Old Keen Kutter Knives

[jerryd6818]

Re: Grenadilla -- From Wikipedia

"Dalbergia melanoxylon (African Blackwood, Grenadilla, or Mpingo) is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to seasonally dry regions of Africa from Senegal east to Eritrea and south to the Transvaal in South Africa. The tree is an important timber species in its native areas; it is used in the manufacture of musical instruments[1] and fine furniture. Populations and genomic resources for genetic biodiversity maintenance in parts of its native range are threatened by over harvesting due to poor or absent conservation planning and by the species' low germination rates.

It is a small tree, reaching 4–15 m tall, with grey bark and spiny shoots."

[galvanic1882]

That's one great little knife!!! Good for you for getting that one

[timgreene48]

Thanks Galvanic for the kind words. Jerry, that is very informative. Being that the wood is a bit rare makes the little knife all the more special! thank you!

[knife-nut]

I think the "High School Girl" etching was used to sell knives to the girls in sewing classes. Keen Kutter sold a lot of scissors at cost to sewing classes in High Schools. The knives were probably promoted and sold the same way as the scissors. A good book to read about a lot of these practices is: " Forty years of hardware" by Sanders Norvell. It is about Norvell's years working in the hardware trade. He worked for Simmons Hardware for quite awhile before going over to Shapleigh Hardware. I read another book years ago by E.C.Simmons about his early years, but I cannot remember the name of it. Mark.

[timgreene48]

Thanks Mark, I'll look in to that!

[danno50]

That is a very nice knife, Tim. Very strong, clear tang stamp.

Dan

[timgreene48]

Thanks Dan! I like the way it feels when you roll it around in your hand, but I won't put it in my pocket for fear of it getting destroyed by loose change.

[FRJ]

Dandy little knife, Tim.

Here's an old Keen Kutter I bought from a guy attending a flea market as I was. 3 13/16"
Pretty nice old knife.

The model no., if it had one, is long gone.

[timgreene48]

FRJ, that's a sweet one! Looks like most of the blade is there, and that bone is awesome! I picked this one up at last Saturdays flea mkt. It's not in the best of condition, but it's the first dogleg jack I've ever had, Tim

[FRJ]

Nice one Tim. The Dog Leg is a very smart looking pattern I think.
I'll bet you look for more.

[timgreene48]

This is a sweet little one that I just picked up. According to Sellens book, this should be white celluloid, although it has turned a nice soft yellow. I can't find any sign of "outgassing", although I have never experienced that horror as of yet. Still, a sweet little knife!

[danno50]

Joe, very nice bone on that pen knife. Tim, another couple of good ones. I like the dog leg pattern.
Dan

[timgreene48]

Thanks Dan, these kk's are fun to collect.

[1967redrider]

Thanks Dan, these kk's are fun to collect.

I'll second that, tim!

Here's my last 2 finds; a pristine 6559 scout and an 853 folding hunter in feather jigged black comp.

Happy knifing!

[royal0014]

Here's my last 2 finds; a pristine 6559 scout and an 853 folding hunter in feather jigged black comp.

Really Knice Love that red bone!!

[danno50]

Nice finds, redrider, that folding hunter looks to be in good condition as well without much blade loss.
Dan

[Miller Bro's]

Beautiful scout knife!

[timgreene48]

Man redrider, those are pretty sweet! I especially like the scout knife. beautiful bone on that one, and I like that shield. Keep them coming!!

[1967redrider]

You guys are too kind, thanks.

The folding hunter is nice but just not quite as nice as the scout. Bought them at auction with only one picture, just of the mark side. I always hope for the best but expect the worst, these 2 were winners.

[1967redrider]

You guys are too kind, thanks.

The folding hunter is nice but just not quite as nice as the scout. Bought them at auction with only one picture, just of the mark side. I always hope for the best but expect the worst, these 2 were winners.

[danno50]

You did good on those two. The scout does have nice bone, but I still prefer the folding hunter. Scouts just are not my favourite pattern.
Dan

[Miller Bro's]

[timgreene48]

Now that is one sweet knife! Love the stag handles

[danno50]

I love that one, MB, beautiful old knife.
Dan

[Miller Bro's]

Thanks guy!