Old Keen Kutter Knives

Keen Kutter was first used as a knife brand by Simmons Hardware Company in 1870. The trademark was used on the highest quality tools and cutlery Simmons offered.
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PringleTree
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by PringleTree »

Pocket veteran getting some late afternoon sun. E.C. Simmons/Keen Kutter.

Thanks for looking,

Chris J.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by danno50 »

Nice old well-used dogleg jack, Chris. ::tu::
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by JohnR »

Just picked up this Keen Kutter K2881 3/4 barlow, matches up exactly to the Camillus Tip Top barlow including cover material. I'm thinking it was made just before WW2.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Ripster »

JohnR wrote: Tue Sep 30, 2025 6:36 pm Just picked up this Keen Kutter K2881 3/4 barlow, matches up exactly to the Camillus Tip Top barlow including cover material. I'm thinking it was made just before WW2.
Good morning John . Very nice K2881 3/4 Barlow !! It does look Camillus made . Noticed the Tip Top and KK Barlows that have here have steel liners .
Does yours have steel liners ?
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Ripster »

Here’s a K2881 1/2 Keen Kutter in great condition. Solid w/ half stops and about 3 and 3/8 long ( closed) . Not sure if it’s been posted here so here it is in any case . The straight razor w/ box is also in great condition. That has Germany stamped on pile side of main.
Have not seen another KKBarlow like this . Anyone else have one to show off ?
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by ThatWeirdKnifeGuy »

Ripster wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 4:11 pm Here’s a K2881 1/2 Keen Kutter in great condition. Solid w/ half stops and about 3 and 3/8 long ( closed) . Not sure if it’s been posted here so here it is in any case . The straight razor w/ box is also in great condition. That has Germany stamped on pile side of main.
Have not seen another KKBarlow like this . Anyone else have one to show off ?
:shock:

I don't, but that one is awesome. The patina, the bones, the full blades, there's alot to like about that one.

Must be the font, but I'll pick up anything with Keen Kutter on it from a straight razor to a shoe knife.
::nod:: https://newlifeknives.etsy.com ::nod::

That's my Etsy store where I sell old knives and sometimes handmade knife accessories to support my knife habbit. Thanks for looking my friend. ::tu::
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by doglegg »

Ripster wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 4:11 pm Here’s a K2881 1/2 Keen Kutter in great condition. Solid w/ half stops and about 3 and 3/8 long ( closed) . Not sure if it’s been posted here so here it is in any case . The straight razor w/ box is also in great condition. That has Germany stamped on pile side of main.
Have not seen another KKBarlow like this . Anyone else have one to show off ?
Don't have one but if I see one like that one it would catch my interest. Congrats
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by danno50 »

Very nice barlow, John. The ears on the top of the keystone logo are an indication of a Camillus made knife.

Also a nice one, Ripster. Sellens says the 2881 with the razor main was made from 1939 to 1942. Can't see the tang stamp very well, but I don't think it has E.C. Simmons at the top of the keystone? I believe it was likely made by Camillus as well, after 1940 for Shapleigh Hardware Co.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by JohnR »

Ripster wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 1:17 pm
JohnR wrote: Tue Sep 30, 2025 6:36 pm Just picked up this Keen Kutter K2881 3/4 barlow, matches up exactly to the Camillus Tip Top barlow including cover material. I'm thinking it was made just before WW2.
Good morning John . Very nice K2881 3/4 Barlow !! It does look Camillus made . Noticed the Tip Top and KK Barlows that have here have steel liners .
Does yours have steel liners ?

Thanks JP, it is all steel.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by JohnR »

Ripster wrote: Wed Oct 01, 2025 4:11 pm Here’s a K2881 1/2 Keen Kutter in great condition. Solid w/ half stops and about 3 and 3/8 long ( closed) . Not sure if it’s been posted here so here it is in any case . The straight razor w/ box is also in great condition. That has Germany stamped on pile side of main.
Have not seen another KKBarlow like this . Anyone else have one to show off ?

Love that barlow JP, I don't know if I've ever seen another one arm KK barlow from that era.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by danno50 »

A Keen Kutter I got from Brian's (Ivoryman) estate. I believe it is an older, Walden made knife.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by 1967redrider »

That is a gorgeous old KK, and the hand peened pins make me agree with Walden made.
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!

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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Ripster »

danno50 wrote: Tue Oct 07, 2025 6:22 pm A Keen Kutter I got from Brian's (Ivoryman) estate. I believe it is an older, Walden made knife.
Very nice KK . And from I man’s collection to boot!
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by doglegg »

1967redrider wrote: Tue Oct 07, 2025 6:52 pm That is a gorgeous old KK, and the hand peened pins make me agree with Walden made.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by danno50 »

Thanks 1967 redrider and JP.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Waukonda »

Here are a couple that I picked up recently.
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

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Two great finds, Ike, love them both! ::tu:: ::tu::
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Waukonda »

danno50 wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2026 5:17 pm Two great finds, Ike, love them both! ::tu:: ::tu::
Thanks! ::handshake::
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by msteele6 »

Nice ones! ::tu::
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Waukonda »

msteele6 wrote: Tue Mar 24, 2026 12:27 am Nice ones! ::tu::
Thank you, appreciate the comment!
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by 1967redrider »

Sweet finds, Ike. ::nod::👍
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!

You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter


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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Waukonda »

1967redrider wrote: Tue Mar 24, 2026 12:21 pm Sweet finds, Ike. ::nod::👍
Thank you, John!
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by wlf »

Good looking bone on that knife Ike.

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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

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Waukonda wrote: Mon Mar 23, 2026 4:56 pm Here are a couple that I picked up recently.
Very nice knives Ike !
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Re: Old Keen Kutter Knives

Post by Waukonda »

Thanks, Lyle and JP!
Ike
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