How Did Heinnie Haynes Get Started?
Back in 1996, slap bang in the dot com boom, our founder Bruce launched Heinnie Haynes. Born of a desire to be his own boss and pursue a more entrepreneurial lifestyle, heinnie.com emerged from the incessant hum of the World Wide Web.
It's one of the most asked questions, "Where did the name come from?" The answer is lost in the mists of time. We're not even sure if Bruce knows anymore but, wherever it came from, it stuck. His engineering background, love of materials and design and a fascination with how things work meant that he was selling stuff he loved: knives and multi-tools. The son of a menswear shop owner, Bruce developed the belief that customer service should be central to any business. That unique crossroad of devotion to quality gear and remarkable service led to his gathering together a loyal band of customers who shared the passion.
How Did a Cardiff Attic Room Become One of the UK's Biggest Knife Retailers?
Working out of his attic room in a terrace in Cardiff, he placed an ad in lads' mag Maxim featuring a Leatherman multi-tool, and the orders began to flow. After a few years of working all the hours with little return, something clicked. What was once a steady flow became a torrent. It was time to leave the attic behind.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1996, Cardiff, Wales |
| Founder | Bruce Bollington |
| First Product | Leatherman multi-tools and knives |
| First Premises | Attic room in a Cardiff terrace |
| Expansion | Small unit in Barry, growing to dedicated warehouse, offices & showroom |
| Employee Ownership Trust | 2020 |
| Current location | Barry, South Wales |
| Product range | Knives, multi-tools, EDC gear, outdoor equipment, bushcraft and survival gear |
What Does Heinnie Haynes Sell Today?
Fast forward a few years, Heinnie Haynes now supplies a wide range of pocket gadgetry, tools, outdoor gear, bushcraft and survival equipment and the finest and widest selection of knives in the UK. Another move was on the cards and Bruce and 15 employees consolidated all of the Heinnie operations into one larger premises, able to cope with a growing inventory and a growing set of operations - and that's where you'll find us today.
With a growing team and a growing supply of gear from around the world it became even more important that the Heinnie ethos clearly applied across the business - from our selection of new gear to our Heinnie Kit Assist service.
Heinnie Haynes became the internet's best-kept secret for the gear literate and those that subscribe to a lifestyle of preparedness. The Heinnie modus operandi continued to reach those that shared the mindset.
Popular brands we stock include:
Why Did Heinnie Haynes Become Employee-Owned?
In 2020, rather than sell it to the highest bidder, Bruce decided to sell the company to the employees, some of whom had been with him since the early 2000s, as an Employee Ownership Trust. Jobs were safeguarded, company ethos remained intact and a new MD, Mark, was brought in to steer the Heinnie ship. Bruce remains a part of the trust to this day, ensuring that a lifetime of experience is at hand when needed.
What Makes Heinnie Haynes Different From Other Outdoor Gear Retailers?
What began in 1996 as an ambition became a buoyant group of enthusiasts and an organisation committed to bringing together a unique collection of the most compelling gear from around the world.
In a world that's increasingly crowded with noise, mass-produced mediocrity and disposable gimmicks, Heinnie stands apart. We remain a beacon for those who demand quality, integrity and substance and - above all else - understand the quiet satisfaction of owning truly exceptional gear.
We also offer Blue Light and Defence Discounts, free UK delivery, extended 60-day returns and click and collect from 2,800 stores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Heinnie Haynes?
Heinnie Haynes is a UK online retailer specialising in knives, multi-tools, EDC gear, outdoor equipment and bushcraft supplies. Bruce Bollington founded the company in Cardiff in 1996. We're now employee-owned and based in Barry, South Wales, stocking gear from brands like Spyderco, Benchmade, Victorinox and Leatherman.
Is Heinnie Haynes employee-owned?
Heinnie Haynes is an Employee Ownership Trust. In 2020 founder Bruce Bollington sold the company to his employees rather than an outside buyer, keeping jobs secure and the company ethos intact. Bruce is still part of the trust and helps steer the direction of the business.
Where is Heinnie Haynes based?
Heinnie Haynes is based in Barry, South Wales. We started in an attic room in Cardiff in 1996 and moved to Barry as the business grew. You'll find our warehouse, offices and showroom all under one roof at the Atlantic Trading Estate.
What brands does Heinnie Haynes stock?
Heinnie Haynes is home to a wide range of knife and outdoor gear brands. You'll find names like Spyderco, Benchmade, Victorinox, Boker, Leatherman and CRKT alongside many specialist manufacturers from around the world. Our range covers knives, multi-tools, torches, wallets, bags and survival equipment.