The History of CD Archery: A Story of Innovation and American Manufacturing
At Area Tool & Manufacturing, we’re proud of our decision to acquire CD Archery and preserve the quality their customers counted on. And while we’ve often talked before about their innovative products, their pride in American manufacturing, and our stewardship of the company, we’ve never shared the full history of CD Archery.
This is the story of CD Archery’s origins and the entrepreneurial spirit that built it and still guides it today. Learn how this company’s founding represents so many values that are critical to us in our operations as a manufacturer, including innovation, customer-driven improvement, and American-made craftsmanship.
The Start of CD Archery
In 2014, Calvin Smock and Dewayne Martin decided they were going to bring to life an idea that they’d considered for years. As longtime competitive archers, they knew exactly what they wanted in a barebow riser, but they’d never been able to find a product that performed and felt exactly the way they were searching for.
Their idea was a weight-forward barebow riser, designed to naturally fall forward after release. To create the perfect product, they partnered with Calvin’s son, Kevin Smock, a professional product designer. Together, they set out to both design and manufacture the riser right here in the United States.
Of course, launching a business always comes with risk, but their passion drove them forward. Both Calvin and Dewayne already had careers, but this was about creating a product they felt other archers wanted, not chasing a big paycheck. They were assisted not only by Kevin but also by their wives, Janet Smock and Sue Ellen Martin, who played a key role in nearly every aspect of the company’s early stages, from processing orders to running booths at trade shows.
Their Approach to American Manufacturing
From the start, Calvin and Dewayne were committed to a product that was 100% manufactured in the United States. Some other archery companies import cast risers from international sources and finish them domestically, but CD Archery wasn’t willing to settle. They wanted to machine their risers from domestically sourced billet aluminum, and for that, they required a manufacturer that valued precision and craftsmanship.
In Area Tool & Manufacturing, they found the perfect partner. Our expert team offers precision machining to meet the exacting requirements for archery equipment. We even added in-house Cerakote coating services to support production.
The result was bigger than a barebow riser. Today, when you attend archery events, you’ll see CD Archery shooters proudly represent the brand, forming a tight-knit community. Calvin and Dewayne are dedicated to that community, supporting shooters, welcoming feedback, and continuously improving for the next release.
The Future of CD Archery
Under Area Tool’s ownership, CD Archery has continued to thrive. Calvin and Dewayne remain central to the business, and the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that launched the company still lives on in every product. Each release is designed to meet the real needs of the archery community.
This year alone, CD Archery plans to release up to three new risers, including the recent WF29XO riser with dampeners.
Why Area Tool and CD Archery Are Here to Stay
When we acquired CD Archery, some people wondered what that would mean for the business in the long term. The answer is simple: we believed in the company, the product, and American manufacturing, and we wanted to ensure it would continue to grow and support archers for years to come.
That’s because at Area Tool, a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is present in everything we do. Whether you need 5-axis machining, sinker EDM, or another capability, we’re ready to support your project. And if you’d like to learn more about CD Archery, stay tuned. More exciting updates are always coming.
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