About this role
This is an exciting opportunity to be on the true cutting edge of W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company, as we launch our new facility in Alcoa, TN, outside of Knoxville, TN! There are multiple roles to be filled as part of this launch, slated for early September 2026, with plans for interviews to take place in late July 2026.
To learn more about the roles, please visit: Case | Hafting & Finishing Recruitment.
The Hafter/Finisher I is responsible for performing production work in a manufacturing setting, specifically the Hafting and/or Finishing Departments. Develop the skills and ability to complete all of the essential functions of Hafting and Finishing. Responsible for daily preventative maintenance of equipment used, cleanliness of work area and delivery of product to next operation.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
Essential Functions/ Responsibilities of Hafting include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
• Performing the various skills of hafting (shaping) a Case knife, including but not limited to:
• Color Backs: The backs and ends are colored (sanded) to remove any die tear or grind lines.
• Hard Buffing: To take sharp edge of the bolster off and blend in the cut edge.
• Turn Bolsters: Properly removing the nail head, while shaping the bolster.
• Turn and Color Covers: To blend bolsters with entire cover, to give customer desired product.
• Cutting Slopes/Edges/Fronts: To make the knife user friendly and comfortable to handle.
• Grease Buff: Remove all grind lines from a hafted knife.
• Perform sand paper/belt changes as required.
• Perform various wheel changes as required.
• Breaking in the new buff/raking down buff as necessary.
• Properly applying grease buff to sand paper.
• Determine quality levels and perform inspection of product, performing required inspection before, during and after hafting.
• Take instructions from supervisors.
Essential Functions/ Responsibilities of Finisher include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
• Performing the various skills of finishing a Case knife, including but not limited to:
• Buffing Blades: The blades are buffed by hand (using a cloth wheel) to add a shine or luster.
• Gloss Buffing: The entire surface of the knife is buffed by hand, using cloth buffing wheel.
• Hone: Create the cutting edge of the blade by hand, using a sandpaper belt.
• Polish Edge: Removing the burr left over from the honing process. This is done by hand, using a cloth wheel.
• Perform sand paper/belt changes as required.
• Perform various wheel changes as required.
• Breaking in the new buff/raking down buff as necessary.
• Properly applying buffing compound to the buffing wheels.
• Measure the angle of the honed edge.
• Determine quality levels and perform inspection of product, performing required inspection before, during and after finishing.
• Take instructions from supervisors.
Other duties include:
• Assuring work area is safe.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of the work area during and upon his or her completion of jobs.
• Assist Engineering/Quality departments as needed.
• Performs secondary duties as needed to support workflow continuity and ensure products progress through all stages of the manufacturing process.
This position is a Level 40, beginning at $20.50/hr and progressing to $21/hr after three (3) months, with successful training and productivity standards being met.