box stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart and Lowe’s, as well as Ace and True Value hardware stores.

Dan Glidden, who became chairman and CEO last year, said the company needs to create a retail “category” for sharpeners, which have traditionally been viewed as an accessory to knives. Still, Glidden said the company is projecting 40 percent sales growth annually through expansion into the housewares market with electric sharpeners.

Richard Smith is company president, the fourth generation of the founding family to be involved with the company. Although the knife-sharpener business has been flat nationwide, the firm has seen rapid growth over the past few years by deciding to become a full-line supplier to all consumer retail channels. Sales were up 34 percent through the first three quarters last year, far outpacing the industry average. Glidden said success has come to the company because it treats its customers well and because of its high-quality products.

The rapid growth has been a challenge, he said, as the company transitions a small, stable operation to one suited for a fast-growth enterprise. That transition has been made easier by hiring good people — the company now employs 36 — and treating them right, he said.

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