History of Case

The story of Case knives begins in 1889, when four brothers William Russell (W.R.), Jean, John, and Andrew Case, began selling handcrafted knives from the back of a wagon in small upstate New York villages and towns. The brothers were skilled craftsmen, and their knives quickly gained a reputation for quality and durability. In 1896, the brothers incorporated their business as the Case Brothers Cutlery Company, four years later building their factory in Little Valley, New York. Wanting to leave a trademark of their quality, the brothers began to use their signature XX mark which has become well-known throughout the world. The tested XX trademark continues today as Case's commitment to quality, with a Case XX stamp marked on the blade, originally meaning tempered and tested not only once (X), but twice (XX).

In 1905 the company moved to its current home of Bradford, Pennsylvania, the same place where Case knives are made today, where they continued to establish their brand. The company’s original factory in Little Valley, New York later burned down in 1912, resulting in the factory having to be moved to Springfield, New York. Starting in WW1, Case began manufacturing military knives for U.S. servicemen. Producing iconic knives like the M3 Fighting Knife, and V-42 stiletto for the Devil’s Brigade during WW2. The V-42 stiletto's unique design would later earn it a place on the coat of arms for the 1st Special Service Force. In 1949, Case alongside Alcoa, a leading manufacturer of aluminum cookware, founded Cutco brand cutlery to manufacture stainless steel knives for Alcoa’s cookware division. Alcoa later bought out Case’s shares in 1972.

- Case knives began in 1889 by four brothers William Russell, Jean, John, and Andrew Case

- Case knives was incoporated in 1896 as Case Brothers Cutlery Company

- Case Brothers Cutlery Company later built their factory in Little Valley, New York

- Case began stamped their signature XX mark as a signature for tempered and tested

- In 1905, Case moved to their current home of Bradford, Pennsylvania

- Case's originally factory in Little Valley, New York later burned down in 1912

-In WW1, Case began manufacturing military knives for U.S servicemen

- In 1949, Case alongside Alcoa founded Cutco brand cutlery

The early 1960s were a historical moment for W.R. Case & Sons when NASA sought their expertise to create a knife specifically designed for the Gemini and Apollo missions. Undeterred by the challenge, Case meticulously crafted the Case Astronaut Knife M-1, an ultra-lightweight fixed-blade knife. The knife's special synthetic handle, a critical feature, ensured no fumes were emitted, maintaining the integrity of the spacecraft's air quality and ensuring the safety of the astronauts.

In 1993, another Bradford Pennsylvania native, Zippo, acquired W.R Case & Sons. This union brought together two renowned American brands, each with a rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. Since the acquisition, Case has continued to uphold its legacy by crafting iconic cutlery pieces, including the enduring Case XX trapper and stockman patterns, while also venturing into modern designs like the Marilla and Kinzua. Today, Case knives remain a symbol of timeless craftsmanship and American ingenuity.

- In the early 1960s, Case was approached by NASA to produce a knife specifically for their Gemini and Apollo missions

- In 1993, another Bradford, Pennsylvania native Zippo, acquired W.R. Case & Sons