For the Case family the love affair with quality steel dates back to 1889 in Little Valley, New York. Four brothers, William Russell (W.R.), Jean, John and Andrew Case combined their skills to sell knives from the back of a wagon much like traveling tinkers. By 1900 the brothers established Case Brothers Cutlery Company. Eventually each brother would develop his own brand as the sibling partnership dissolved.
By 1905 W.R. relocated his Case knife enterprise to Bradford, Pennsylvania. W.R. Case became a nationally recognized company when the U.S. Military enlisted their help in developing weapons used during World War I. The accolades continued to pour in over the next several decades as W.R. Case pocket knives were used by astronauts and racecar drivers along with Boy Scouts and as premiums for farm implement dealers. Customers continue to order hunting knives to enhance their outdoor experience – and the company grew.
The company boasts that 125 pairs of hands are required to complete one hunting knife in the 21st century. That may be a far cry from the singular craftsmanship of W.R. Case and his brothers, but then again the marketplace today is global with demand for immediacy and quality control.
Today Zippo, another prominent business in Bradford, Pennsylvania, owns the W. R. Case. A museum specifically dedicated to Case knives and Zippo lighters can be found in Bradford. The 15,000 square foot facility allows visitors to see classic and collectible items and provides opportunities to purchase from the companies storehouse of merchandise.