GATCO

Founded in 1989 as the Great American Tool Company in Buffalo, New York, GATCO has built a reputation for precision knife sharpening systems that serve everyone from military personnel to professional chefs and outdoor enthusiasts. For over three decades, the brand has focused on making knife maintenance accessible and reliable through innovative guided sharpening technology.

GATCO's core specialty lies in their angle-controlled sharpening systems that utilize monocrystalline diamond hones. These guided sharpeners remove the guesswork from blade maintenance, allowing users to achieve consistent, professional-quality edges regardless of their sharpening experience. The precision-engineered guides ensure that each stroke maintains the optimal angle, making it nearly impossible to ruin a blade during the sharpening process. This approach has made GATCO a trusted name among those who depend on sharp tools for their livelihood or safety.

While sharpening systems remain the brand's flagship offering, GATCO expanded into kitchen cutlery in 2025, introducing a line featuring 440 stainless steel blades. This move represented a natural evolution for a company deeply rooted in edge technology and blade performance. The brand also produces outdoor and tactical knives, leveraging their expertise in edge geometry and steel selection.

What sets GATCO apart is their commitment to democratizing knife maintenance. Their sharpening systems are designed for real-world use, whether in a commercial kitchen, military deployment, or backcountry camp. The monocrystalline diamond hones offer exceptional durability and cutting speed compared to traditional whetstones, while the guided systems ensure repeatable results.

GATCO's product range continues to serve diverse users who understand that a sharp knife is both safer and more effective than a dull one. Their American-made heritage and focus on practical, user-friendly solutions have established them as a go-to brand for knife maintenance excellence.