Vintage Keen Kutter Pen Knife – Mother of Pearl Handles – Two-Blade Folding Pocket Knife (Early 1900s–1930s Era)

This elegant vintage Keen Kutter pen knife features genuine mother of pearl handle scales with nickel silver bolsters and brass liners. A delicate and finely crafted piece, it’s outfitted with two carbon steel blades, both showing signs of honest age and use. The main blade is tang-stamped:

“KEEN KUTTER”
(Simmons Hardware Co. bowtie-style stamp)

This stamp suggests production likely dates from the early 1900s to 1930s, when Keen Kutter knives were manufactured by top-tier American makers under contract for Simmons Hardware Co.

Features:

Maker: Keen Kutter (Simmons Hardware Co.)

Production Era: Circa 1900s–1930s

Blades: 2 (pen and coping/small pen)

Handle: Genuine Mother of Pearl

Liners: Brass

Bolsters: Nickel silver

Closed Length: Approx. 3"

Condition: See condition notes below

Tang Stamp: Keen Kutter (Bowtie shield)

Condition Notes:
This knife shows signs of age, with patina and surface wear to both blades. There is noticeable tarnish and peppering, but the blades open and close with good snap and no looseness. The pearl handles are in excellent shape with no cracks or chips—quite rare for its age. A charming survivor, perfect for display or collection.

History Note:
Keen Kutter began as a line of quality axes and tools sold by the Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, in the late 1800s. By the turn of the century, the name had become synonymous with premium pocket knives, which were contracted out to top American cutlers—including Schrade, Winchester, and New York Knife Co. Their signature bowtie shield stamp became a mark of dependable utility and refined craftsmanship in early 20th-century American households.

Collector’s Note:
Knives like this were often carried by businessmen, writers, and craftsmen—a small but noble tool meant more for letter-opening, pencil-sharpening, or small daily tasks than heavy labor. The genuine pearl scales and compact size make it a refined addition for collectors of antique pen knives, early American cutlery, or the storied Keen Kutter brand.


*All knives in this shop are vintage or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. While many are in excellent condition, they may show normal signs of age or handling such as scuffs, blemishes, or blade wear. I try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos. Feel free to reach out with any questions!