Keen Kutter- pre 1900? need some expert info fellas..

[BillyD]

Well here it is.. i hope someone on here knows more than i do about these knives cause im confused.. I luckly picked up this E.C Simmons Keen Kutter last week mainly cause it was in super shape, minus a few dents and scratches on one of the bolsters. I got to looking at the tang stamp closer and it is marked "E.C. Simmons Keen Kutter St Louis MO. I got a book out because i thought it should say cutlery and tools and found that from 1905-1912 the St Louis USA stamp was used. Mine however is marked St Louis Mo and i dont know if my book had a missprint or if it predates the USA stamp. Any info about this stamp would be really appreciated along with info on how rare it is. The knife is really a neet design it has a "whittler" style back on it and the main blade has a real interesting flare. Help me out guys if ya can! Please!! If not enjoy the pics and thanks for lookin.

[danno50]

The tang stamp on your knife is the most common Keen Kutter stamp used between 1905 to late 1939 (from Alvin Sellens). Looking through Sellens' book, your knife appears to be a 2248. It should be 3 1/2" in length when closed. I am not an expert, just going on the book.

Dan

[Unk]

Yep, ditto what Dan said. The 2248 was made from 1905 to 1929, and they used the federal crest shield from 1924 to 1929.....so your knife should date 1924-1929.

Nice knife

[danno50]

BillyD, sorry, I forgot to add a nice knife comment, it is. I like Keen Kutters.

Dan

[BillyD]

Hey guys! Sure thank ya for clearing that up for me. I dont know much about them even though i do have several but now i know more Thanks again!

[allmightyoz]

I have a NORVELL shapleigh, on the blade says patented 06 -07. I'm sure Shapleigh was around without the KK stamp before then, and the KK is after. I'm not expert or apprentice, just going by the knife i have. So i assume its later than 07?