OK, I tried Google and Search and I give up....

[SSonnentag]

What does NICA stand for?

 

[DaPro]

NICA

National Independant Cutlery Association

 

[hardheart]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3827052&postcount=9

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

What does NICA stand for?

It would help tremendously if you could specify in what context you saw/heard of this acronym? Since you're asking in this forum, I'm assuming it's knife-related?

The first thing that jumped to my mind was with regard to a possibly mis-typed or partially obscured 'NKCA' (National Knife Collector's Association) mark on a knife, with part of the 'K' rubbed off or otherwise obscured, making it appear as an 'I'.

Aside from this, I've no idea to what you're referring.

 

[SSonnentag]

I'm referring to limited special edition knives sold exclusively at NICA. For instance 2005 CRK Sebenza (200 made), 2009 CRK Sebenza (400 made)

 

[Ramm9]

This would be the one. Plaza Cutlery is a big supporter who could give you more info.

NICA

National Independant Cutlery Association

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I'm referring to limited special edition knives sold exclusively at NICA. For instance 2005 CRK Sebenza (200 made), 2009 CRK Sebenza (400 made)

OK. In that context, I'd assume it was 'National Independant Cutlery Association', as pointed out earlier.

I searched for 'NICA sebenza' on Google, based upon your context info. Found a few links to knife dealers listed as 'NICA member cutlery stores'.

 

[SSonnentag]

Thanks, guys.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I can see why this acronym was difficult to pin down. Even when searching after the fact, on 'National Independant Cutlery Association', I found a reference to a site called 'nicacutlery.org', which sounded encouraging. However, that sitename links to a site related to Medicare plans.(???) Maybe they're defunct now (so far as the cutlery thing goes, anyway)...

Found this text in a description related to a specific dealer, who is/was apparently involved in the formation of NICA:

"...Knife companies have asked us for help in developing products and ways to market them. Dan (myself) was also the driving force behind forming “NICA” National Independent Cutlery Association made up of members who are committed to the industry and not fly by night outfits so you will have confidence in each member. "