WR Case and Sons Cutlery Co
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company is an American manufacturer of premium, hand-crafted knives that are passed down for generations. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Case’s offerings cover a wide range of product categories, from traditional folding pocket knives and fixed blade sporting knives to limited production commemoratives and collectables.
The company’s rich history began in 1889 when four brothers - William Russell (W.R.), Jean, John, and Andrew Case (a.k.a. “The Case Brothers”) began fashioning knives and selling them along a wagon trail in upstate New York. W.R.’s son, John Russell (Russ) Case, a former salesman for the Case Brothers brand, launched W.R. Case & Sons around the turn of the 20th century. Russ’s father acted as his son’s consultant, helping to stabilize the company’s early finances while building a reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality cutlery. In 1993, Zippo Manufacturing, makers of the world famous Zippo® windproof lighter and another family-owned business based in Bradford purchased Case.
The company’s original knife concepts and manufacturing methods have been recognized with awards and features from major print publications, international trade organizations and events, broadcast television shows and major motion pictures. A unique tang stamp dating system used since the very early days of its history has made the Case brand one of the world’s favorite collectable brands. The Case Collectors Club, with 18, 000 active members, is the largest known knife collecting association in the world. Case’s commitment to quality is evident in the 125 pairs of hands that it takes to create just one knife. Case knives start with carefully shaped handles made from a wide range of genuine materials like Brazilian cattle bone, stag antler, buffalo horn, mother-of-pearl, exotic woods and stones. Brass, nickel, and silver components highlight each form, bringing together knives that are not just beautiful, but able to stand the tests of time and use.
The Case brand’s popularity is underscored by the knives it manufactures under licensing agreements with popular American icons like Boy Scouts of America®, Ducks Unlimited®, Elvis Presley®, John Deere™, John Wayne® (Wayne Enterprises), Johnny Cash and National Wild Turkey Federation. Case knives are sold largely through an authorized dealer network of hardware and home improvement retailers, specialty cutlery shops, fashion and accessory shops, catalog retailers, and others. For more information about W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company call 800-523-6350 or visit W.R.Case
Ronson
Zippo Manufacturing Company acquired Ronson in February 2010. Ronson has been marketing lighters since 1913. The company offers a diverse line of pocket and torch style lighters and flame accessories.
History
Ronson was founded as Art Metal Works in Newark, NJ in 1886 by Louis V. Aronson. The company manufactured various decorative metal wares including bookends, paperweights, desk sets, lamps, miniatures, and other metal crafted items. Due to customer demand, Aronson began to explore the flame market and began manufacturing lighters in the early 1900s.