Results of Operations

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549   FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of report (date of earliest event reported): July 17, 2020 ACME UNITED CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Connecticut 001-07698 06-0236700 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Commission file number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 55 Walls Drive, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)   Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 254-6060 Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: ☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) ☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) ☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) ☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $2.50 par value per share ACU NYSE American Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company  ☐ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ☐ ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION. On July 17, 2020, Acme United Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this current report. ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c)       Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press release dated July 17, 2020. 2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. ACME UNITED CORPORATION     By /s/   Walter C. Johnsen     Walter C. Johnsen     Chairman and     Chief Executive Officer         Dated: July 17, 2020                   By /s/   Paul G. Driscoll     Paul G. Driscoll     Vice President and     Chief Financial Officer         Dated: July 17, 2020 3