Queen Cutlery represents a significant chapter in American knife-making history, with roots tracing back to the Schatt & Morgan Cutlery Company founded in 1895. The Queen Cutlery brand itself emerged in 1902 and operated continuously from Titusville, Pennsylvania, producing traditional American cutlery for over a century until filing for bankruptcy in 2017.
Throughout its 115-year production run, Queen Cutlery specialized in traditional folding knives and fixed-blade designs that embodied classic American craftsmanship. The company became particularly renowned for its collector-grade cutlery and the use of D-2 tool steel in their blades, which offered superior edge retention and durability compared to standard carbon steels. During the 1980s and 1990s, Queen pioneered the collector knife market, establishing itself as a premium brand among enthusiasts seeking traditional patterns with modern materials and quality control.
The brand's most celebrated achievement was the revival of the Schatt & Morgan line, which represented their premium tier of knives. These pieces featured meticulous attention to detail, premium handle materials, and exceptional fit and finish that appealed to both users and collectors. Queen produced a wide range of traditional patterns including stockman, trapper, and congress designs, alongside fixed-blade hunting and utility knives that honored American knife-making traditions.
After more than a century of continuous operation, Queen Cutlery ceased production in 2017, with their equipment being auctioned following the closure. The brand's legacy lives on through the thousands of knives still in circulation, cherished by collectors and users who appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional American cutlery. Queen knives remain sought-after on the secondary market, serving as tangible reminders of Titusville's rich knife-making heritage and the golden era of American traditional pocket knives.
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