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 collectibles.
History
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 Company, maker of the world famous Zippo® windproof lighter and another family-owned business based in Bradford, formed W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company to continue the legacy of the Case family of brands.
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 collectible brands.
Today
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.
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 visit caseknives.com.
We invite you to visit the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania where fans and collectors from across the globe gather to learn about the rich history of Case knives and Zippo lighters.
Zippo Manufacturing Company acquired assets from Ronson in February 2010. Ronson had marketed lighters since 1913 and offered a diverse line of pocket and torch style lighters and flame accessories.
History
Ronson Corporation and later Ronson Consumer Products Company were founded by the Aronson family. Originally, Louis V. Aronson owned and operated the Art Metal Works in Newark, NJ, which he opened in 1886. Art Metal Works 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.
In 1910 Aronson was granted a patent for a spark producing ignition system named the “Pist-o-liter” and in 1913 manufactured a pocket lighter named the “Wonderlite.” In 1928 Ronson secured a patent for the revolutionary single-action “Banjo” lighter, which offered both ignition and extinguishment in a single push. Mr. Aronson decided to concentrate on the lighter business and sold the Art Metal Works company. Through the decades Ronson Corporation and various subsidiaries continued to develop several styles of pocket, multi-purpose, and torch style lighters using the RONSON trademark, as well as lighter fluid, and butane fuel using the RONSONOL trademark. It also produced various accessories, including lighters flints and, early on, many other consumer products. In the 1960’s Ronson Corporation sold its international operations, leaving the company with operations and sales primarily in North America.
In 2010, Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford, PA, acquired certain assets from Ronson including RONSON and RONSONOL trademarks and the products related thereto. Zippo did not acquire any of the corporation or any of the corporate records or obligations.
Today
The RONSON and RONSONOL brands are part of the Zippo Manufacturing Company family of brands. The product line for the brands continue to be lighters, fuel and related accessories, marketed and sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico at retailers and online.
History
Established in 1978, Northern Lights has been brightening the world and beautifying homes with the warmth of candlelight for over 40 years. Our strong roots in the “art of candle making” have led to an eminent reputation as a leading designer of luxury candles and artisan made accessories. Our hand poured candles are made in the USA using fine fragrances and essential oils. Our wax blends contain soy wax and other natural based waxes. Our wicks are made from natural cotton. Our vessels comes from responsible sources and are designed to be re-purposed. This combination of quality components gives our artisan made candles their clean burning qualities, superior fragrance throw and contributes to their long-lasting value.
Today
Zippo acquired Northern Lights in January 2019. The company and its employees remain based out of Wellsville, NY.
For Zippo, the acquisition adds a diversified product line, new distribution channels, critical know-how and expertise in a fast-growing, on-trend category to the Zippo family of brands.
This pairing made great sense for Northern Lights founders Andy and Tina Glanzman, as Zippo and Northern Lights share aligned cultures, values, and positions. Both Zippo and Northern Lights are proud American manufacturers located in small, strong communities in the U.S., with long-standing reputations for dependable and beautifully engineered products.
Zippo will leverage its existing international channels to begin globalizing the Northern Lights brand and product offerings, with the opportunity for additional expansion.
