Old Keen Kutter Knives

[timgreene48]

Thanks Larry, there's a lot of history in these old knives. It's very interesting

[Shearer]

I received a couple of Keen Kutters in a lot of knives .
One is a carpenter whittler I would say made by Camillus.Has match stick pull.
The second one is a barlow steel liner , bolster and handle pins.Would this be made around WW2

[timgreene48]

I can't answer your question shearer, but those are neat looking knives. I especially like the bolster with the keenkutter stamping, Tim

[msteele6]

The carpenter's "whittler" appears to be Camillus' manufacture (72 frame). The most reliable way I've found to identify Keen Kutters made by Camillus is to look at the Keen Kutter logo stamped on the tang. Almost invariably the wedge will have little "horns" sticking out at the top. Another indicator is the pattern number stamp (if present). Many Camillus made knives will have the "K" in the pattern number, while the older Winchester/Walden made knives will not. Of course, there are many other indicators as well, including the typical Camillus shields.

I would say your circa WWII dating is pretty close.

JMO

[Shearer]

The carpenter's "whittler" appears to be Camillus' manufacture (72 frame). The most reliable way I've found to identify Keen Kutters made by Camillus is to look at the Keen Kutter logo stamped on the tang. Almost invariably the wedge will have little "horns" sticking out at the top. Another indicator is the pattern number stamp (if present). Many Camillus made knives will have the "K" in the pattern number, while the older Winchester/Walden made knives will not. Of course, there are many other indicators as well, including the typical Camillus shields.

I would say your circa WWII dating is pretty close.

JMO

Thanks for the information.
Grant

[koldgold]

In my Schrade collection, I only have one Keen Kutter. It is an Old Timer made by Schrade. Ken

[Shearer]

In my Schrade collection, I only have one Keen Kutter. It is an Old Timer made by Schrade. Ken

Ken Nice knife.


I have this Keen Kutter toothpick.It's a 802 with bone handles.I was told it was made by Schrade.
Grant

[koldgold]

I have this Keen Kutter toothpick.It's a 802 with bone handles.I was told it was made by Schrade.
Grant

Hi Grant, the looks like a Schrade.
First thing tomorrow I’m off to Goulburn; on Monday I will stay in Orange.
Tuesday night, I will have dinner at the Indian restaurant, in your home town. Ken

[1967redrider]

Recently picked up a 6 pack of Keen Kutters along with a box and lapel pin, to go along with the two knife lot purchases I've had for a while now. I like the "Hammer Forged" and striations on the stockman that make it look like the blades were forged from an old bastard file. The pearl champagne knife pattern is similar to ones made by Cattaraugus and (Winchester?) I believe. Nice jigged bone and blade etches too. I'm starting to like collecting old Keen Kutters!

[timgreene48]

Super! I really like that "hammer forged" blade

[1967redrider]

Thanks, Tim! In looking through Sargent's Knives and Razors 2nd Edition, they put the "Hammer Forged" blades on several patterns. I had never really paid attention to it until I saw this knife, but I think it's pretty cool looking. It won' t buff off for sure!

[msteele6]

Nice old Keen Kutters.

[0078]

A couple I have, I have yet to do anything with mop knife, wood handle is stamped pat# 835146 I think.

[galvanic1882]

Here's one that I believe was made by Walden Knife Co. Salesman's ink on the back of the main blade.

[timgreene48]

That is one sweet pearl jack!

[Beechtree]

Loving the pearl on those 0078 and galvanic! Two very fine knives

[dcgm4]

Beautiful knife, galvanic1882! I really like the blade etch.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Here are some pics I lifted from a high dollar Ebay auction. The knife once belonged to Rhett Stidham, so for some reason the asking price is well north of three bills.

None the less, this is a beautiful little knife and should be chronicled here.

Charlie Noyes

[timgreene48]

I really like that one. There are so many patterns and handle variations, it boggles the mind!

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

Charlie, I have spoken on several occasions with Mr. Hundley regarding poor descriptions and out and out fake knives he was selling as authentic from Rhett's collection. When confronted with concerns that he was using Rhett's name to sell junk he was very apologetic and told me he had a young man on payroll who was researching the info/history on the knives and "he" wasn't doing a good job and would make the necessary corrections. Again these conversation were many and took place in 2013. On one occasion I even offered to give him "free" assistance in researching select cutlery brands in order to help maintain the integrity of Rhett's name and his collection...he politely declined my offer. As of recent date at times, he continues to auction off crap knives at high prices. Rhett was well loved in the collecting communities and a renowned and avid knife collector. I find it hard to believe he would have unknowingly bought and collected fake knives thinking them to be true. I do not trust Eugene Hundley and even though he states he would never take advantage of Rhett's name to sell a knife that is just what he is doing on every knife auction real or fake, knives from here or there or from Mr. Stidham's estate. Buyer beware in MHO.

P.S. These comments have no bearing on the knife you are showing

[RobesonsRme.com]

Having "bought" the bulk of Rhett's collection/holdings, does not, in my opinion, grant one the right to market them using Rhett's name and reputation.

Rhett's wife was no snark when it came to knife knowledge. I wish she'd shut this guy down and she could do it with a simple public request.

He starts everything high and then relists at ever decreasing prices until they finally sell. He's spending money on Ebay listing fees that would be profit if he just listed the items and let the bidders decide their value.

He's had a 1950's - 60's Robeson green/black/white knife box that he's yet to have sold. He started it at $150.00 and I think the last I saw it was $59.00.

I wish it had sold for 150, I've got about fifteen of them I'd gladly sell for same.

Charlie Noyes

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

Charlie, I'm not trying to derail this thread from it topic however, I whole heartedly agree with your statements. I wish others would see this guy as the anti-integrity, opportunistic, greedy bum that he is. I refuse to buy anything from him on sheer principle. Thanks for your input and thoughts.

[wlf]

Very nice coup John,now you're trying to corner the KK market.

Very nice knives Mike and 78.

[Cutty]

I am glad that you guys spoke up on this situation.

I don't even know who Rhett was unfortunately. I have however seen the knives in his "estate" being sold on ebay. I never bit because of the prices. Now i'll never bite regardless.

This guy hurts us all

[timgreene48]

This is my latest kutter acquisition. According to Sellens book, page 37, this one had a blade etch that read "the high school girl". I don't quite get the reference, but it is a dainty little thing at 2 1/2 inches. Also, Sellens says it was manufactured from 1917-1920. Seems to be in awful good shape for a knife that old. The half-stop and snap are good, and the handles are supposed to be granadilla(?) I appreciate any comments. Thanks, Tim