Rada Cutlery began in 1948 as a small, family-owned business in Iowa, producing aluminum-handle kitchen knives at a time when steel and aluminum were once again available for consumer manufacturing after World War II. Some of those original designs—including the Regular Paring, Utility/Steak, and Slicer knives—remain in production today.
More than 75 years later, Rada remains family owned and operated, with a strong commitment to American manufacturing. The company says its products are handcrafted in the USA using American materials, while its knife blades are made from T420 high-carbon stainless steel and hand-sharpened for a precise edge.
Rada’s story is also closely tied to community fundraising. The company originally sold its knives through fundraisers and continues that tradition today, helping thousands of schools, churches, youth groups, veterans’ organizations, fire departments, and other community groups raise money each year.
From cutlery and kitchen utensils to bakeware and gift sets, Rada continues to build on a simple philosophy: dependable American craftsmanship, practical products, and exceptional value designed to be enjoyed for generations.