W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company was created around the turn of the century, during a time when pocket knives were as essential as a watch. Through the years, the company has been recognized as a leader in pioneering new materials and designs in the knife industry.

   The company’s roots extend back to 1889, when a few enterprising brothers – William Russell (W.R.), Jean, John and Andrew – in the Case family began selling handcrafted knives from the back of a wagon in upstate New York. In January 1900, the brothers incorporated to form the first Case family brand, Case Brothers Cutlery Company.

   J.R. Case, who named the company after his father, W.R., formed W.R. Case & Sons as it is known today. By the time the company moved to Bradford, PA in 1905, the four Case brothers had established their family brands as the most respected names in American cutlery.

   Beginning with World War I, the government has called upon Case Knife to make military knives for U.S. servicemen and women. During the 1965 flight of the “Molly Brown,” astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young used special Case knives on a NASA space mission.  Case knives have garnered so many famous admirers and avid collectors such as former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, country music star Randy Travis and many others that carry and collect Case Knives. 

   Case’s commitment to quality is evident in the 125 pairs of hands it takes to create one knife.  Artisans shape handles from rare Brazilian cattle bone and Buffalo horn to more delicate substances like rosewood, mother-of-pearl, and stag to make a Case Knife. Metals like brass, nickel, and silver highlight each form, bringing together a knife that’s not only beautiful, but one that will stand the tests of time and use.  

   The Case Collectors Club is the largest knife collecting association in the world with 18,000 members.  Club members enjoy exclusive Case knife offers, a quarterly publication entitled The Case Collector, and other benefits including an open invitation to participate in a “Walk and Talk Tour” of the Case factory.  The company co-sponsors a biennial Swap Meet with Zippo that lures enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to Bradford, PA to buy, trade, and share their most prized collection pieces.