Blackhawk Manufacturing was founded in 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a subsidiary of the American Grinder Company (later named Applied Power Corporation).

[7] Many of these designs were developed by engineers Edward Pfauser and Sigmund Mandl (the latter notable for having founded the Husky Wrench Company prior to working for Blackhawk).

Tools from the mid-20th century had distinctive art deco styling and remain highly collectible.

[10] In the early 1950s, the Blackhawk hand tool line was acquired by the New Britain Machine Company.

And in 1986, the Stanley Works acquired National Hand Tool, and with it, the Blackhawk brand.