1963 PASSION FOR THE OUTDOORS
In winter, Karl spent his time on the slopes of the Swabian Alb as a passionate skier, and in the summer months, he went to the Tyrolian Alps. He was friends with a mountain guide from Reutte who helped him explore remote peaks and challenging routes. Back in those days, Karl became frustrated when he would lose the big leather baskets as the leather cords wore out quickly and fell off the shaft. With his machinery, he was able to design and construct the first tip and basket system made from directly injected plastic. The LEKI fix was born. The idea of screwing your basket on a thread remains in use today. Karl didn’t stop there. In the 60s, he developed and sold both grips and straps. It’s a fun fact that LEKI started off as a spare part company. With his experience in aircraft construction, Karl pushed the envelope even further. In his mind, aluminum was the perfect material for a pole shaft – light and durable.
KARL LENHART WITH AUSTRIAN MOUNTAIN GUIDES AND FRIENDS
By 1963 Karl produced and sold the first aluminum poles made from highly durable 7075 alloys under the brand “Duraluminum.” Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 1970 that the brand LEKI was created. The once- refugee was a successful entrepreneur embracing his new home, and the name of his brand is proof. LEKI was a combination of Lenhart and Kirchheim. Nevertheless, his love for the mountains moved him to Ramsen in Switzerland in the late 70s. It was his lifetime dream to live at the edge of the Swiss Alps.
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