About W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company
Take a glimpse into Case’s storied past and present.
Q: Who is W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company?
A: W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer of premium, hand-crafted knives that are passed down for generations. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Case’s offerings cover a wide range of product categories, from traditional folding pocket knives and fixed blade sporting knives to limited production commemoratives and collectibles.
Q: When did the company start?
A: The company’s rich history began in 1889 when four brothers - William Russell (W.R.), Jean, John, and Andrew Case (a.k.a. “The Case Brothers”) began fashioning knives and selling them along a wagon trail in upstate New York. W.R.’s son, John Russell (Russ) Case, a former salesman for the Case Brothers brand, launched W.R. Case & Sons around the turn of the 20th century. Russ’s father acted as his son’s consultant, helping to stabilize the company’s early finances while building a reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality cutlery. In 1993, Zippo Manufacturing Company, maker of the world famous Zippo® windproof lighter and another family-owned business based in Bradford, formed W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company to continue the legacy of the Case family of brands.
The company’s original knife concepts and manufacturing methods have been recognized with awards and features from major print publications, international trade organizations and events, broadcast television shows and major motion pictures. A unique tang stamp dating system used since the very early days of its history has made the Case brand one of the world’s favorite collectible brands.
Q: What does Case do today?
A: The Case Collectors Club, with 18,000 active members, is the largest known knife collecting association in the world. Case’s commitment to quality is evident in the 125 pairs of hands that it takes to create just one knife. Case knives start with carefully shaped handles made from a wide range of genuine materials like Brazilian cattle bone, stag antler, buffalo horn, mother-of-pearl, exotic woods and stones. Brass, nickel, and silver components highlight each form, bringing together knives that are not just beautiful, but able to stand the tests of time and use.
Case knives are sold largely through an authorized dealer network of hardware and home improvement retailers, specialty cutlery shops, fashion and accessory shops, catalog retailers, and others.
We invite you to visit the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania where fans and collectors from across the globe gather to learn about the rich history of Case knives and Zippo lighters.