In the mid-20th century, Whit H. Buck, a young blacksmith in Kansas, began researching various steel materials and their heat treatment methods in order to make agricultural hoes that were sharper and more durable. Buck developed the technology to strengthen the high carbon steel used in horseshoes and make it into an excellent material for cutlery, and has earned high acclaim by applying this technology to many agricultural tools. He later applied this technology to knives and developed into one of the world's leading sporting knife manufacturers. Buck Co., Ltd., which has a policy of making simple and sturdy practical knives, continues to research and develop tools that have better edges and can be used for a longer period of time.