ABOUT KEMPER:
Located in the U.S.A, Kemper Tools have handcrafted products for the ceramic arts for over 50 years. Some Kemper employees have been with the company for over 30 years, which really says something! Kemper Tool’s story started in 1947, when founder Jack Kemper started making tools for a friend’s ceramics class. Soon enough, these handcrafted items became very popular – functional and well-constructed, Kemper Tools were officially born.
Jack’s reputation grew, and so did his attention to craft. As ceramicists, sculptors, and hobbyists turned to Jack for specialty tools, he began to look for ways to truly combine practical know-how and a sense of design. Jack wanted Kemper Tools to perform well, but also to look and feel good, too. To this end, he began studying tools from the early Romans, and studied under a master craftsman. Jack really took his product development seriously!
Today, Kemper Tools continues to listen and respond to the needs of the artist, teacher, professional, and hobbyist. As the company’s model benefited from Jack’s ability to adapt, Kemper has always continued to grow and change and is now the world’s largest manufacturer of ceramic tools. Kemper Tools has now expanded into international markets, with a presence in twenty-seven foreign countries! In the 1970’s, Kemper Tools moved its home offices to Chino, CA, where it is still based today. Kemper continues to add new products and address new corners of the ceramic arts market.
Kemper's classic tool kit is a studio and classroom staple for all levels of potters. Many of the tools are great for handbuilding as well! |
Whether you're trimming a huge platter or a delicate teacup, Kemper has the right tool for the job! Browse our selection of trim tools of all shapes and sizes! |
Metal scrapers and ribs are a studio staple -- choose from a variety of shapes for all kinds of tasks. From smoothing the exterior of a wheelthrown piece to sharpening leather-hard angles, these versatile tools will come in handy for both wheel and handbuilt work! |
Flexible and durable rubber ribs are a great addition to studios used by beginners and children. |
Looking to add a little texture to your piece? Kemper wooden ribs are a great way to introduce lines, ridges, and more to your wheelthrown and handbuilt work. |
There's no easier way to throw with consistency than measuring your work with Kemper's corrosion-proof calipers. |
Pot lifters ensure that your freshly-thrown work won't get damaged when you remove it from your pottery wheel. Add a few sets to your classroom so your students' work continues to look great! |
These wooden modeling knives from Kemper are great for cutting, slicing, smoothing, contouring, and creating surface decoration. The tools in this series are made in the USA from smooth, imported hardwood. |
This double-ended Clean Up Brush from Kemper is great for removing mistakes, and also ideal for clearing glaze from holes in teapots, sieves, planters, and more. The clean-up brush measures 7" long, with the smaller black-bristled end measuring 1" long with a diameter of 1/8", and the white-bristled end measuring 2" long and about ½" in a diameter. |
These needle tools are classic staples in most classrooms. |