Western Folding Knives

In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. At first only a jobbing business, by 1920 construction and machinery purchases were underway to begin manufacture of knives. Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007.
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Miller Bro's
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Western Folding Knives

Post by Miller Bro's »

Here are a couple I have..................
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by stancaiman »

mine, buy in the middle of the 80's here (france)

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Image

not the same etching, I a have the same leather pouch
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by TripleF »

What shape is that? It looks short and stout!
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by stancaiman »

for me a drop point but ...
it's not short, and not very stout
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by FRJ »

These Westerns are all similar. I think they are a great knife. Great pattern design.

Stan, it's nice to see you back with us. Who put those funny numbers on that beautiful ruler?
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by FRJ »

I don't know how I missed this thread............so......while I'm at it, here's some more. Thanks.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by stancaiman »

FRJ wrote: Stan, it's nice to see you back with us.
Thank FRJ, I've never been very far :wink:
FRJ wrote: Who put those funny numbers on that beautiful ruler?
:lol: I don'tknow, it is an old advertising ruler (metric)
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Miller Bro's »

Stan & Joe, nice knives you are showing ::nod:: ::tu::
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by jerryd6818 »

mrjaimejun - Welcome to AAPK, the friendliest knife site on the web.


My only Western folder is a scout/camper/utility.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Jody744 »

nice one stan, i had one just like it.
i did not have a sheath, though,
so i traded it for something more
pocket friendly. in fact i am carrying
the knife i traded for right now!!!
it was a great knife, just never could
warm up to it. if you like mid-sized
lockbacks, you can't go wrong with one of these
"I like Case, Queen, S & M, Fightn' Rooster and many more."
(quote stolen from one of Jody Brown's posts)
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by thawk »

TripleF wrote:What shape is that? It looks short and stout!
The 532 and 533 are 1980's and 1990's remakes of the old Western States Cutlery 5230 (old 30). 4 1/2" closed, this is an exclusive Western States Cutlery pattern. I don't think anyone else copied it. This is not my knife, wish it was. I've seen them handled in bone, stag, and cell.

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I would consider them stout. Western first produced these in 1928.

Image

They came out with the 5 1/4" clasp pattern (old 27 and 062), along with a single blade 5 1/4" coke bottle at about the same time frame.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Miller Bro's »

Very nice, thanks for posting them ::tu:: ::drool::
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by FRJ »

What a georgeous trapper!
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by daddynewton »

Wow thawk those are beautiful. I have took a liking to Westerns. So much so I am like that AT&T commercial with the little girl. ::ds:: She is sitting at the table and says if you like it you want more. I like it I want more, I want more. lol I bought my first on ebay for couple dollars with broke handle and I love packing it. I forgot to take a picture of a folding hunter. I will post it later. The trapper, I bought from muskrat man, is as sharp has a razor. I have sliced my finger twice wiping it off with a rag.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by daddynewton »

Here is the trapper.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Miller Bro's »

Nice collection, thanks for posting them ::tu:: :D
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by tongueriver »

Here is a Western States 6374C stockman, a slender 3 7/8 inches stockman, about the same pattern as the 61OT or 861 open-stock Schrades. Absolutely mint. Manufactured 1928 to 1942.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by tendots »

TR,what a Stunner!!!!!! ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by jerryd6818 »

My second Western, this one from the Camillus period shortly before the doors closed. I've just started on this little series. This if the first (for me) of five.
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Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by tongueriver »

Those playing card Camilli are cool. Although almost all of the "Western heroes" pocket knives are very low-price-point items, I think Camillus made some Riders of the Silver Screen knives of good quality. Those could be fun, also.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by jerryd6818 »

Riders of the Silver Screen knives would make a nice little collection but their price, my interest and my pocketbook are not in sync.

So many knives, so little $$$.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by garddogg56 »

My new to me Western Whittler this could jump in EDC status.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Miller Bro's »

Nice old stag handle one.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by junebug »

very nice indeed, cool MB 8)
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Miller Bro's »

Thanks Josh :D
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