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Published: November 25th, 2024
Founded in 1898 by Webster L. Marble, Marble’s Arms & Manufacturing Company, initially called Marble Safety Axe Company, became a pillar in the world of outdoor tools, offering innovative designs that were both functional and rugged. Marble’s products quickly gained a devoted following among hunters, campers, soldiers, and explorers alike. This article explores the life of Webster Marble, the history of his company, and the enduring impact of his designs on the industry.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 23, 1854, Webster Marble grew up immersed in outdoor life. His family moved to Michigan when Marble was a child, where he spent his formative years hunting, trapping, and fishing with his father, Lansing Marble, who was a trapper and basket maker. This outdoor upbringing shaped Marble’s understanding of the rugged conditions of the wilderness and instilled in him a practical approach to survival.
- Marble's Safety Axe Company was founded in 1898
- Marble's was founded by Webster Marble
(pictured above)
As a young man, Marble worked as a timber cruiser, surveying vast tracts of Northern Michigan’s pine forests. This profession was grueling; he had to carry heavy surveying tools and, like other surveyors, navigate rough terrain with minimal supplies. These experiences underscored the importance of reliable, well-designed tools. Concepts that would later drive Marble’s approach to creating versatile, high-quality equipment.
In the early 1890s, Marble began sketching ideas for better tools during his free time. Working odd hours in his small Gladstone, Michigan, garage, he produced his first significant invention: the Marble Safety Axe. This tool featured a folding safety guard to protect the blade, making it safer to carry and use; an innovative solution at a time when conventional axes posed a serious hazard. By 1898, Marble had rebranded his business as the Marble Safety Axe Company and dedicated himself to improving outdoor tools full-time. He expanded his workshop to 640 square feet, allowing him to focus solely on producing his now-patented safety axe.
In 1900, Marble attracted investments from two local financiers, Frank H. Van Cleve, the founder of Gladstone, and James T. Jones. These funds allowed Marble to relocate to a 24,000-square-foot factory, reportedly the largest of its kind, dedicated to manufacturing outdoor equipment. This new facility enabled Marble’s company to expand its product line beyond the Safety Axe, including compasses, match safes, and hunting knives. With growing success, Marble continued to improve and diversify its offerings, establishing Marble’s Arms & Manufacturing Company as an industry leader.
Marble’s next breakthrough came with the Ideal Hunting Knife, introduced in 1899. Designed for hunters, it featured a broad, versatile blade and a sturdy, stacked leather handle that offered a secure grip. The Ideal Knife was celebrated for its durability and functionality, becoming the go-to hunting knife for outdoor enthusiasts. Its influence was profound, as it became a template for modern hunting knives. The Ideal Knife and Safety Axe became Marble’s flagship products, helping solidify the company’s reputation among hunters, campers, and even military personnel.
Webster Marble’s vision extended beyond knives and axes to encompass a full range of outdoor tools. By incorporating practical accessories like waterproof match safes and high-quality compasses, Marble’s company became a comprehensive supplier of essential outdoor gear.
In 1908, Marble released the Game Getter, a combination rifle pistol designed for hunters and trappers needing a compact, multi-purpose firearm. Its innovative dual-barrel structure made it suitable for a range of outdoor tasks, but it later faced restrictions under the National Firearms Act of 1934 due to its short-barreled classification. Though production ceased, the Game Getter remains a collector’s item, symbolizing Marble’s ingenuity and commitment to creating multifunctional tools.
Marble’s products became trusted by some of the most notable outdoorsmen of the time. President Theodore Roosevelt, a known outdoorsman and conservationist, was among those who relied on Marble’s gear, and author Ernest Hemingway is said to have appreciated Marble’s tools on his hunting expeditions. The U.S. military also adopted several of Marble’s designs, especially during World War I, when his products were valued for their durability in extreme conditions.
- Marble's released the Ideal Hunting Knife
(pictured above) in 1899
- Both the Ideal Knife and Safety Axe became Marble's flagship products
- In 1908, Marbles released the Game Getter
- The Game Getter was a combination rifle pistol designed for hunters or trappers
Despite its success, Marble’s Arms & Manufacturing Company faced challenges during the Great Depression. Reduced demand and economic constraints forced the company to streamline operations, though Marble continued to produce high-quality tools. After Webster Marble’s death in 1930, leadership shifted to his son William, and the company experienced changes in ownership. Eventually, manufacturing was moved outside the United States, impacting the brand’s reputation as competition intensified.
Today, the Marble’s brand is owned by Smoky Mountain Knife Works (SMKW), the largest knife store in the world, known for preserving iconic knife brands and making them accessible to modern enthusiasts. Under SMKW’s stewardship, the brand continues to honor Marble’s pioneering vision, producing tools that carry forward his legacy in quality and innovation.
Webster Marble was not just a toolmaker but a visionary, creating products that were essential for survival and adventure. Through Marble’s Arms & Manufacturing Company, he provided reliable tools that embodied the resilience of the American outdoorsman. Today, Marble’s products reflect his legacy of quality and innovation, keeping his spirit alive for a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Marble’s Folding Hunter with Imitation Stag Handles is a blend of classic style and modern practicality, perfect for collectors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Featuring a 4" 440A stainless steel clip-point blade with a satin finish, it offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The slipjoint design ensures secure use, while the imitation stag handle provides a comfortable, authentic look. At 5.25" closed, this compact knife fits easily into pockets or packs, delivering reliable performance for daily tasks or outdoor adventures.
The Marble's No.5 Safety Axe is a classic outdoor tool, renowned for its innovative design and durability. It features a secure folding guard to protect the blade when not in use, enhancing safety and portability for campers and adventurers. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel with a 2.25” cutting edge, the axe delivers reliable cutting power, making it ideal for a range of tasks, from chopping firewood to clearing trails. The ergonomic smooth hickory handle offers a comfortable grip, while the rugged construction ensures it withstands harsh outdoor conditions, embodying Marble's legacy of practical, reliable tools.
The Marble's Stacked Leather Hunter Fixed Blade Knife with Survival Kit combines classic style with essential survival features. Crafted with a 3.87" mirror-polished 440A stainless steel blade, it offers durability, corrosion resistance, and an impressive edge. The stacked leather handle ensures a comfortable, secure grip, complemented by a brass guard and aluminum pommel for balance. Equipped with a brass compass and stainless steel match-safe, this knife is a reliable companion for outdoor adventures. At 7.75" overall, it’s compact yet capable, perfect for collectors and serious outdoorsmen.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.