CUTCO Cutlery’s history is steeped in tradition and founded on the fine craftsmanship of early settlers to Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania. The company, located along the Allegheny foothills in Olean, N.Y., can trace its roots back to skilled cutlers who settled in the area after immigrating from England’s famous Sheffield cutlery industry in the late 1800s.
CUTCO Cutlery was created in 1948 as a new product for Wear-Ever Aluminum, a subsidiary of ALCOA. The name of the new cutlery line was derived from a company once owned by Wear-Ever, the Cooking UTensil COmpany – CUTCO.
ALCOA sought out the expertise of the finest cutlery manufacturer in the U.S. at the time, Case Cutlery in Bradford, Pa., to manufacture the new cutlery line. It was a joint venture that created a new ALCOA company called Alcas Cutlery (AL of ALCOA and the CAS from Case). The new Alcas Cutlery factory in Olean, N.Y., was completed in 1949 and the first set of cutlery was shipped to New Kensington, Pa. that same year.
1952
The ergonomically designed “hand-perfect” Wedge-Lock handle is added to CUTCO cutlery ensuring a comfortable, sure grip.
1960
The exclusive Double-D stay-sharp recessed edge is added to appropriate CUTCO items.
1972
An improved Universal Wedge-Lock handle is added to CUTCO products. Also, ALCOA purchases Case Cutlery’s shares of Alcas, Alcas becomes wholly owned by ALCOA.
1982
Vector is established as an independent distributor of CUTCO.
1982
Alcas management purchases the company from ALCOA.
1985
Alcas acquires Vector Marketing Corp., establishing it as Alcas’ wholly owned CUTCO marketing subsidiary in the U.S.
1985-88
Other regional independent CUTCO distributors merge with Vector Marketing, making it the sole distributor of CUTCO Cutlery.
1990
Vector Marketing expands into Canada.
1996
Alcas acquires KA-BAR Knives Inc., a military and sporting knife company.
2001
CUTCO opens a Visitors Center next to its corporate headquarters.
2004
Alcas acquires Schilling Forge Inc., in Syracuse, N.Y., a privately held supplier of custom forgings.
2005
CUTCO unveils its online Gift Registry
2009
The name Alcas Corporation changed to CUTCO Corporation.
2011
For the first time ever, CUTCO and KA-BAR release a co-branded knife, the CUTCO/KA-BAR Explorer.
