<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>j0837001exv23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EX-23 CONSENT
<TEXT>
<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement of Form S-8 (No. 333-18423) of Kennametal Inc. of our report dated
June 25, 2004 relating to the financial statements of The Kennametal Thrift
Plan, which appears in this Form 11-K.

                                                 /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 29, 2004

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>