About Morse-Starrett Products Company

Morse-Starrett Products Company was founded in 1928 by the partnership of Mr. Morse and Mr. Starrett to market their patented invention–the hammer-type wire rope cutter. The manufacturing for this family-owned business was nearly all farmed out in the early years. However, this changed slowly as the business grew and manufacturing was brought in-house.

In the 1930’s, a Mr. Leon J. Paul was hired. Paul worked for the company until he bought out the interests of the two founders in 1941 and the offices were moved to Oakland, California in the late-40s. Leon Paul passed away in 1986 and Morse-Starrett is now headed by his two sons: John R. Paul (President) and Jerry L. Paul (Vice President).

In 1964, Morse-Starrett acquired the Pell Cable Cutter Company and began manufacturing the Pell Hydrashear® line of hydraulic wire rope cutters. The new hydraulic line made a perfect fit with the impact cutter line.

After nearly 40 years in the Oakland location, Morse-Starrett moved from their Oakland location to new office and manufacturing quarters in Meridian, Idaho in 1987. This move increased plant size by nearly 20% and new equipment allowed more in-house steps in the manufacturing process. The production line was modernized, increasing efficiency and control and decreasing production time. Morse-Starrett now ships world-wide from the beautiful Boise, Idaho.

Morse-Starrett has always relied on quality manufacturing and a strong dealer organization to promote the marketing of our products. The company continues to maintain the quality and workmanship that was designed and built into the original wire rope cutters in 1928. Morse-Starrett uses only top quality tool steel in the manufacture of cutter parts. Blades and dies are fully heat treated and ground to close tolerances. Morse-Starrett customers are repeat buyers because the cutters are cost-efficient, dependable and long-lasting, cutting costly downtime.

Since 1928, Morse-Starrett has been dedicated to providing our customers with quality products and dependable, professional service. We are continuing the tradition of taking pride in our workmanship and product development to design and add to our product line.