Chicago Cutlery started as a completely American enterprise but now depends on a global corporation for manufacturing and distribution. With several different styles of knives and block sets to choose from, Chicago Cutlery offers shoppers an economical alternative to expensive German steel.
Alfred Paulson founded Chicago Cutlery in 1930. In its early days, the company provided sharpening services for meatpacking companies and other professionals. Responding to the demand for sharp knives, Chicago Cutlery started its own line of American-made cutlery, intended for the meat and poultry industries. Not until 1969 did Chicago Cutlery knives become available to the general public. Chicago Cutlery based its retail business on providing professional quality to private consumers.
In 1988, General Housewares Corporation purchased Chicago Cutlery. GHC changed its name to World Kitchen, LLC, in 2006. World Kitchen owns the Chicago Cutlery brand and distributes and manufactures the knives from facilities in the U.S., Canada, and the Asia/Pacific region. That means that today your Chicago Cutlery knife probably originated in a Chinese factory.
Chicago Cutlery brand knives currently come in four main types, based on handle materials used. Each construction type includes several different styles. Three styles of all-stainless steel knives contrast with three traditional walnut-handled product lines, including Chicago Cutlery’s simplest variety, the Walnut Tradition set. More durable polymer slab handled knives are available in six different patterns, and knives with a combination of polymer and stainless steel grips provide five colorful choices. Chicago Cutlery offers fully forged knives as well as knives made from stamped stainless steel.
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