OEM (original equipment manufacturer) is a term widely used in the business world. It mainly refers to a company that produces equipment and parts for another.
Although this is what OEM means, the term is also widely used in other ways. An OEM manufacturer also produces products from scratch. This is what we’re going to focus on in this article – covering the OEM knife manufacturers while briefing you on our services at LeeKnives.
Without further ado, here are the most prominent OEM knife manufacturers to order wholesale custom products.
What is an OEM knife?
OEM vs. ODM
Before listing knife manufacturers, let’s clear the difference between OEM and ODM. Basically, an OEM product is manufactured based on the buyer’s needs. The buyer gives the specifications to the manufacturer, and the products are constructed accordingly.
On the other hand, ODM (original design manufacturer) products are pre-designed and sold with the buyer’s labeling. ODM products are usually manufactured in mass, and the purchasing company’s logo and branding are printed on the products or packaging. This final process is also known as private labeling.
OEM options for customized knives
Regardless of the OEM manufacturer you go to, they should be able to customize a knife entirely, including all the parts and materials involved. While the OEM process of a knife is pretty self-explanatory, here is what to expect.
Blade
Whether kitchen knives or any other, a blade is entirely customizable. You can decide on the length, width, design, and materials used for forging the blade.
Since many technicalities are involved in forging a blade, it’s common for starters to get lost, especially in the variety of materials. Different types of steel give the blade specific attributes that make it the best or worst performing knife for the cook. It’s a matter of preference and the tasks performed. You can see the different steels used for knifemaking here.
Other than coming up with an entirely new knife, OEM is also about improving an existing product. If your current customers are happy with everything about what you’re selling except for that one detail, you can fix it through OEM services.
Handle
Japanese handles on kitchen knives, checkered patterns on a carbon fiber handle, gorgeous composite handles with enough durability, and many more. These are just a few options among plenty of others.
The OEM knife manufacturers can equip any blade with the desired handle, made from the materials you specified. For example, you can order Japanese-style kitchen knives furnished with western handles. With pocket knives, you will have more alternatives. More materials are used for making EDC knife handles, which can be molded into various designs.
Edge
There isn’t a single edge grind. Since the edge is where the knife cuts and pushes the ingredient, it carries more importance than most think. Although it’s overlooked or unknown to many users, it’s one of the things that can alter the knife’s performance entirely.
There are double bevel edge knives with varied grinds, such as flat grind, hollow grind, convex grind, and many more. Single bevel knives have a chisel edge, but these can also have variations. With a back bevel, for example.
Additional features
The customizations mentioned above to a knife are the most basic. In addition, you can specify special features you’d like to see in the OEM knives.
Think of bolsters, tang size, and specific forging techniques, like San Mai construction. This rather ancient blade construction technique originates in Japan, where the blacksmith uses two types of steel to build the knife: hard and soft. The soft steel sandwiches the hard steel, covering both sides while exposing it when the edge is ground. The result is an edge durable on the sides and keeps a sharp edge for more extended periods.
The top 10 OEM knife manufacturers
A proper OEM knife manufacturer should be able to provide you with enough options and flexibility to create the ideal product. Tackling every obstacle that comes with the specifications of your desired product needs to be the primary focus.
Finding an OEM manufacturer can get frustrating with many knife manufacturers in the industry. Whether you want to sell knives onlineor in your store, here’s a list of 10 reputable OEM knife manufacturers that can assist you in growing your business.
LeeKnives
LeeKnives is a professional knife manufacturer based in China, specializing in OEM and private label services for kitchen knives.
With years of industry experience, they cater to global clients, particularly small businesses and online retailers seeking to build their own knife brands.
The company offers flexible MOQs, design consultation, and custom packaging, making them an ideal partner for startups and wholesalers alike.
Their product range includes everything from Damascus blades to classic Western chef knives.
| Location | Yangjiang, Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | As low as 100 units |
| Services | OEM/private label, handle customization, blade etching, logo engraving, packaging |
| Products | Chef knives, Santoku, cleavers, bread knives, knife sets |
| Prices | Varies based on specs; entry-level options available |
Utica USA (Kutmaster)
Utica USA, operating under the Kutmaster brand, has over a century of knife manufacturing experience in the United States.
They offer OEM and private label services for both kitchen and outdoor knives. Known for their craftsmanship and heritage, Utica USA serves government agencies, outdoor brands, and culinary companies.
Their facilities allow custom knife design, materials sourcing, and packaging tailored to B2B needs.
| Location | Utica, New York, USA |
| MOQ | Not publicly listed |
| Services | OEM/ODM, laser etching, materials sourcing, custom packaging |
| Products | Kitchen knives, tactical knives, pocket knives, multi-tools |
| Prices | Available on request |
Shieldon Knives
Shieldon is a professional knife manufacturer with a factory located in Guangdong, China. They specialize in OEM and ODM production of folding knives, EDC gear, and kitchen tools.
With in-house design capabilities and strict quality control, they serve global clients in both retail and promotional sectors.
Shieldon is also active on platforms like Alibaba, highlighting their focus on custom branding and bulk manufacturing.
| Location | Yangjiang, Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | Usually 100–300 units (varies by model) |
| Services | OEM/ODM, blade customization, laser engraving, packaging design |
| Products | Folding knives, kitchen knives, multi-tools, sharpeners |
| Prices | Around $6–$20 per unit depending on specs |
Turwho
Turwho is a rising Chinese knife manufacturer known for its elegant Japanese-style kitchen knives.
They offer OEM and private label manufacturing and serve both Amazon sellers and established culinary brands.
Turwho emphasizes high-quality materials such as Damascus steel and pakkawood handles, with a strong focus on design aesthetics and craftsmanship. Their factory is equipped to handle mid-size B2B orders with customization support.
| Location | Yangjiang, Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | Approx. 100 units |
| Services | OEM/private label, blade/handle customization, packaging, logo engraving |
| Products | Damascus knives, chef knives, cleavers, knife sets |
| Prices | Mid-range to premium, depending on materials |
JPKnivesOEM
JPKnivesOEM is a professional knife manufacturer with a focus on private label and OEM services.
They’re based in China and supply clients through both direct factory relationships and platforms like Alibaba.
The company offers a variety of handle materials, blade types, and personalized branding options.
Their strength lies in affordable custom kitchen knives tailored for ecommerce and retail resale.
| Location | Yangjiang, Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | 100–200 units |
| Services | OEM/ODM, logo laser engraving, custom handle/blade designs, packaging |
| Products | Kitchen knives, knife sets, outdoor knives |
| Prices | Entry-level to mid-range (specific pricing varies) |
Reate Knives
Founded by David Deng in 2013, Reate Knives has become a globally respected Chinese OEM/ODM knife manufacturer.
Known for premium folding knives, Reate works closely with custom knife designers and offers high-precision CNC machining and quality control.
They’re a preferred partner for boutique knife brands seeking luxurious fit and finish.
| Location | Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | Not specified publicly |
| Services | OEM & ODM production, CNC milling, laser engraving, precision assembly, prototyping |
| Products | Folding knives, flippers, frame locks, and other EDC knives |
| Prices | Not publicly listed; considered high-end |
Bestech Knives
Bestech Knives emerged as an OEM manufacturer in 2010 and gained prominence for their precision-made folding knives.
With a background in producing for well-known brands, Bestech also offers its own consumer line.
Their factory emphasizes innovation, consistent QC, and collaboration with knife designers for OEM clients.
| Location | Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | Not disclosed |
| Services | OEM/ODM services, 3D design, CNC manufacturing, heat treatment, private labeling |
| Products | Folding knives, fixed blades, EDC knives |
| Prices | Mid to high-end, depending on specs |
WE Knife Co.
WE Knife Co. is one of China’s most acclaimed knife manufacturers, producing high-quality knives for both its in-house brands (WE and Civivi) and OEM clients.
With over 20 years of manufacturing experience, they maintain ISO-certified facilities and cater to premium knife brands globally.
| Location | Yangjiang, Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | Not specified |
| Services | Full OEM/ODM solutions, CNC machining, product development, custom branding |
| Products | Folding knives, flippers, fixed blades, premium titanium knives |
| Prices | Premium tier, varies by order size and specs |
Viper (Tecnocut Snc)
Viper is the flagship brand of Tecnocut Snc, an Italian knife manufacturer with roots in Maniago.
They offer OEM knife production for European and global clients while producing high-end outdoor and kitchen knives under their brand.
Known for their artisanal craftsmanship blended with industrial precision.
| Location | Maniago, Italy |
| MOQ | Not stated |
| Services | OEM production, material sourcing, custom knife design |
| Products | Fixed blades, folding knives, outdoor knives, kitchen knives |
| Prices | Mid to high-end European pricing |
Kizer Cutlery (Kimake OEM Solutions)
Kizer Cutlery operates both as a premium knife brand and an OEM manufacturer through its Kimake division.
The company is known for precision manufacturing, including titanium and S35VN steel knives.
Kimake provides complete OEM solutions for new knife brands or retailers seeking custom designs.
| Location | Guangdong, China |
| MOQ | Varies by project |
| Services | OEM/ODM, CAD design, CNC machining, product development |
| Products | Folding knives, tactical knives, EDC knives |
| Prices | Competitive mid-range to premium |
Advantages of selling OEM knives
The pros of OEM knife manufacturing are as follows.
- Full product control: Design the blade, handle, material, and packaging to align with your brand vision.
- Unique brand identity: OEM lets you sell knives that no other competitor has, helping you stand out in the market.
- Better profit margins: Custom products can justify higher prices, especially when paired with good branding.
- Flexible product lines: Easily launch new knife types or collections based on customer feedback or market trends.
- Stronger customer loyalty: Offering a knife that fits a specific need or niche builds trust and repeat sales.
Overall, OEM knives help you stand out in a crowded industry with so many products looking alike. You can design the products in a way that benefits your customers, increasing sales and customer satisfaction.
Disadvantages of selling OEM knives
Here are the cons of selling OEM knives:
- Higher upfront investment: OEM production usually requires tooling, mold fees, and higher MOQs (minimum order quantities).
- Longer lead times: Custom design and production take longer than off-the-shelf solutions.
- More complex logistics: You’ll need to manage design files, revisions, sampling, and quality checks.
- Greater responsibility: Product development, marketing, and performance fall entirely on your shoulders.
- Risk of defects or miscommunication: Without clear communication and oversight, the end product may not match expectations.
OEM knives can benefit your brand in so many different ways. Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep these downsides in check. Otherwise, you won’t have an objective view of determining which manufacturing type is best for your business.
Other services for your knife business
It isn’t just the OEM services we provide. If OEM isn’t ideal for your business now, you can benefit from the following services.
Wholesale
We have an extensive catalog of different types of knives that we wholesale. After choosing the products you want to purchase from us, request a quote using our contact form. We will get back to you with a free quote depending on the product and quantity.
Learn more about our wholesale services.
Dropshipping
It isn’t just bulk orders we cover. All the knives LeeKnives manufactures can be sent directly to your customers. Dropshipping is an ideal way to get started if you’re starting your knife business from scratch with little resources. No matter the order quantity, we will fulfill your sales automatically.
Learn more about dropshipping with us.
Private label
Private labeling is vital for building brand recognition. So many similarly designed knives out there are used for performing similar tasks. The abundance of these products makes it hard for a brand to attract attention. Private labeling is a way to let your customers know that you are different from them. We can build branded packaging, logo prints, thank you cards, and many more.
Learn more about our private label knife service.
Conclusion
OEM knives are pretty much the only way for a business to create distinctive products without manufacturing them themselves.
Unless you plan on investing hundreds of thousands in developing your workshop and scaling it, you will have to partner up with an OEM knife manufacturer. We’ve got you covered on this. Head to our OEM service page to read more about our services and contact us for a quote.
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