Eskilstuna - A Thriving Industrial City
Karl X Gustaf is considered to have laid the foundation for the industrial development that flourished in Eskilstuna from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. The city’s central location in the country made access to raw materials relatively easy via waterways.
It is perhaps the place, where the knife industry contributed to making the Swedish name known abroad.
At one time, there were over 55 manufacturers of folding knives and daggers in Eskilstuna.
Pictures from Hadar Hallströms Kniffabrik 1897
Hadar Hallström, Founder of EKA1882 AB. Born 1853.
HADAR HALLSTRÖM
In 1882, after completing his engineering studies and working with machinery for wood, iron, and metals, Hadar founded Hadar Hallström’s Knife Factory AB, known today as EKA1882 AB. By the late 1800s, this modern factory employed around 100 workers.
During its time, Hadar’s factory was awarded prizes at the World's Fairs in Chicago in 1893, Stockholm in 1897, Paris in 1900, and Seattle, Washington, USA.
Manufacturing of Folding Knives and Garden Knives at Hadar Hallström’s Knife Factory.
Picture from Catalog 1892.
JOHN ELMQUIST
When John Elmquist took over the company, the name was changed to Eskilstuna Knife Factory Ltd. (EKA). Business fluctuated, and during the Depression of the 1930s, it became tough for knife manufacturers. However, an EKA classic, the knife with a corkscrew, kept the company afloat, as all bottles at that time were sealed with a cork. This changed in the 1940s when bottle caps began to be used instead.
John Elmquist new CEO 1917
TORBJÖRN EVRELL
After EKA’s owner unexpectedly passed away in 1946, his son-in-law Torbjörn Evrell, at only 26 years old, took over a rather outdated machinery.
Many changes were about to take place at EKA. Manufacturing methods were improved, and the machinery was modernized. The company transitioned from drop forging to stamping blade blanks from strip steel.
Knives that didn’t sell were removed from the product range, and those deemed functional were improved. The number of models was reduced from 91 to 37, and the once indispensable corkscrew was eliminated.
However, it was a new product idea that really took off: The Gift knife.
Torbjörn Evrell, CEO
The press worker manufactures knife blade stock at the factory.
The world famous EKA Pocket knife
Royalty and presidents took notice of the knife as a gift. President Lyndon B. Johnson, for example, purchased a specially made knife model with gold details and his engraved signature to give as a gift. The same was true for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Orders came in from all over the world, from both companies and private individuals. During Evrell's time, 50% of sales went to export, 30% to Swedish retail, and 70% to companies in the form of corporate gifts.
Specially designed pocket knife for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.
EKA goes to space!
In the 1960s, the first EKA knife, model No. 6BL (Classic 6), went to space aboard the Mercury Capsule. Additionally, the modern EKA classic, model Classic 66, was born, along with the Esquire model in 1967.
These designs were created by Count Sigvard Bernadotte, a pioneer in Swedish industrial design and an internationally renowned designer and illustrator.
There are two key things Evrell transformed at EKA: first, product development, and second, marketing.
Swede - A World-Revolutionizing Innovation
Evrell set out to create the world’s best folding knife with a single blade. After years of experimentation, he introduced a groundbreaking innovation that would revolutionize knife manufacturing globally. Before 1970, when this innovation was presented, all knives were riveted, either by hand or with riveting machines, and it took up to four years for a knife maker to master the required skills.
Now, the first screwed folding knife in the Swede series was introduced—an absolute game-changer. This marked a national breakthrough for EKA. The knife’s scales could be unscrewed, allowing for easy cleaning, lubrication of the inner mechanism, and blade adjustment.
The Swede 38 model was designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. It featured an 8 cm blade made of stainless steel or black-oxidized carbon steel, with a handle made of impact-resistant ABS plastic. It could also be delivered in a luxury package with a sharpening stone.
A look inside the new EKA Factory
In 1971, EKA moved into newly built facilities in Vilsta Industrial Park in their hometown of Eskilstuna. The factory had a total industrial space of 2,400 square meters.
Manufacturing methods and materials have reached new heights in our new factory. Blades are now stamped out using a 40-ton belt-driven press. This modern method has resulted in higher and more consistent quality compared to the traditional forging process.
While we employ cutting-edge robotics, the human touch is still evident in our manufacturing process. Our revolutionary double screw, used to join the handle halves and blade, is a perfect example of where tradition meets innovation.
100-year anniversary
In 1982, EKA celebrated 100 years as a knife manufacturer. And as a special edition for this celebration, EKA produced a pocket knife in solid gold.
Karin Ingelsson, the new CEO in1985 and daughter to Torbjörn Evrell.
1988 NEW! Model Swede 88
New Partnerships Gaining Attention
During Ingelsson’s tenure, production became increasingly streamlined, with all grinding machines fully automated. This not only brought greater flexibility in marking but also improved the workshop's working environment.
New and innovative collaborations flourished, ensuring EKA stayed at the forefront of knife development. One standout partnership with designer Mårten Sjöberg, then a young student at Konstfack in Stockholm in 1992, led to the highly acclaimed Swede 110 model.
In 1993, EKA partnered with Wengen in Switzerland, makers of Swiss army knives, to introduce "The Wood Collection."
Swede 110 - New thinking and modern technology
Knife with a patented button function that locks the blade in both extended and retracted positions. Shaft made of impact-resistant, black acrylic and could be had with a blade of specially hardened carbon steel or stainless swedish steel.
The Wood Collection
EKA's first fulltang knives
EKA knives broke new ground with The EKA Nordic Collection. In 1998, working closely with Swedish hunters and survival experts, EKA introduced their first line of fulltang knives. This collection included the Nordic T8, H8, W11, S11, and the innovative Nordic R8 gutting knife.
With the Nordic R8, EKA was inspired to create a groundbreaking new knife design. The idea was to combine the best features of a gutting knife with those of a traditional knife. This innovative approach resulted in EKA becoming a world leader in knife design once again.
In picture: Nordic H8, Nordic W11 and Nordic R8
EKA enters the 21st century with different owners. In 2010, Johny Kanaan becomes sole CEO of EKA Knivar and still runs the company, under the name EKA1882 AB.
Viking Combi Saw – Designed for Use Anywhere
In 2006, the EKA Combi Saw became an official EKA product with an updated design. However, the Viking Combi Saw originally emerged from a collaboration between Thomas Karlsson and a student, and was then manufactured in EKA's factory.
The Viking Combi Saw is a foldable saw that is easy to carry and can be safely transported in a backpack or car. Just like today, it came equipped with three different blades for cutting wood, metal, plastic, or game.
EKA Cuisine Set
BON APPÈTIT
In 2000, EKA moved into the heart of the home with the Cuisine knife collection, crafted to make cooking and dining both beautiful and enjoyable. This collection boasts thoughtful design and quality, featuring blades made from Swedish steel.
In addition to kitchen knives, EKA also offered a range of other kitchen products such as grill utensils and the innovative EKA Fillet knife, integrated with a cutting board. Perfectly at home in the kitchen, it’s also easy to take along on a boat, in a caravan, or a backpack.
EKA Fillet
Lingström Special Edition
In collaboration with star chef Christer Lingström, EKA produced a signed Special edition chef's knife. At the time, Christer Lingström ran Edbacka krog in Sollentuna, and as the only restaurant in Sweden to receive two stars in the Guide Michelin.
The Lingström Kitchen serie
After the successful collaboration with chef Lingström, this well-balanced collection of kitchen knives was born with two different Chef's knives, a bread knife and utility knife. New design, but the same professional functionality and quality.
The EKA Gourmet Serie
Transform your weekend and everyday meals into extraordinary experiences with EKA’s Gourmet knives. Crafted from Swedish steel, these knives feature ergonomic handles made from elegant curly birch, sourced from the Scandinavian forests. In 2010, a set of nine knives was launched to tackle every kitchen task, accompanied by a sharpening steel to keep your blades razor-sharp.
E8 Combi knife
In 2004, a completely new type of hunting knife was presented. Model E8 was developed by EKA together with the Swedish hunter Thomas Ekberg.
Swingblade
In 2006 came the second generation combi knife "Swingblade", now with a lock. A development in collaboration with Outdoor Edge and now sales started to take off.
EKA G3 SwedBlade
In the year of 2012, the 3rd generation combi knife, G3 SwedBlade with a Cordura sheath, was launched. Here, improvements have been made to the shape of the knife, a "Scandi-grind" blade in even stronger steel and a new handle. Now sales tripled and the model became one of the best-selling and most popular knives in hunting.
RTG-1 Made in the USA
EKA produces a knife for the American market and launches the RTG-1 model in 2016.
EKA Butcher Set
In 2014, EKA introduced a complete set of butcher knives designed for professionals and hunters, perfect for industrial kitchens and hunting needs. Since the launch of the first models, these knives have been refined for enhanced user-friendliness. A key factor in the success of EKA's Butcher Set was the addition of a gut opener, making it a standout choice for serious users.
Fourth generation hunting knife - now even sharper!
The EKA SwedBlade G4 was released in 2020. Just like the G3 model, the well-proven and innovative pivot mechanism is used. A mechanism which function can combine two different blades in one and the same knife. In addition to being the ultimate knife for the hunter, as you quickly switch between the skinning blade and the stomach opener blade, you can now also disassemble the knife for cleaning and reassemble it - completely without tools. The EKA1882 G4 SwedBlade - patented hunting knife, unique in its kind.
