Bear & Son Cutlery
Published: October 29th, 2024
Bear & Son Cutlery has made its mark as a respected name in American knife-making, with a story that traces back to 1976 when Ken Griffey, the current president, first entered the knife industry. Griffey's journey began not with his own company but with Parker Cutlery, a Tennessee-based distributor, where he started developing his skills. A decade later, in 1986, Parker USA established a production facility in Jacksonville, Alabama, a town well-known for American knife craftsmanship, thanks in part to the presence of W.R. Case & Sons. This facility, originally named Parker Edwards, became a key part of Jacksonville's reputation as a place for quality knife production.
The Birth of Bear MGC
A defining year for Ken Griffey and the future of Bear & Son arrived in 1991 when Griffey, along with two business partners, seized the chance to purchase the Parker Edwards facility. This acquisition represented the beginning of Bear MGC Cutlery. Although the company officially launched in 1991, Griffey’s expertise and dedication, honed during his time at Parker Cutlery, were integral to the company's foundation. His commitment to quality craftsmanship would soon distinguish Bear MGC from its competitors.
Bear MGC stood out by taking a self-contained approach to production. Unlike many companies that rely on outside suppliers, Bear MGC handled nearly every production step in-house. This approach started with crafting blanking dies, which shape the raw steel into the initial blade form. Every stage afterward, heat-treating the steel to maximize strength, grinding the blade with precision, assembly, and hand-finishing, took place at the Jacksonville facility. This control over the production process enabled Bear MGC to maintain high-quality standards, giving each knife a distinctive level of craftsmanship that resonated with customers.
Ken Griffey
Bear & Son: A Family Legacy in American Cutlery
In 1999, Bear MGC entered a new phase when Swiss Army Brand Inc. (SABI), acquired the company, recognizing its quality and potential. Griffey stayed on as production manager, further refining the company's processes and enhancing his business expertise. However, Griffey’s entrepreneurial spirit remained strong, and after five years with SABI, he seized the opportunity to reacquire the company and factory. This move brought Bear MGC fully back under his leadership, now with a new name, Bear & Son Cutlery, a title that underscored Griffey's family values.
In this chapter, Ken Griffey’s son joined the company, bringing fresh ideas and energy. Together, they expanded the Bear & Son product line, introducing a variety of knives tailored to different needs, from outdoor and hunting knives to culinary tools. While the company embraced some technological advancements to improve efficiency, it maintained its commitment to in-house production and hand-finishing, which were core to its identity.
Bear & Son Cutlery logo
Bear & Son Cutlery’s commitment to American manufacturing has become a hallmark of their brand at a time when many knife makers have opted to produce overseas. By sourcing materials domestically whenever possible, they ensure quality control and contribute to the U.S. economy. This dedication to American-made products has earned Bear & Son a loyal following among customers who value local craftsmanship and the jobs it supports.
Bear & Son Cutlery’s growth and success reflect the values that have been central to their operation from the start: quality, craftsmanship, and dedication to producing reliable knives. Under the leadership of Ken Griffey and his family, Bear & Son continues to create knives that customers trust and appreciate, blending traditional methods with the demands of modern craftsmanship.
Featured Knives
Bear & Son Bear Ops Bold Action IX
The Bear & Son Bear Ops Bold Action IX is engineered for those who value precision and reliability in a compact, portable design. Featuring a 2.75-inch Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel drop-point blade, this knife is exceptionally sharp, corrosion-resistant, and strong, ideal for everyday carry or tactical use. The rugged bead-blasted finish offers a non-reflective look while protecting against wear. With an out-the-side automatic action and push-button deployment, this knife opens swiftly and securely, ready for tough jobs. The black G-10 handle with oversized carbon fiber bolsters ensures a strong grip in any condition. Proudly made in the USA, this lightweight EDC tool is a reliable choice for first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing a dependable, high-quality knife.
Bear & Son Double Clutch V
The Bear & Son Auto Double Clutch V is a premium out-the-front automatic knife that showcases Bear & Son’s expertise in knifemaking. Ideal for everyday carry (EDC), it’s designed to handle diverse tasks with ease. The black aluminum handles feature a grooved design for a secure grip, while the 3.44-inch D2 tool steel tanto blade offers outstanding edge retention and durability. The blade deploys smoothly via a jimped thumb slide, providing precise, reliable action. Weighing only 3.10 ounces and measuring 5.06 inches when closed, this knife balances portability with robust performance. Proudly made in the USA, it’s crafted for those seeking quality and practicality in an EDC knife.
Bear & Son Bold Action XIV
The Bear & Son Bold Action XIV is a compact, out-the-side automatic knife built for reliable everyday carry. Featuring a 1.75" Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, it has a versatile drop-point design and a tactical black-coated finish. Effortless deployment is achieved through its responsive automatic mechanism, with a button that also secures the blade during use. The vibrant red stainless steel handle provides a sturdy, ergonomic grip and lightweight portability at 1.4 ounces. Closed at 2.5 inches, this USA-made knife includes a robust tip-up pocket clip for convenient right-hand carry, reflecting American craftsmanship and quality.