Western Fixed Blade-Tell me what I've got

G

Grateful's Girl

Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Messages
43
Well, I found this little beauty at an antique shop this afternoon. It's marked WESTERN {over} U.S.A. 628 {over} A

It's 6 3/8" overall, with the blade just shy of 3". What a perfect size for my little hand.

Somebody can surely tell me how to date these (or at least where to look.)

I paid $15 for it. How'd I do?

---Kelly

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you did great if you really like it and it fits you hand .nice knife it should be a great little hunter/utility let us know about edge retention.
 
I recall seeing those knives around in the late 70's era.

Once upon a time in America, knives shaped just like that were the standard "huntin knife" for most of the men who were die hard hunters, poachers, and general outdoor loafers. In the years just after the second world war most of them were called by the term,"Little Finn", I don't know why as they have no relation to a puuko.

Case, Kay-bar, Western, were the big three who made the lions share of these pattern knives. Untill the 70's the handles were stacked leather washers. It was in the 70's that Western made a switch to the jigged Delrin. I think to this day Case may still make a Little Finn type of knife with the old style leather handle.

I was once told by a man who was reported to be the best trapper on the eastern shore, that all one needed was a fingers worth of knife. Your Western Finn fits that description just fine. Use it well.:thumbup:
 
In 1978 Western started placing date codes on their knives. This coding is as follows:

Western U.S.A.

A 1977
B 1978
C 1979
D 1980
E 1981
F 1982
G 1983
H 1984

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I believe your knife would have a stamp similar to the first one in this lineup. The other examples are older stamps.

In 1961 Western started stamping Western U.S.A. on their tangs. In 1956 the company name was shortened to Western Cutlery Co. In 1957 they moved to a new facility on Western Avenue in the new industrial district in Boulder, Colorado. They moved from Boulder to Longmont Colorado in 1978, and became Coleman-Western in 1984. In 1991 Camillus bought Western Cutlery. In 2007 Camillus Cutlery closed their doors.
 
15$? You did good. :thumbup:
What you've got is a solid working knife, that deserves to be carried and used.
Definitely a nice find. Thanks for sharing.

Peter
 
Thanks guys!!! This is great information to have. I now know I have a dated pair. I have 2 Westerns from 1977, the mini Finn and a 3" 2 bladed model numbered 442. I need to go sharpen the Finn, and start shopping for the Standard Knife Collector's Guide. You guys are very kind to share your knowledge. I appreciate it very much.
---Kelly
 
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