W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer of premium, hand-crafted knives that have been passed down for generations.  Based in Bradford, PA, Case’s offerings include a wide variety of knives that fit virtually any need, from the convenience of a handy pocketknife to fixed blade sporting knives and limited edition collectibles.  The company’s rich history began in 1889 when William Russell (“W.R.”), Jean, John, and Andrew Case began fashioning their knives and selling them along a wagon trail in upstate New York.  Today the Case company is owned by Zippo Manufacturing, another family-owned business based in Bradford. 

In 2006, Case celebrates its loyal collectors with the 25th anniversary of the Case Collectors Club and the 2006 Zippo/Case International Swap Meet. The Swap Meet will be held on July 21 and 22 in Bradford, PA. This year’s theme, Tales & Traditions, recognizes the tradition of knife and lighter collecting, as well as the many stories that often accompany the collecting adventure.

Case credits its 350 associates with maintaining their industry position by constantly pioneering the use of new materials and designs. Case’s innovation is underscored by several original knife design patterns, such as the popular CopperLock®, Baby Butterbean®, Sod Buster® and XX-Changer®.  To further expand its product offerings, the company has also secured licensing agreements with several American icons.  Current licensors include: Boy Scouts of America®, Ducks Unlimited, John Deere, John Wayne Enterprises™, Johnny Cash, and Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc.

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

A unique tang stamp dating system that’s been used since the very early days of its history has cemented the Case brand as one of the most recognized and valuable collectibles in the industry.  The Case Collectors Club is the largest knife collecting association in the world with 18,000 members.  Club members enjoy exclusive, limited edition 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.

Case knives are available nationwide at hardware and home improvement retailers, specialty cutlery shops, and catalog retailers.  For more information about W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, call 1-800-523-6350 or visit their website at www.wrcase.com.