We celebrate: 60 Years of Cable Knive
A look back at six decades of innovation history
A milestone in electrical installation is celebrating its birthday! What began in 1966 with a brilliant idea has fundamentally changed the way electricians work worldwide: the Cable Knife invented and patented by our company founder.
We would like to use this anniversary year to celebrate our success story – together with our customers and partners.
Kick-off on the International Hardware Fair & Light + Building
The official starting signal for our anniversary year will be given by two of the most important industry trade fairs:
Hardeware Fair Köln (March 3-6, 2026)
Light + Building Frankfurt (March 8-13, 2026)
Visitors can expect special events and exclusive anniversary offers as a thank you:
- In our anniversary year, we're offering our Cable Knife System 4-70 as a Anniversary Edition – including a Cable Stripper SECURA Coaxi No. 1.
- At Light + Building, we're hosting a big anniversary giveaway: Come visit our booth and take part! We're giving away 60 Anniversary Edition!
A brilliant idea turns 60
The foundation was laid by JOKARI company founder and master electrician Josef Krampe, who developed and patented the JOKARI Knife in 1966. His invention revolutionized the previously tedious and often error-prone process of stripping cables. He thus changed the industry permanently: since then, the JOKARI Cable Knife has stood for precision, safety, and innovation in the electrical trade.
“The ingenious basic idea has proven itself millions of times over. Electricians all over the world work safely and efficiently with a cable knife every day. We would like to celebrate this anniversary in style and cordially invite everyone to celebrate with us,” says JOKARI Managing Director Frank J. Goebbels.
From Idea to Revolution: A Look at History
In the early 1960s, cable regulations changed fundamentally. The lead and sheet metal sheaths previously used in cable production were abolished because their application was physically demanding for electricians. Every second or third stripping process had to be repeated, resulting in significant material loss.
With the introduction of plastic-coated cables and wires, there was an urgent need for new tools. Master electrician Josef Krampe recognized this challenge and developed a Cable Knife that could strip plastic-coated wires quickly, safely, and precisely. The JOKARI Cable Knife was born!
Invention and patenting of the first Cable Knife
The first patented JOKARI Cable Knife was created in 1966. Its movable inner blade automatically adjusts to a longitudinal cut after a circular cut. This innovation greatly simplified the previously tedious process of stripping cables and has proven itself millions of times over.
The original basic model has been continuously developed ever since:
- New blade technologies such as the hook blade,
- Ergonomic two-component handles,
- Various frame sizes for handling a wider wire stripping range.
Today, the JOKARI range includes a variety of specialized Cable Knives for diverse requirements and applications.
