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Toni has “been there since the beginning” when Bud began making knives as a hobby back in 1979. She shopped with him at local flea markets for the “antique” equipment Bud initially bought to get him started as a knifemaker, co-wrote an information piece entitled “Eight Good Reasons For Buying a Handmade Knife” which both introduced/educated people to the concept of custom cutlery, and worked with a graphic artist on our first brochure which featured Bud’s hunting knives. Toni and Bud initially sold his knives at high quality, juried craft shows all over the U.S. and Toni handled (and still handles) the show applications, travel and hotel arrangements, etc. In addition, she ordered supplies, talked to customers and mailed out brochures, all while commuting to New York City to her career job as Chief of Staff to the CEO of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).
In 1997, with the business growing by leaps and bounds, Toni decided she needed help. Karen came on board, relieving her of the day-to-day tasks. Today, her principal focus is advertising, marketing, writing articles and correspondence. She recently developed a new color brochure featuring our production knives and worked with a website designer on this website. Toni continues to travel with Bud to most of the knife shows in the U.S. and abroad.
Toni was born in Orange, NJ, grew up in South Orange, attended Seton Hall University and the New School in NYC, majoring in English. Toni and Bud have two sons and three grandchildren.