Is Cutco a Scam? 

If you’re thinking of buying Cutco products, you need to know: Is Cutco a scam? 

Below, we explain whether Cutco is a scam and discuss some steps you can take to improve your safety when buying its products. 

If you don’t care about Cutco’s products but want to instead learn whether you should work for Cutco via its subsidiary Vector Marketing, read our article “Is Vector Marketing a Scam?” 

What Is Cutco?

Cutco is an American company that makes and sells kitchen cutlery and accessories. 

It is best known for its knives and has an extensive collection, including chef’s knives, Santoku and carving blades, and utility knives. It also sells tableware, cookware, and accessories like shears and cutting boards. 

The company has been around since 1949. 

Though you can order Cutco products online, the company sells its products primarily through its subsidiary Vector Marketing. Its business model has been criticized because it involves independent representatives visiting customer homes and getting a commission on sales. 

Vector Marketing has been labeled as a multi-level marketing or pyramid scheme. Vector Marketing denies this. 

Is Cutco a Scam?

No, Cutco is not a scam. 

It’s a legitimate US cutlery manufacturer known for selling kitchen knives and accessories through direct-to-consumer channels. 

Cutco’s products come with “The Forever Guarantee.” The company says that if at any time you’re not satisfied with their products’ performance, they will either fix the problem or replace the product (though you will have to pay a “nominal return shipping fee.”) 

However, its products get mixed reviews.

For example, the website The Spruce Eats has reviewed Cutco Knives Petite Chef Knife very favorably, saying it’s “a high-end knife that performs well and grips comfortably.”

On Trustpilot, some people say they love their Cutco Knives’ products (“cutco makes the best knives ever”), while others say the knives are subpar. Overall, Cutco Cutlery gets a 2.8 out of 5.0 stars (from 9 reviews) rating on Trustpilot. 

The same is true on online forums like Reddit. 

Many people say that Cutco’s products are good (people report using the same set of Cutco knives for decades), but overpriced. 

Cutco products appear to be positively reviewed even by those who worked for Cutco, who say it’s a pyramid scheme that preys on young people. 

To learn more about this aspect of Cutco, read our review of Vector Marketing, which is a subsidiary of Cutco that sells Cutco’s products through independent contractors. 

Bottom line: the way Vector Marketing operates is seen as questionable by most people (so, though not a scam, you should probably only consider working for it if you’re well-connected and are okay with aggressive sales tactics). 

However, a number of people have a very low opinion of Cutco products. One internet user said: “My in laws have cutco and when I cook Thanksgiving there I bring my own knives because, again, cutco are garbage.”

So, Should You Buy Cutco Products?

Probably. 

Though Cutco products get mixed reviews, positive reviews seem to outweigh negative ones. That said, pretty much everyone agrees that Cutco products – specifically knives – are costly and that it’s possible to get similar products at lower prices from other brands. 

Cutco products are also typically bought through a Vector Marketing representative rather than in-store, which some people might find inconvenient. 

How to Safely Buy Cutco Products 

• Buy from the official rep or website. Cutco’s official sales arm is Vector Marketing. Every Vector Marketing representative should have a valid Vector ID badge and be able to show you their company‑issued paperwork. Alternatively, you can buy Cutco products through cutco.com.
• Check the serial numbers and packaging. Authentic Cutco knives have serial numbers etched into the bolster, and the packaging includes a “Forever Guarantee” card and instructions on how to register.
• Register your warranty. Once you receive your Cutco products, register them at cutco.com/warranty (or via the paper card). This will ensure free sharpening and replacement in the future. 
• Pay with a credit card when possible. Credit cards are known for better fraud protection and also leave a clear paper trail. Avoid wire transfers or cash‐only deals with unknown sellers.
• Check your statement.  Your billing statement should say “Cutco” or “Vector Marketing,” not a random individual’s name.
• Be extra cautious when buying from unauthorized sellers. Marketplace platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist can have counterfeit knives. 
• Beware “too good to be true” pricing. Cutco products are quite expensive. If you come across them being sold at a significant discount, it might be a scam, or the product may not be genuine.
• Understand the return policy. Cutco has a 15‑day “no questions asked” return window for non‑personalized items. After that, you’re limited to their standard warranty (sharpening and replacement).