North American Model. Pierce (the founder of Pierce Beekeeping Equipment Company) invented and patented the heated uncapping knife in 1941. This tool established the industry standard for heated uncapping knives and is the preferred tool used by professional and backyard beekeepers alike. Many companies around the world have tried to copy this knife—but there is nothing like the original Pierce Uncapping Knife. All our uncapping knives are handmade in Southern California, USA.