Help with these two knives?

[sakoblade]

Hey all!

I am a newbie at collecting American knives and I have found two that I like very much but need some help to make sure they are legit.

First an Imperial fish knife which the seller states is from the 40´s but from my own "investigation" I would say it´s made between late 60´s and today?

Then we have a Keen Kutter USA 73875 3/4P E.C Simmons which I don´t know anything about. I just like the looks of it!

Any help is much appreciated!

Jim

[knife7knut]

Jim: The Imperial was a pretty common sight in the 1950's and 60's which is where I would date that one. Although inexpensive they were of good steel and held a great edge.That one looks to be near new condition.
The Keen Kutter is probably from the 1930's and looks to be in nice condition. That said I would be careful of those celluloid handles;they have a tendency to out-gas(a topic covered here in many threads).You might want to keep it separated from your other knives and don't subject it to any excessive heat. The handles look very colorful;could you post a better pic of them?

[sakoblade]

7k7, thank you for your prompt reply!!

I agree on the condition of the Imperial, it looks great and is advertised as such. I know that it is hard to compare prices since I am in Sweden but at roughly 25-30 bucks it seems okay to me.

The Keen Kutter is one I've never seen before and I would never dream it was that old. I only have one more pic of it unfortunately but here you are:

IMG_8146.JPG (17.76 KiB) Viewed 1189 times

And thanks for the heads up about the celluloid!


Jim

[stockman]

Hello Jim, Nice knives the fish knife is like one I had as a boy, even the same color served me well. The KK is a
cattle knife with a punch.
Harold

[knife7knut]

Thank you for posting that other picture. That color is most unusual to me and looks to be in pristine condition. I would caution you to be careful when you oil the pivot pin and use as little oil as possible. It is my opinion that oil is one thing that starts old celluloid to out-gassing and once it starts it cannot be stopped.

[sakoblade]

Thank you ever so much guys!!

If I get the KK knife I´ll make sure to post better pics of it here. Keep your fingers crossed!

Just need to make up my mind when it comes to the Imperial. I really like fish knives but can´t seem to make up my mind but will do so soon.

Have a great weekend guys!

Jim

[terryl308]

Jim, Nice looking old knives, I believe the 25-30 dollar value would be the top end on the Imperial. I have one I got for $10 but it is not as nice as yours. Terry

[sakoblade]

Jim, Nice looking old knives, I believe the 25-30 dollar value would be the top end on the Imperial. I have one I got for $10 but it is not as nice as yours. Terry

Terry, thanks a lot!

I have seen other knives I am more interested in so I will not purchase the Imperial right now.
But it is very nice and I might just change my mind.

It has happened before you know!

Have a great Sunday!

Jim

[sakoblade]

I won the auction for the Keen Kutter!

So I'll post better pics when I get it home.

Jim

[danno50]

Very nice Keen Kutter, Jim! Sellens book says that particular pattern was in the catalogs from 1924 to 1934. Below is a photo of the listing from the 1930 catalog. Doesn't actually show a picture of your knife, but does list it.
Dan