The history of Rada Cutlery dates back to 1948 in Waterloo, Iowa, where Gaedke Cutlery Manufacturing Company, owned by William and Dorotha Gaedke, began producing kitchen knives by repurposing surplus materials left over from the Second World War. With military-grade aluminum and steel no longer required for the war effort, the founders saw an opportunity to transform these durable raw materials into high-quality, affordable tools for the American home. The company operated as Gaedke Cutlery for more than two decades before being purchased by the Rada family in 1970.

From the beginning, the knives established a visual identity that would define the brand for decades: the brushed aluminum handle. While the company started with just three basic models, the Slicer, the Steak/Utility knife, and the Regular Paring knife, their distinct appearance earned them a widespread reputation simply as “the silver handle knives.” The design utilizes a permanent mold casting process in which molten aluminum is poured around prefabricated stainless steel blades, permanently bonding the blade and handle. This manufacturing technique remains central to production today. By 1969, the product line had expanded to include a knife sharpener, a Housewarming Gift Set featuring the original three knives, and a six-piece Steak/Utility Knife Gift Set, all of which remain in production.

The company’s growth was catalyzed by an unconventional distribution strategy that prioritized philanthropy over traditional retail. In its earliest years, the only way to purchase the knives was through a fundraiser, with churches primarily conducting the first fundraising efforts. By offering non-profit groups a substantial 40 percent profit margin, the company bypassed the need for a large advertising budget and instead built a loyal, grassroots customer base. This model proved so successful that, to date, more than 170 million pieces of cutlery and utensils have been sold across the United States.

- Gaedke Cutlery was founded in 1948 by William and Dortha Gaedke

- In 1970, the Rada family purchased Gaedke Cutlery and renamed it to Rada Cutlery

- In 1969, a knife sharpener, a Housewarming Gift Set (pictured above), and a six-piece Steak/Utility Gift Set were added to the catalog

- As of 2026, Rada Cutlery has sold over 170 million pieces of cutlery

Despite the pressures of global outsourcing that affected much of the American manufacturing sector in the late twentieth century, Rada maintained a commitment to 100 percent American-made production, sourcing all raw materials and labor within the country. Today, the company uses T420 surgical-grade high-carbon stainless steel, and each blade is hand-sharpened before leaving the factory. The lifetime guarantee, in place since 1948, has remained a constant part of the company’s promise to its customers.

While cast aluminum remains the hallmark of the brand, Rada has continued to adapt its offerings. In 2007, black molded resin handles were introduced, providing customers with an additional option while maintaining the same quality and standards that Rada is known for.

- In 2007, Rada Cutlery introduced the black molded resin handles