Kershaw Knives

Kershaw Knives is a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures a range of knives, including kitchen cutlery, pocket knives, and outdoor knives. Currently owned by the Japanese KAI Group, Kershaw is headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, United States.

History

Kershaw Knives was founded by Pete Kershaw, formerly of Gerber Legendary Blades, in Portland, Oregon in 1974. Early manufacturing was primarily done in Japan; in 1977, Kershaw became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese KAI Group. In 1998 the main production facility was opened in Wilsonville, Oregon; due to growth, the facilities were moved to a larger production site in 2003. Current manufacturing facilities are located in Tualatin (main factory) and Kuangtung, China (secondary plant).

The current company is named KAI USA, and has three lines of products; the original Kershaw Knives name, Shun Cutlery, which sells kitchen cutlery, and Zero Tolerance, a new line of combat knives. Ken Onion is Kershaw's best-known designer, who has won numerous awards for his designs. Shun Cutlery offers knives designed by both Ken Onion and Food Network personality Alton Brown.