Simmons Hardware Co. "Keen Kutter" 12-razor display set

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Got this 12-razor display set for E. C. Simmons Hardware Co. "Keen Kutter" brand, delivered just yesterday. All twelve razors appear to be Simmons Keen Kutter brand (except for possibly one, see below) though I am not sure they are original to this display case as most of the razors appear to have been used somewhat. All of the razors have fairly high end scales including some made from natural materials that would have been scarce by the time these razors were made. I do believe the natural materials are genuine and that they are original to the razors. If anyone has supporting or contravening evidence to that statement, please let me know.


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As shown in this photo, the scales appear to be (from left to right): three aluminum scales, two segmented mother-of-pearl, single piece MOP, abalone, ivory, tortoiseshell, and three molded plastic scales. The ivory is genuine; it has a very natural grain pattern, is very thin, and the black scale has a split at the wedge end. The tortoiseshell is also genuine; there are chips in the edges of the scales which I checked under a loupe and they clearly have the pebbled texture of beetle bites as seen in Voidmonster's post here. I do believe all of the scales are original to their blades because the pivot pins all look like factory pinning and match their respective wedge pins.

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Great quote in my opinion, "The recollection of quality remains long after the price is forgotten." - E. C. Simmons

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This last razor is the only one that might not be Simmons Keen Kutter brand. The blade says "Damascus, Made In Germany" on the tang and "Southern Pride" on the blade etch. However the aluminum scales do say "Keen Kutter" on the back scale and the pivot pin looks factory to me and matches the wedge pin so I think the blade must be original to these scales, making it a Keen Kutter.

I cannot tell for sure from the photos. I'll forward my address and send those down to me for close inspection ........... :rolleyes:

Kidding aside, that is the most awesome set, in the true sense of the word, that I think I've ever seen posted on SRP .......... :bow

Bump!!!!!
~Richard

As 'Mr. Mix and match', I see about half as authentic. As one of the more authentic ones, I would think the Faux-tortoise one should be expelled. They tend to rot. The ivory one looks to have been rescaled, The solid pearl seems original.
If the aluminum ones all say 'Keencutter' on the back, all original, or close?

The abalone one looks to be a custom rescale. Shape is off a bit?

Unsure about the 2-piece pearl one. Have not seen a Keencutter in those, Mostly Butchers and Rodgers.

More uncertain about the 3-piece pearl. Scales seem much older than the blade.

Finally, the 3 figural celluloid scales could have housed any number of maker's blades.

Hardware razors are collectible. Blades are cheap, good scales are not.

Lovely set and box. Lots of Keencutter stuff still out there!

They had a myriad of scales available. Catalogues exist. Should try to find them there?

How do you manage to find these incredible sets?!