Barry Becher, of Ginsu Knives Fame, Dies at 71

	Barry Becher, of Ginsu Knives Fame, Dies at 71 The marketing mastermind and infomercial pioneer best known for introducing American TV viewers to Ginsu knives, the miracle kitchen tool that sliced through tin cans and chopped wood, has died. Barry Becher was 71. But as Becher's commercials promised, "Wait, there's more!" Becher also brought viewers the Miracle Slicer, Armourcote Cookware and a bevy of other products he pitched with his business partner Ed Valenti. The duo's signature style of advertising coaxed consumers to act fast because supplies were limited. Satisfaction was always guaranteed. Becher had been suffering from kidney cancer and died Friday at a hospital of complications from surgery, his stepdaughter Stacy Paradise said Wednesday. He had lived in Parkland. Becher was born in Brooklyn. His father was a chemical engineer, his mother an opera singer. He left for Rhode Island after high school, passing broken-down cars on the highway. He figured he might be able to make a living in the auto business. Becher was running two AAMCO franchises near Warwick, RI, when he met Valenti, an account executive for a local television station who was handling the auto shops' advertising. They drove the same Datsun 240Z, had wives who were schoolmates, shared a passion for sales and became fast friends. They decided they wanted to find a product they could market through an extended TV commercial, the way some records were sold. Becher found a mohair-bristled paint pad that prevented splatter and cut work times.	From: FirstRaceTv Views: 0 0 ratings
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