Keen Kutter was a successful brand of tools and knives produced by the E.C. Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri from 1868 to 1940. It was one of the first companies to produce its products with mass-market appeal, becoming well-known for their distinctive design, keen cutting edge, and quality craftsmanship in woodworking tools such as saws, planes, chisels, hand drills and more. The company’s slogan “Keen Kutter – A name that stands for Quality” became associated with all its products and even today is synonymous with quality tooling and knife making.
As one of the most popular brands of tools during the 19th century and early 20th century, Keen Kutter was a major supplier of tools used in the manufacturing and construction industries. In addition, Keen Kutter products were often used by skilled craftsmen to create fine furniture items and other high-end woodworking projects. The company was highly respected for its keen cutting edges and quality craftsmanship, which led to its popularity among tool makers during this period.
As the 20th century progressed, Keen Kutter’s dominance in the tool making industry began to wane with the introduction of modern machinery and production methods. Despite this decline, many keen kutter tools are still sought after by woodworkers today due to their superior quality when compared to modern tools. Today, keen kutter tools can be found in antique stores as well as online auctions sites, often fetching high prices due to their unique style and quality craftsmanship.
Keen Kutter remains an iconic brand of tools to this day, with its slogan “Keen Kutter – A name that stands for Quality” serving as a reminder of the company’s commitment to producing top-notch products throughout its history. To this day Keen Kutter tools are highly sought after by woodworking enthusiasts and collectors alike.