Collins Company

The Collins Company, often known as Collins Axe Company, was a pioneer in the American edge tool manufacturing industry. Founded in 1826 by Samuel Watkinson Collins, David C. Collins, and William Wells in Collinsville, Connecticut, the company quickly made a name for itself due to its high-quality axes and other edge tools. Here are some key points about the Collins Company:

Early History and Founding:

• Samuel Watkinson Collins: The driving force behind the company, Collins utilized innovative production techniques and business strategies to position the Collins Company as a leader in tool manufacturing.


• Location: The company was based in what is now Collinsville, Connecticut, a town named after the company due to its significant influence on the local economy and community.

Products:

• Axes: The Collins Company was best known for its high-quality axes, which were indispensable tools for frontier settlers, loggers, and other professions requiring reliable cutting tools.


• Other Edge Tools: Besides axes, the company manufactured a variety of edge tools including machetes, hatchets, picks, and adzes.

Innovations:

• Manufacturing Techniques: The Collins Company was ahead of its time in adopting sophisticated production methods such as the use of water power and later steam power to drive machinery. This allowed for mass production while maintaining high quality.


• Steel Quality: Collins axes were renowned for their superior steel quality and craftsmanship, making them highly sought after.

Market Reach:

• Global Export: By the mid-19th century, Collins axes were being exported globally, including to countries in South America, Africa, and Asia.


• Domestic Market: In the United States, the company’s tools were widely used by pioneers during westward expansion.

Community Impact:

• Collinsville: The town grew around the company, with many residents employed by the Collins Company. Samuel Collins played an active role in the community, contributing to local infrastructure and development.


• Employment: At its peak, the Collins Company employed hundreds of workers and was an economic anchor for the region.

Later Years and Decline:

• 20th Century: The company continued to operate into the 20th century but faced increasing competition and changes in industrial practices.


• Closure: The Collins Company ceased operations in 1966, but its legacy continues, particularly through the tools that are still in use and collected by enthusiasts today.

Legacy:

• Historical Significance: The Collins Company is remembered for its role in advancing American manufacturing and contributing to the tools that helped shape the nation's development.


• Collectibles: Tools manufactured by Collins are now collectible items, valued for their history and craftsmanship.

While the Collins Company no longer operates, its impact on the tool industry and American industrial history remains significant.