CUTCO

CUTCO Corporation, formerly Alcas Corporation, is an American cutlery manufacturer founded in 1949 by Alcoa and Case Cutlery in Olean, New York. The company sells high-quality stainless steel kitchen knives, scissors, and cookware primarily through its direct selling subsidiary, Vector Marketing Corporation, which was acquired in 1985.

Vector Marketing recruits sales representatives — predominantly college students — who sell CUTCO products through one-on-one in-home demonstrations. The company has faced significant controversy and multiple lawsuits regarding its recruitment practices, with critics labeling it an MLM. However, CUTCO's sales model differs from typical MLM structures in that representatives earn primarily through direct sales commissions rather than team-building recruitment. CUTCO knives carry a lifetime guarantee and are manufactured entirely in Olean, New York.