OUR COMPANIES

W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company

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 collectables.

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, makers of the world famous Zippo® windproof lighter and another family-owned business based in Bradford purchased Case.

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 collectable brands. 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.

The Case brand’s popularity is underscored by the knives it manufactures under licensing agreements with popular American icons like Boy Scouts of America®, Ducks Unlimited®, Elvis Presley®, John Deere™, John Wayne® (Wayne Enterprises), Johnny Cash and National Wild Turkey Federation. 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 call 800-523-6350 or visit W.R.Case

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.

Ronson

Zippo Manufacturing Company acquired Ronson in February 2010. Ronson has been marketing lighters since 1913. The company offers a diverse line of pocket and torch style lighters and flame accessories.

History

Ronson was founded as Art Metal Works in Newark, NJ in 1886 by Louis V. Aronson. The company 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. Through the decades Ronson continued to develop several styles of pocket, multi-purpose, and torch style lighters as well as accessories including lighter fluid, butane, and flints.

In February, 2010, Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford, PA, acquired substantially all of the assets of Ronson Consumer Products Corporation, Woodbridge, NJ, and Ronson Corporation of Canada Ltd.; and certain related assets of Ronson Corporation.

Today

Ronson is a member of the Zippo Manufacturing Company family of brands. The product line continues to be marketed and sold in the United States and Canada under the Ronson name at retailers and at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

ZIPPO/CASE MUSEUM

Visit the place where history meets fun!

Bradford, Pennsylvania is home not just to Zippo lighters and Case knives but also to a commitment to the craft and quality synonymous with “Made in America.” We invite you to visit the Zippo/Case Museum, where fans and collectors from across the globe gather to experience the rich history of these two American icons.

Come explore the 15,000 square foot attraction that includes the world famous Zippo Repair Clinic and Zippo/Case Store. Fourteen custom-made Zippo street lighters line the drive leading up to the building. Over the entrance towers a 40-foot Zippo lighter with pulsating neon flame, and an enormous Case Canoe three bladed pocketknife. Enjoy a self-guided tour to learn the rich history of two American icons.

FREE ADMISSION 

•Handicap Accessible 
•Restroom Facilities 
•Free Bus Parking 
•Open 7 days a week 

Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

1932 Zippo Drive 
Bradford, PA 16701 
814-368-1932
For GPS use Chestnut St. Extension 

Just off the US Route 219 Expressway 
10 miles south of interstate 86
(Former NY-17), exit 23

Museum Exhibits That Will Spark Your Interest

PARTNERS

Elvis®

Elvis Presley®, the undisputed “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” ™, is one of the most celebrated American music icons. From humble beginnings, Elvis ® began his career in 1954 and never stopped; successful albums, films, and television appearances solidified him as one of the most important figures in twentieth century popular culture. 

Zippo has partnered with Elvis Presley ® each year since 2000, in addition to previously licensed designs through random years beginning in 1987. Zippo has produced windproof lighters with Elvis Presley ® designs on several limited editions, gift sets, and commemoratives, including first gold record and                                         album, first movie, and 75th birthday. 

       To see the newest Elvis ® Zippo lighters, go to the official Zippo online store. For more information about Elvis Presley ® go toElvis.com

Jim Beam®

Since 1795 the Jim Beam® name has been synonymous with the world’s finest and best-selling bourbon. For over 200 years Jim Beam® has painstakingly and passionately perfected Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The world's finest bourbon is still made by the same family for seven generations. 

Zippo has partnered with Jim Beam® since 1994 providing officially licensed windproof lighters, multi-purpose lighters, and gifts sets. To see the latest Jim Beam Zippo lighters, go to the official Zippo online store. 

For more information about Jim Beam® go to JimBeam.com

Harley-Davidson®

Seize the road and live your dream - these are words to live by for any motorcycle enthusiast. The distinctive look, sound, and feel of a Harley-Davidson® is unmistakable, making it the premiere ride for discriminating motorcycle aficionados. 

Zippo has partnered with Harley-Davidson® since 1997 providing licensed windproof lighters, Zippo BLU® butane lighters, multi-purpose lighters, lighter pouches, and gift sets. 

To see the newest collection of Harley-Davidson Zippo lighters, go to the official Zippo online store. 

For more information about Harley-Davidson® go to Harley-Davidson.com

Leeds

Leed’s is a leading supplier of promotional products headquartered in New Kensington, Pennsylvania with offices around the globe. 

Since 2008, Leed’s has been the exclusive distributor of Zippo branded products in the promotional products industry in the U.S., Canada. As an official partner, Leed’s is licensed to sell Zippo lighters, work with Zippo headquarters in the development of Zippo branded products, and market Zippo products in promotional products channel. Leed’s has been successful in bringing Zippo products such as windproof lighters, multi-purpose lighters, writing instruments, drinkware, flashlights, and outdoor accessories to customers in the promotional products market. 

For more information about Leed’s and Zippo products offered, visit LeedsWorld.com

Dates in History

http://www.zippo.com/about/about_us.aspx