Keen Kutters Made by Winchester

[Mumbleypeg]

Ken -
The fact that Winchester stopped production of knives, then restarted might be linked to the observation that early Winchesters were stamped on all blades, while others knives were only stamped on the master blades.
B

Per Goins,

“Of the old Winchester knives, there were two grades. The first was marked on all blades, and was very well built. In fact in 1922 Winchester and Robeson were considered to be the best knives in the world. After Western Cartridge purchased the firm in 1931 the high quality continued on the knives marked on all blades. It was after 1931 that the second type of Winchester knife was introduced. This knife was marked on the master blade only. It is not of the same high quality as the other knives”.

My interpretation of this is that after 1931 Winchester made both a high quality knife marked on all blades, and a lower quality knife marked only on the master blade.

Ken

[Bilbo]

Thanks Ken! That’s good information.

[1967redrider]

Ken -
The fact that Winchester stopped production of knives, then restarted might be linked to the observation that early Winchesters were stamped on all blades, while others knives were only stamped on the master blades.
B

Per Goins,

“Of the old Winchester knives, there were two grades. The first was marked on all blades, and was very well built. In fact in 1922 Winchester and Robeson were considered to be the best knives in the world. After Western Cartridge purchased the firm in 1931 the high quality continued on the knives marked on all blades. It was after 1931 that the second type of Winchester knife was introduced. This knife was marked on the master blade only. It is not of the same high quality as the other knives”.

My interpretation of this is that after 1931 Winchester made both a high quality knife marked on all blades, and a lower quality knife marked only on the master blade.

Ken

I wonder if any of these single stamped Winchesters were shipped to E.C. Simmons? I'll have to check to see if any of my Keen Kutters only have 1 blade stamped.

[bladebuddy]

I think I can agree with the thinking that better quality knives were stamped on all blades.
This sleeveboard jack is stamped on all blades. I can’t verify date of manufacture but my guess is 1920s. The fit and finish is quite good and the master blade still has alligator snap.
If anyone has two pen blades stamped “E. C. Simmons St. Louis” for sale or trade I’m interested in making a deal.
Thanks Steve B.

Red rider I only have 5 Keen Kutters but all are multi blade with every blade stamped.

[1967redrider]

I think I can agree with the thinking that better quality knives were stamped on all blades.
This sleeveboard jack is stamped on all blades. I can’t verify date of manufacture but my guess is 1920s. The fit and finish is quite good and the master blade still has alligator snap.
If anyone has two pen blades stamped “E. C. Simmons St. Louis” for sale or trade I’m interested in making a deal.
Thanks Steve B.

Red rider I only have 5 Keen Kutters but all are multi blade with every blade stamped.

Bladebuddy, that's a sweet old knife and I love the Jumbo Sleeveboard pattern. I was fortunate enough to find one of these a few years ago.

[bladebuddy]

Red rider thanks for posting your sleeveboard picture. Looks like the two pen blades were of equal size when new.

[Winchester M21]

Nice knives bladebuddy and redrider!!

I like the old rosewood and ebony handles knives!