1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our reports, included in this Form 11-K, into the Company's
previously filed Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-18423,
relating to the Kennametal Thrift Plan.


                                        /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                        -----------------------
                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 23, 1999





                                       16