If you’re looking to add quality cutting tools to your product range, choosing the right manufacturer is key. When it comes to private label services, it’s not just about getting your knives in bulk – it’s about finding a partner that can really support your brand’s vision.
Some manufacturers might offer simple wholesale and packaging, while others go the extra mile, helping with custom packaging, logo engraving, and more to make your products truly yours.
Having a broad range of options to choose from is just as important. Whether you’re after basic utility knives or high-end, custom-designed pieces, you want a manufacturer with a diverse catalog that can meet your unique needs.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the top private label knife manufacturers.
We’ve handpicked these companies based on their manufacturing expertise, design skills, and customer service, so you can confidently find a partner that fits your business goals and helps you stand out in the market.
Private Label vs White Label vs OEM
When sourcing products for your brand, you’ll likely come across terms like private label, white label, and OEM. While they all refer to selling products manufactured by third parties, the key differences lie in customization, branding, and control over design. Here’s a breakdown:
- Private Label: With private labeling, you work with a manufacturer to create a unique product that is sold under your brand. You have control over the design, packaging, and sometimes even the product itself, allowing you to build a distinct brand identity. This option offers the most flexibility and ownership but also requires more effort in design and development.
- White Label: White label products are pre-made and generic items sold under your brand name without significant changes. This option is quick and cost-effective, as you’re essentially reselling a product that’s already available in the market. However, it offers limited customization, and you’ll need to rely on the manufacturer’s existing designs.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): OEM products are created to your specifications but generally don’t include any branding. You can customize the design, functionality, and features, and the product is often manufactured to match your exact needs. OEM is a more flexible option for businesses that need a highly tailored product, but like private labeling, it can be more involved and expensive.
Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your brand’s needs. Private label offers the most customization, white label is the simplest and fastest, while OEM gives you more control over product design but usually comes with higher costs.d customer base, further solidifying its position in the market.
Read More: 10 Must-Know OEM Knife Manufacturers (2025)
Top 10 Private Label Knife Manufacturers
1. Kegani
Kegani stands as a world-leading knife manufacturer, boasting years of industry expertise. We take pride in crafting top-notch products that cater to the diverse needs of knife businesses and brands.
Our commitment to precision, functionality, and innovation sets us apart, making Kegani the trusted partner for those aspiring for excellence in the knife industry.
Specializing in pocket knives, both fixed blade and folding blades, we’ve collaborated with numerous brands worldwide.
Our offerings include private label services, bulk purchasing, and OEM options that lets you customize a knife from scratch. At Kegani, we’re always excited to collaborate with talented knife designers from across the globe!
Key Products
- Everyday Carry Knives
- Camping Knives
- Survival Knives
- Tactical Knives
- Kitchen Knives
Location
Yangjiang, China
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2. LeeKnives
Situated in Yangjiang, LeeKnives has established itself as a notable name among private label knife manufacturers.
They provide an array of services, including private label, OEM, and even dropshipping. Coupled with a diverse catalog, from kitchen supplies to pocket knives, their focus revolves around the blade, with offerings made from various steel types, catering to both higher-end and lower-end preferences.
Having collaborated with numerous brands from the US and Europe, evidence on their front page and user reviews on Trustpilot speaks to their reputable partnerships and satisfied clientele.
Key Products
- Kitchen Knives
- Outdoor Knives
- Specialty Blades
- Custom Knives
Location
Yangjiang, China
3. Blue ridge knives and Ontario knife company
Ontario Knife Company (OKC) and Blue Ridge Knives (BRK) stand out as significant names in the US pocket knife market, each boasting an extensive history and a dedicated following. Notably, these two brands are now intertwined since Blue Ridge Knives acquired OKC in August 2023, leading to the indefinite closure of OKC’s headquarters.
While it’s uncertain whether OKC continues to offer private labeling services as they once did, it is confirmed that their B2C line will continue to operate. The majority of their knives are outsourced to China and Taiwan, and these contracts persist even after Blue Ridge’s takeover.
For inquiries related to wholesale and private labeling, you can still reach out to Blue Ridge Knives. They stand as one of the largest knife distributors in the US, with a comprehensive catalog of over 2000 knives.
Key Products
- Pocket Knives
- Hunting Knives
- Tactical Knives
- Survival Gear
- Collectible Cutlery
Location
Marion, Virginia, USA
4. ESEE knives
Much like OKC, ESEE knives operate their own storefront, allowing direct sales to end customers. While they continue to provide wholesale purchases and private label services, the knives are manufactured by Rowen in Idaho.
Specialized in Everyday Carry (EDC) knives. ESEE stands out by offering a lifetime warranty, making them an attractive choice for those in America seeking a convenient albeit slightly more expensive avenue into the knife business.
Key Products
- Tactical Knives
- Survival Knives
- EDC Knives
- Fixed Blade Knives
Location
Idaho Falls, Idaho
5. Ernst klever gmbh
Ernst Klever GmbH, a family-run cutlery manufacturer, has been dedicated to producing quality cutlery for over 80 years, proudly stamped with the “Made in Solingen” seal.
Now in its third generation of management, this family business is situated in Solingen, Germany, a city renowned for its cutlery tradition.
Operating both domestically and internationally, the company supplies traditional kitchen knives to a wide range of businesses. The excellence of Klever’s cutlery is distributed worldwide through esteemed companies to various retail outlets.
This family-run enterprise seamlessly blends the rich cutlery heritage of Solingen with contemporary and vibrant designs. The product line includes elegantly shaped knives and peelers available in a diverse array of colorful handles.
Key Products
- Kitchen Knives
- Fruit and Vegetable Knives
- Peelers
- Customizable Cutlery
Location
Solingen, Germany
6. R. Murphy Knives
Established in 1850 by Robert and John Murphy in Boston, J & R Murphy has been a prominent cutlery manufacturer for over 160 years.
Originally crafting dental and surgical instruments, the family business expanded to Mansfield, Mass., and later to Ayer, where it still operates.
Specializing in oyster knives, kitchen knives, roofing, and rubbing knives, the company’s rich history and commitment to quality have endured through various owners.
Acquired by Dexter-Russell, Inc. in 2018, R. Murphy Knives continues its legacy of producing high-quality, ‘Made in the USA’ cutlery.
Key Products
- Oyster Knives
- Kitchen Knives
- Industrial Cutting Tools
- Specialty Knives
Location
USA, Massachusetts
7. Felix Solingen
FELIX SOLINGEN GMBH, established in 1790, stands as one of the world’s oldest knife manufacturers. Renowned for unique and high-quality knives.
With around 45 meticulous procedures, predominantly by hand, FELIX knives showcase traditional craftsmanship.
The brand’s tradition and commitment to quality continue, making FELIX Solingen a timeless choice for handmade knives.
Opting to wholesale from them ensures quality, but their products are experiencing a decline, appearing outdated and relatively expensive.
Key Products
- Chef’s Knives
- Paring Knives
- Specialty Knives
- Multi-layer Damascus Steel Knives
Location
Solingen, Germany
8. Everwealth Kitchen Knife
Founded in 2009 in Yangjiang City, Everwealth is a leading kitchen knife manufacturer and exporter. Operating from a 10,000-square-meter facility and supported by a team of 150 skilled staff, Everwealth has earned a reputation for its engineering and design expertise, consistently introducing new products each year.
As a Chinese private label manufacturer, Everwealth focuses primarily on kitchen knives, particularly excelling in stainless steel craftsmanship. Their extensive experience is reflected in their participation in several US trade fairs and ongoing collaborations with global brands.
While their catalog is more specialized, it’s worth noting that their product offerings tend to be more budget-friendly, catering to businesses seeking high-quality yet affordable kitchen knives.
Key Products
- Kitchen Knife Sets
- Gift Box Knife Sets
- Non-Stick Kitchen Knives
- Specialty Cutting Tools
Location
China, Yangjiang
9. BergHOFF
BergHOFF is a renowned international brand that has been transforming the cooking experience since its establishment in 1994.
Their product line includes everything from high-quality knives to stylish kitchen gadgets, all crafted with precision and attention to detail.
Their knives are particularly popular for their ergonomic designs and durable materials, making them a favorite choice for both home cooks and culinary professionals.
Key Products
- Kitchen Knife Sets
- Cookware
- Kitchen Gadgets
- Specialty Tools
Locations
Belgium (with distribution worldwide)
10. Maniago Knife Makers
Maniago Knife Makers (MKM) is a group of 46 knife-making companies from Maniago, Italy, also called the “City of Knives.” The group has been around since 1960, and they’re all about keeping Italy’s long tradition of high-quality knife-making alive.
MKM makes a wide range of knives, from everyday carry (EDC) knives to hunting knives, kitchen cutlery, corkscrews, and even agricultural tools.
They mix old-school craftsmanship with modern techniques to create knives that are both beautiful and functional. Plus, they’ve won awards like the 2018 Blade Show Collaboration of the Year for their unique designs.
MKM also offers private label and OEM services, so you can customize knives that match your brand perfectly. If you’re looking for top-notch quality with an Italian flair, MKM is a great choice.
Key Products
- EDC Knives
- Hunting Knives
- Kitchen Knives
- Corkscrews
- Agricultural Tools
Locations
Maniago, Italy
How to Evaluate and Select Private Label Manufacturer
There are many things to consider when choosing a private label knife manufacturer. Let’s go over some of the most important factors to make sure you pick the right partner.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Request samples from different suppliers to assess the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Scrutinize the precision of the blade, the sturdiness of the handle, and the overall finish of each product. Evaluate the quality of each sample meticulously before making a decision.
Manufacturing Capabilities
Consider the manufacturing capabilities by assessing the manufacturer’s capacity to meet your required quantity. Inquire about their production volumes and turnaround times to ensure they align with your needs.
Delivery and Logistics
Ensure their capability to consistently handle delivery schedules. Confirm whether they offer timely delivery, secure packaging, and efficient logistics to meet your requirements.
Reputation and Reliability
Gather insights from businesses that have collaborated with them. Explore their reputation for reliability and customer service by checking online reviews and testimonials. Request references directly from the supplier to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Partnership Potential
Evaluate if the manufacturer’s vision aligns with your brand, emphasizing a successful partnership based on mutual understanding, shared goals, and effective communication.
Cost Considerations
Examine the financial implications of collaboration with the manufacturer, considering unit costs, minimum order quantities, and payment terms.
When you have gathered all the necessary information, weigh the pros and cons of each potential manufacturer before making your decision. Your ultimate choice should balance quality, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet your business needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right private label knife manufacturer is key to building a strong, reliable product line for your brand.
By evaluating factors like quality, manufacturing capabilities, delivery timelines, and cost, you can make a confident decision that aligns with your business needs.
Whether you’re looking for premium craftsmanship or cost-effective solutions, it’s important to partner with a supplier who understands your goals and can bring your vision to life.
If you’re ready to take your knife collection to the next level, Kegani offers top-tier OEM manufacturing services. We work closely with you to create custom knives that reflect your brand’s unique identity. Reach out to us today for a personalized quote and let’s get started on crafting the perfect knives for your business!
