Collecting Vintage Ekco Kitchen Knives

Knife collecting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Beyond the craftsmanship, what truly makes a knife valuable is its story. That knife might have been part of your own personal journey—or even played a small role in shaping history. Ekco Arrowhead kitchen knives carry such stories, combining durability, timeless design, and a rich legacy that makes them worthy of any serious collection.

The History of Ekco Kitchen Knives

The roots of Ekco trace back to Edward Katzinger, a tinsmith who left New York to establish his own company in Chicago in 1888. Known as the Edward Katzinger Company—later shortened to Ekco—the business began by producing tin “sanitary bake pans” for bakeries.

As the company grew, it expanded its product line to serve confectioneries, ice cream makers, and eventually household kitchens. By 1947, Ekco launched Ekco Home Products, transforming a door-to-door sales company into a major manufacturer of kitchen tools, including knives.

Through the mid-20th century, Ekco became a household name. By the 1960s, it had been acquired by American Home Products Corporation and operated under the name Ekco Housewares. During this time, Ekco produced an extensive line of cutlery under names like Ekco Arrowhead, Ekco Eterna, and Ekco Forge—many of which are prized by collectors today.

Ekco Knives Today

While Ekco-branded kitchen tools are still available, the golden era of Ekco cutlery lies in the past. The Ekco Arrowhead knives produced in the 1960s and 1970s feature distinctive mid-century designs, durable materials, and timeless craftsmanship that set them apart from mass-market cutlery made today.

For collectors, it is precisely this rarity and vintage appeal that makes Ekco Arrowhead knives so desirable. Many surviving examples are still functional, blending utility with nostalgic charm.

How to Find Vintage Ekco Arrowhead Knives

If you’re interested in adding Ekco Arrowhead knives to your collection, here are some of the best places to look:

• eBay – A reliable marketplace for pre-owned cutlery. Searching for “Ekco vintage knife” often yields classic models, sometimes in full sets.
• Collectors’ Groups & Forums – Online communities, including Facebook groups and specialty knife forums, are great places to learn more about Ekco history and find pieces for sale.
• Garage & Estate Sales – Since Ekco relied heavily on door-to-door sales in the mid-20th century, many households still have old knives tucked away. Estate and garage sales can uncover hidden treasures at bargain prices.

Why Collect Ekco Arrowhead Knives?

Collecting Ekco Arrowhead knives is about more than adding tools to a drawer—it’s about owning a piece of American kitchen history. Each knife reflects a chapter in the story of mid-century home life, craftsmanship, and design. For the collector, that blend of utility, nostalgia, and history makes them truly special.

🗡️ Collector’s Guide: Vintage Ekco Arrowhead Knives

1. Identify Authentic Markings

• Look for “EKCO,” “Ekco Arrowhead,” “Ekco Forge,” or “Ekco Eterna” stamped on the blade or handle.
• Some pieces also carry the Arrowhead and Health Craft logo, a key sign of authenticity.

2. Check the Handle Material

• Early Ekco knives often featured Sablewood handles, walnut, rosewood or phenolic resin (Bakelite-style).
• Later knives used molded plastics. Sablewood handles generally fetch higher collector interest.

3. Examine Blade Steel & Condition

• Ekco forged blades hold an edge well and resist rust, but pitting or deep scratches reduce value.
• A light patina can add character, but avoid warped or heavily chipped blades unless rare.

4. Spot Mid-Century Design Features

• Slim, elegant blade shapes reflect 1960s–70s modernist styling.
• Unique carving sets, steak knives, and specialty kitchen knives from this era are especially collectible.

5. Evaluate Rarity & Completeness

• Full knife block sets and Arrowead handmade wood cases often bring the best value.
• Limited-edition lines (like Arrowhead) are harder to find and more sought-after.

6. Where to Hunt

• eBay: Widest selection—check photos carefully before buying.
• Estate & Garage Sales: Hidden gems often turn up cheap.
• Collectors’ Groups: Great for networking and learning true market values.

✅ Pro Tip: Carry a small magnet and loupe when hunting—magnets help test steel, and a loupe makes it easy to read worn logos or markings.