<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BLOUNT, INC. FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996,
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                          43,174
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  132,397
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,896
<INVENTORY>                                     83,487
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               283,283
<PP&E>                                         296,675
<DEPRECIATION>                                 167,973
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 533,094
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          120,151
<BONDS>                                         84,828
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     280,485
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   533,094
<SALES>                                        475,256
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               475,256
<CGS>                                          311,984
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  311,984
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               7,673
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 61,604
<INCOME-TAX>                                    22,495
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             39,109
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    39,109
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0