H K Porter Bolt Cutters (updated)
I recently acquired this lovely set of 18" bolt cutters made by the H K Porter company of Boston. The tool is a complex assembly of steel parts, with lettering cast into virtually every available surface- on both sides. "Patented in 1892, trademark, logo, model names and numbers, part identification, operating instructions" they're all there.
A quick Google shows that H K Porter bolt cutters are still available today though much less decorative.
The name H K Porter is better known as a builder of light steam locomotives from 1899 till 1939, located in Pittsburgh Pa. I'm not how the companies are related, there seem to be different logos.
May 2019 update; While snooping around Cardon Tools near Perth Ontario, I found they had on sale a number of brand new 1950s era 1/4" bolt cutters. Much less fancy but definitely from the same company.
Nice little article, but not 100% accurate.
ReplyDeleteH.K. Porter incorporated in 1866 (as Smith and Porter) and sold their first light steam locomotive the next year. Corporate headquarters were in Pittsburgh.
Over nearly one full century following incorporation, they became one of the largest manufacturers in the U.S. of light rail engines -- mostly for mining, farming, and industry.
They chose not to convert to other power sources (electric/diesel) and were out-produced by other, larger engine producers such as Baldwin Locomotive -- but they had diversified, and remained in the tool business (for example, making bolt cutters in Boston, MA) until bought-out by other corporations.
The tool manufacturing component of HKP is currently operated by Crescent Tool; and several different versions of HKP bolt cutters are still available on the retail market.
Thanks for the additional info. Beautiful bolt cutters.
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