Bradford, PA (March 18, 2010) - A new knife made by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is about to hit the market; one which has just been awarded one of the international outdoor industry’s most prestigious honors. Case’s new Hawk Bill Pruner (‘011 pattern) was selected as the winner of the coveted International Knife Award given by IWA 2010 & Outdoor Classics in the Outdoor category in Nuremburg, Germany’s Exhibition Center last Friday. The award presentation was part of the exhibition’s opening ceremonies, and celebrates Case’s first appearance as an IWA show exhibitor and International Knife Awards competitor. Sixty-three different knives representing 42 suppliers in nine countries were part of this year’s competition. The knives were judged by a panel of leading knife experts, each with extensive experience in the cutlery industry.

According to IWA’s website, www.iwa.info, the contest judges knives in several distinct categories “according to strict criteria of functionality and quality, plus innovation, design and material combination.” Case’s new Hawk Bill Pruner, which measures 4” in length when closed and weighs 3.2 to 3.5 oz, is currently offered in Peach Seed Jigged Amber Bone, Smooth Rosewood, and Smooth Black G-10 handles with a stainless steel blade. Additional handle choices will be forthcoming.

The jury also recognized the Hawk Bill Pruner for its authentic look and feel, saying, “Traditional knife patterns as can be found in this very well crafted gardening tool keep the culture alive. This knife is suited for any dedicated collection.”

Tom Arrowsmith, President of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company states, “We are delighted to be recognized by the international community for the unique blend of quality, innovation, and traditional hand-crafting built into Case knives.”

2010 marks the tenth anniversary of the IWA International Knife Awards competition.

About IWA 2010 & OutdoorClassics
IWA & OutdoorClassics has been the world's leading exhibition for the hunting and sporting guns, outdoor and accessories sector for over 35 years. Last year 1,135 exhibitors from 53 nations presented their products and services to more than 32,000 trade visitors representing more than 100 countries. The show’s international share of visitors is 60 % - which makes IWA & OutdoorClassics in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg a truly multinational occasion for the industry.