Keen Kutter and Shapleigh finds

Thanks! I carry that regular jack a lot. Both blades have strong/loud snap and take a very keen edge! It really is a pleasure to use. The EO has great snap, but not as strong as the regular jack. I haven't worked it into the rotation... haven't even sharpened it yet, but soon. :)
 
MerryMadMonk said:
E.C. Simmons Keen Kutter Jack Knife... Beside a GEC Tidioute #15 Boys Knife
KKjack03_zpsed926335.jpg
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Oh My! :thumbup:

this just in, thanks to Codger_64, an 1899 catalog page, pictured on right, from this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Barlow-K105-help-narrow-the-production-dates
pic on left is 1917 catalog

IMG_9559.JPG
1f1cj.png


IMG_9550.JPG


note there is no K505 Spey version in 1899, and there are 4 pins in the handle drawing

One other detail
http://www.thckk.org/history/simmons-hdwe.pdf
"The famous wedge and bar logo was adapted after 1904."

If that is correct, my knife cant be 1899 for that reason either.. fun puzzle!
 
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If they could only talk, Jon. The bolsters on that thing are wonderful. I don't think you can count if out just because its not in that catalog. Could have been an employee knife for one and many other explanations. How long were the bolsters shaped like that?
 
Gevonovich said:
I don't think you can count if out just because its not in that catalog. How long were the bolsters shaped like that?
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Thanks for playing, whats my dateline, Gevonovich.

MerryMadMonk said:
S
1904 - Keen Kutter "wedge and bar" logo was adapted (source: The Hardware Companies Kollectors Klub or THCKK)
1923 - Walden Knife Company is liquidated and its equipment and staff moves to the Winchester plant in New Haven, CT
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I don't know if Winchester's Walden continued to produce jigged bone barrows after 1922, catalogs welcome :-)

It would seem fair to say so far, that the bolsters were shown in both 1899 and 1917... thats at least 28 years!

and if it is accurate that the wedge tang stamp started in 1904, then that version at least 13 years :-)
those date ranges are all original Walden era, 1870-1922.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/articles/Schradehistory.pdf
1856: New York Knife Co. in Matteawan moves to Walden.
1870: A split in New York Knife leads to formation of Walden Knife Co.
walden.jpg


http://www.iknifecollector.com/profiles/blogs/buried-steel-treasure-a-keen-discovery
"Originally, the Simmons Hardware Company did not make it’s own knives. The Walden Knife Company made them for Simmons from 1874 until 1902, when Simmons bought controlling interest in the Walden Knife Company. At that point, nearly all of the Walden Knife Company’s capacity was absorbed into making knives for Simmons Hardware Company"
 
Your killing me, Jon!! That is an absolute treasure. But....I don't thinks its bone...better send it to me.;)
 
Herb Walsh said:
Bought this at the flea market this AM. Did not get a bargain ($30) but it appealed to me. Keen Kutter logo on the big blade and also the awl. Keen Kutter shield on the side. The military used 4 blade utilities that resemble this one and with the bail present thought it may have a military connection? Any one have the code (6559) that is stamped on the big blade? All comments and critiques are welcomed. Thanks.
kk1.jpg

kk2.jpg

kk3.jpg

kk4.jpg
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Hi Herb, Alvin Sellens (author of Keen Kutter Pocket Knives) lists your 6559 scout knife as being made sometime between 1913 and 1939 if is is 3 5/8", and 1913 to 1920 if it is 3 3/4". In the preface, Sellens says he looked through every Simmons Hardware catalog from 1905 onward to compile his book. I would have gladly paid $30 for that knife.
Dan
 
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My latest score, a beautiful K98S Easy Opener Keen Kutter, circa 1939-1942. I am looking forward to finding some more of these beauties! The EO is in my pocket today.:D I have to take some better photos, but I got these from the seller:





Charlie told me he might post up a few from the WW2 era. Based on examining some patterns, I believe mine may have been Camillus made during this transition period where E.C. Simmons was bought out by Shapleigh. The Alvin Sellens book is excellent btw, and I have a copy of Goins en route. I'm really enjoying doing research and digging for information on older knives!
 
Nice KK EO Coolio! :D

I don't blame you for dropping it in your pocket. Looking forward to your pics. :thumbup:
 
Brad,

Excellent Keen Kutter in fine condition. :eek::eek::thumbup::thumbup:;) I'll take it. Oops - I thought I was in the exchange there for a minute !! :o:D
 
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