Founded in 1910 when Carl W. Tillmanns, August Kemper, and Jacob Agne incorporated the Utica Cutlery Company. Capital stock was $50,000. Carl Tillmanns had been superintendent of the Camillus Cutlery Company, August Kemper also worked for Camillus. These men were directors, along with Jacob Agne, Henry Hoffman, Frank X. Matt, F.W. Bensberg, John C. Fulmer, William H. Roberts, and Alphonse Heinrich. All were residents of Utica, New York.
The old Utica Burial Case Company’s factory on Hickory Street was re-opened as a cutlery, making pocket knives, razors, and other articles of cutlery. The German process of manufacturing was to be utilized. Mr. Tillmanns went to Germany to purchase the necessary machinery, and the plant was to open by July 1, 1910.
At the beginning 100 men were employed. On May 7, 1910, Jacob Agne was elected president, Carl W. Tillmanns vice president and superintendent, and Alphonse Heinrich secretary and treasurer. The weekly output of the factory was 600-800 dozen knives per week. The plan was to increase production to 2,000 dozen later on.
On December, 1910, the capital was increased to $100,000, and W.T. Baker and F.M. Kendrick were added to the board of directors. On Jan. 11, 1921, Frank X. Matt was elected president, F.W. Bensberg vice president, William Roberts secretary and assistant treasurer. Charles W. Clare was superintendent of the factory.
In 1937, the trademark “Kutmaster” was first used. Eventually this marking replaced all other markings.
Utica used many different trademarks on pocket knives early on. In addition to their trademarks, the Utica Cutlery Company made contract knives for many hardwares, and other cutlery manufacturers.
Two views of a fine early Utica Cutlery Co. easy open jack knife with salesman sample markings on the reverse.
c 1910-present