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Case
Published: May 16th, 2025
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company has been a trusted symbol of American craftsmanship for over 130 years, blending tradition, quality, and innovation. From humble beginnings in the late nineteenth century to becoming a beloved name among collectors and outdoorsmen alike, Case knives have carved a lasting place in American history.
Before forming W.R. Case & Sons, the brothers had already made a significant mark on the cutlery industry. Around 1886, the four joined with J.B.F. Champlin & Son to establish the Cattaraugus Cutlery Co. Then, in 1889, Jean, John, and Andrew left Cattaraugus to form the Case Brothers Cutlery Company in Little Valley, New York. By 1900, their success allowed them to build their own factory in Little Valley, where they specialized in hand-forged knives made from high-quality materials. It was around this time that the Case Brothers began stamping their blades with the now-iconic “XX” mark, signifying that each blade was tempered and tested twice for strength and durability.
J. Russell “Russ” Case, son of William Russell, joined the family business as a salesman around 1903, working alongside his uncles. In 1905, Russ helped orchestrate a merger with C. Platts & Sons Cutlery Co., and the newly formed company, W.R. Case & Sons, named in honor of his father, relocated operations from Little Valley to Bradford, Pennsylvania. This move provided access to a skilled workforce and better resources, allowing the company to expand and strengthen its reputation as a premier American knife maker.
- Case Brothers Cutlery Company was founded in 1889 by four brothers, William Russell, Jean, John, and Andrew Case (pictured above)
- In 1903, J. Russell "Russ" Case, joined the family business
- In 1905, W.R. Case & Sons moved to Bradford, Pennsylvania, after merging with C. Platts & Sons Cutlery Co.
By this time, the Case family had firmly established itself as major players in the industry, known for producing high-quality pocket, kitchen, and hunting knives. However, tragedy struck in 1911 when a fire destroyed the Case Brothers Cutlery Co. factory in Little Valley. Around the same time, H.N. Platts departed from W.R. Case & Sons. Despite these setbacks, W.R. Case & Sons continued to grow and thrive in Bradford, which remains the company’s home to this day.
Case V-42 stiletto
The 1960s presented a new challenge when Case was called upon by NASA to craft a knife capable of meeting the unique demands of space exploration. In response, Case designed the Astronaut Knife M1, an ultra-lightweight high-carbon stainless steel fixed blade with a white synthetic handle that emitted no fumes, preserving the delicate air quality within spacecraft. The M1 accompanied astronauts on all Gemini and Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, marking Case's contributions not just to American history but to human history itself.
Beyond military and aerospace contributions, Case also played an important role in the kitchen cutlery market. In 1949, they partnered with Alcoa, a leading aluminum manufacturer, to form Alcas and create Cutco brand knives. This collaboration helped establish a presence in American homes, providing durable stainless steel cutlery for everyday use. Although Alcoa acquired full ownership of Cutco in 1972, the partnership showcased Case’s adaptability and ability to innovate beyond traditional pocket knives.
In 1993, Case began a new chapter when it was acquired by Zippo Manufacturing Company, another Bradford-based American icon. This acquisition brought together two storied brands, both renowned for their commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and American tradition. Under Zippo's stewardship, Case has continued to honor its heritage while pushing forward with new designs and innovations, blending traditional techniques with modern demands.
- In the 1960s, Case developed the Astronaut Knife M1 (Model 2019 pictured above) for NASA, which flew on all Gemini and Apollo missions.
- In 1949, Case partnered with Alcoa to form Alcas and manufacture Cutco brand knives
- In 1993, Case was acquired by Zippo Manufacturing Company
Throughout its history, Case has developed an incredible array of knife patterns, each blending beauty with utility. Designs such as the Trapper, Stockman, Canoe, Sodbuster, Peanut, and Barlow have become legendary, cherished by generations for their functionality and timeless appeal. Each knife tells a story of America's working class and outdoor traditions, whether nestled in a farmer’s pocket, a rancher’s belt, or a collector’s display.
Case's artistry extends beyond blade patterns and into the materials they choose. Traditional options such as jigged bone, stag antler, mother of pearl, and buffalo horn continue to reflect the rich natural beauty that has long been a hallmark of Case knives. Meanwhile, modern materials like G10, Micarta, Kirinite, and carbon fiber show the company's willingness to embrace innovation without compromising character. These handle materials are often complemented by nickel silver, brass, or sterling silver bolsters and liners, creating knives that are both durable tools and cherished works of art.
In blade construction, Case has long employed a variety of steels to suit different needs. Chrome Vanadium (CV) steel offers exceptional ease of sharpening and superior edge retention, while Tru-Sharp (SS) stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance for everyday use. More specialized offerings include the striking patterns and strength of Damascus steel and the high-performance properties of steels like 154CM and CPM-S35VN, appealing to those who seek modern edge technologies.
One of the many ways Case honors its history while nurturing its future is through the Case Vault Program. Introduced in 2008, the Vault allows Case to rotate certain knife patterns in and out of production. Each year, a specific pattern is released from the Vault for a limited time, giving collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire knives that might otherwise be unavailable. This program not only sparks excitement within the Case community but also preserves the legacy of patterns that have helped define American knife making for generations.
Tony Bose
That same sense of pride and tradition runs deep within the Case Collectors Club, founded in 1981 and still thriving today. For collectors, a Case knife is more than just a tool. It is a connection to something larger, a reminder of craftsmanship that endures, and stories passed down from generation to generation. Limited editions, commemorative releases, and rare Vault patterns capture not just the artistry of knife making but the spirit of the people who carry them, making every Case knife a small but lasting piece of American history.
Today, W.R. Case & Sons continues to thrive, producing knives that honor the past while embracing the future. Every Case knife embodies the legacy of American craftsmanship, offering a tangible connection to generations of skill, pride, and tradition, built to be treasured, used, and passed down through the hands of time.
What to Buy
The Case XX Pocket Worn Muskrat carries two 2.9-inch mirror-polished carbon steel clip-point blades, sharpened for precision and everyday tasks. Each blade opens smoothly with a nail nick for easy access. The Crandall jig gray bone handle offers a worn-in look and comfortable feel, accented by brass pins, nickel-silver bolsters, and the classic Case XX shield. Measuring 3.87 inches closed and weighing 2.5 ounces, it fits easily in the pocket without sacrificing performance. American-made craftsmanship shines through every detail, blending tradition, durability, and style into a knife built for both collectors and daily carry.
The Case XX RussLock Blue Sycamore Wood knife pairs a 2.67-inch TruSharp surgical steel clip point blade with a unique blue sycamore wood handle. Tru-Sharp steel offers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and easy maintenance, while the blade’s clip point shape adds precision and versatility. A built-in flipper and linerlock mechanism allows smooth, secure operation. The blue sycamore wood handle features a vivid finish and natural grain pattern, accented by stainless steel pins, polished bolsters, and the Case oval shield. Measuring 4.25 inches closed and weighing 2.6 ounces, this American-made knife blends beauty, practicality, and heritage in every detail.
The Case XX Barlow Green Apple Peach Seed Jigged Bone knife combines two mirror-polished Tru-Sharp stainless steel blades, a 2.45-inch clip point, and a 2.1-inch pen blade, designed for precision, durability, and corrosion resistance. Nail nicks on both blades ensure smooth opening. The handle, crafted from vibrant Green Apple peach seed jigged bone, offers a bold color with a textured, comfortable grip. Stainless steel bolsters, including one engraved with the Case shield, and nickel silver pins complete the design. Measuring 3.63 inches closed and weighing 3.2 ounces, this American-made knife blends classic Barlow style with modern flair and everyday functionality.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.