Overview
We are KA-BAR or more formally, KA-BAR Knives, Inc., a subsidiary of Cutco Corporation. You may know us from our high quality military, hunting, sporting, all-purpose utility, and outdoor survival knives.
We offer more than 100 quality cutlery products and accessories sold through independent retailers, distributors, mail order catalogs and our online knife store.
KA-BAR History
We've been making knives since 1898 and each knife undergoes our unique manufacturing processes and testing to ensure corrosion resistance, strength, edge holding ability, and an out-of-the-box razor sharp cutting edge.
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Our Most Famous Knife
The USMC KA-BAR is an icon and a legend in the world of knives. It was one of the general issue knives to the United States Marine Corps in World War II and quickly gained popularity. This knife remains the first choice for many men and women of service who carry it as their personal option knife still today.
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Our Parent Company - CUTCO Corporation
CUTCO Cutlery is the largest manufacturer and marketer of high-quality kitchen cutlery and accessories in the United States and Canada. Vector Marketing is the exclusive marketer of CUTCO products, which are sold throughout the U.S. and Canada by authorized sales representatives. Both CUTCO Cutlery and Vector Marketing are subsidiaries of CUTCO Corporation.
CUTCO Website
How KA-BAR Got Its Name
Our name dates back to the early 1900's from a fur trapper testimonial. He wrote that while trapping, his gun jammed leaving him with only his knife to kill a wounded bear that was attacking him. He thanked us for making the quality knife that helped him to kill a bear, but all that was legible was "K a bar". Honored by the testimonial, the company adopted the phrase KA-BAR as their trademark.
Our Visitors Center
The CUTCO/KA-BAR Visitors Center showcases the growth of CUTCO and Vector Marketing Corporation - the exclusive marketer of CUTCO - and portrays the rich heritage of KA-BAR knives. Learn how products are made and sold. View antique kitchen cutlery, military and pocket knives, as well as historical photographs and documents.
Visitors Center Hours
(Memorial Day through Christmas)
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
CUTCO/KA-BAR Visitors Center
1040 East State StreetOlean, New York 14760
Phone (716) 790-7000
