All About Pocket Knives

Some knife companies in the past put together "sequence of manufacturing" display boards to show the manufacturing steps and the individual parts required to manufacture and assemble a pocket knife. These boards are quite rare. I know that Remington and Case examples exist, though I have never seen either one other than in photos.

This one that I am in the process of acquiring is by Simmons Hardware/KEEN KUTTER.

I vaguely recall that one of the Keen Kutter catalogs has a page or two with the same parts and steps illustrated, though I don't have a copy of it any more.

Sadly, this one is missing the completed two-blade ebony jack, which would have been in the lower right-hand corner. Someone at some point took the original knife off and in its place glued on a 1950's era Keen Kutter jack with Rogers bone handles (made by Camillus).

Note that the header says that it was "loaned" by Simmons Hardware Company...hope they don't come looking for it!

More photos.

I just found the catalog page - I had this noted as from a 1930 catalog, but I'm not certain if that is correct. It may be earlier.

Now that's a real piece of history.
That's a beautiful display. I've always been partial to the old Keen Kutters.

That is a great piece, Steve!!! Thanks for posting pictures and I hope you are able to find the knife you need. I think you're looking for a K2876, if you didn't know. Picture from Sellens' book.

That is an amazing find Steve. Thanks for showing.

WOW, that is as cool as it gets!!

That is a really significant piece of America’s cutlery history.

One could build a real man cave, just starting right there.

I think us AAPK members should start a search for the proper knife with which to complete the board.

If I had it, I’d send it to you tomorrow.

Alas, I do not, however.

Charlie

Absolutely awesome display! I am jealous! Keen Kutter is my favorite brand of collectible.. I have several knives and many many other items… I just picked this Case anatomy of a nice display up recently… Been trying to find one for years… A local hardware store that just recently shut down had the same display on their wall.. I pestered the owner about it and he would not give it up LOL I don’t blame him… It’s a shame they were the last mom and pop hardware store in my area… They were in business for 100 years… Said he just couldn’t survive on such thin margins that exist in that business now with all the big box stores..4 generations ..sad

Sooooooooooooooooo cool!!

My 1930 catalog reprint does not include that page? It looked close to the same, with a couple of differences, in the 1917 catalog.
In your original post, Steve, you said you were in the process of acquiring this display. I hope you did get it. It would look great hanging in your knife room. It would be special to be able to find the right knife for the final spot. I do not have a K2876, as referenced by redrider1967, or any other similar equal end, ebony handled KK jack.

Stanwade, congratulations on finding the Case display board!

Great find Steve.

What an exceptional find. Hope it is soon on your wall. Fabulous.

Thanks Dan!! Once again Steve—awesome display.. Hope you acquire it.. If you do, p
ost some pictures of it hanging on your wall…