New Keen Kutters

[nmikash]

Does anyone know who is making the newer Keen Kutter knives, SMKW has had them in their catalog lately. Does anybody have one of these newer production knives?

Nick

[El Lobo]

With only the backspring pin, the blade shapes, and wood handles...I'm going with Bear and Son.

JMO.

Bill

[knifeaholic]

Definitely Bear as Lobo said - I have one and the warranty/box information is Bear & Sons - they used to make these for Frost Cutlery, but now apparently they are using the trademark themselves.

I only have a one blade peanut - solid knife, fit and finish similar to the Case "working knives", nice walnut handles.

[needbucks]

Both of mine were made for Frost in 1992. They are both pretty fair examples but nothing to write home about. Of course, that pretty much describes the Frost line in my personal experience.

Bear is now (as far as I know) the holder of the trademark. I hope that the build quality is up to the Keen Kutter reputation, though I haven't seen one in person. I do like many of the Bear knives though. I would like to hear myself from somebody that has handled the new Kutters.

[nmikash]

Thanks for the replies. Are the Bear & Sons knives U.S. made?

[needbucks]

To my knowledge all of the Bear and Son knives are made in Jacksonville, Alabama. Can't get much more American than that.

Hey, anyone know when the factory sale at the Bear factory is gonna be this year?

[El Lobo]

Yes...Bear and Son is in Alabama. Doesn't mean they couldn't have an offshore connection for other brands, but those are made here.

Bill (Oops...movin' too s l o w)