EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our report, included in this Form 11-K, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-53562, relating to the Kennametal Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP - ----------------------- ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania March 29, 2002 9