In 1952 Alcas commissioned Mr. Lamb to design a handle for Cutco Cutlery. The
wedge-lock handle was added to Cutco Products that year. The name wedge-lock
fingers apart across the handle and locks the thumb and fingers in place creating a
sure grip. In 1972 the handle was refined and renamed universal wedge-lock handle.
Thermo-resin is a technical term for a variety of thermoplastic resins. Just as the
gold, silver, lead, brass and zinc, the term
thermo-resin plastic materials with different properties
for different needs. The material used in Cutco handles is an acetal copolymer
thermo-resin. This engineering plastic material was selected for specific
characteristics such as strength, dishwasher endurance and long-term durability.
Cutco thermo-resin handle material must have a balance between several
properties including:
– capability of being sanded or machined during manufacture
– resistance to chemicals (stain resistance)
– resistance to impact
– capability of being polished to a high luster and maintaining its fine
appearance during daily use
– capability of being re-polished to original luster without change or loss of
color
– capability to withstand temperature extremes up to 300 - 350° F before
melting
Note: Varying dishwasher detergent formulas and water mineral content can leave
a film on the handles. If you choose to use the dishwasher, we recommend
experimenting with different detergent brands, styles, rinse agents and softening
additives (for harder water) to find the best combination for your dishwasher.