77:, a wholesale hardware buyers' group. Val-Test allows smaller wholesale hardware companies to order goods. The orders are combined with orders from other hardware companies allowing for quantity discounts from manufactures. After Val-Test acquired the trademark, they removed the "Shapleigh's" leaving the top of the logo blank (Fig. 7). Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, Keen Kutter knives were made for VAL-TEST by Schrade Cutlery Co. and in the 2000's, limited use of the Keen Kutter trademark was authorized for the manufacturer of knives by
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59:. After Shapleigh acquired the Keen Kutter trademark it was modified by replacing the "E.C. Simmons" in the top of the logo with Shapleigh's (Fig. 6). Shapleigh continued to use the trademark on products until they went out of business in 1960.
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Figures 1 through 4 are examples of logos used by
Simmons Hardware Co. prior to 1900. The common trademark (Fig. 5) was first used around 1900. It represents the tooth of a saw through a piece of wood.
96:. Pocket knives, hand tools, railway locks, and advertising items from Keen Kutter are of interest to many collectors. Jerry and Elaine Heuring, authors of
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Items bearing the Keen Kutter trademark are considered collectible. There were numerous items produced which have
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by
Simmons Hardware Company in 1870 and was used on their highest quality tools and cutlery.
55:(also of St. Louis) in 1940. Shapleigh Hardware Company was known for their premium brand
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Co. and Bear and Sons
Cutlery Co.. These knives are currently distributed by VAL-TEST.
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founded in 1995 is another great source of information for Keen Kutter collectors.
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After several years the Keen Kutter trademark was sold to
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The Keen Kutter trademark is currently privately held.
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Simmons
Hardware Company was purchased by arch rival
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121:The Hardware Companies Kollector's Klub
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39:in 1866. The name was adopted as a
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98:Collector's Guide To Keen Kutter
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145:Companies based in St. Louis
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53:Shapleigh Hardware Company
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88:Collectible interest
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140:Trademarks
134:Categories
108:References
29:trade name
41:trademark
47:History
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