MAKER:   Western Cutlery Co.

 

PATTERN:   S-532

 

LENGTH (Closed):   4-1/4”

 

BOLSTERS:   Nickel silver

 

HANDLES:   Brown laminated hardwood handle.

 

BLADES:   Single locking blade of 440 stainless

 

LINERS:   Brass

 

TANG STAMPS:   WESTERN/U.S.A. S-532/PAT. 4040181/B

 

CONDITION:   Very good

 

DAMAGE:   Use and wear evident, dings & scratches on bolsters, handles & blade.

 

BLADE WEAR:   Approximately 20%

 

SNAP:   Good snap for a lockback.

 

 

 

MADE IN:   U.S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFO:             Western’s Lock-Blade knives were introduced in 1978 in both drop point and clip point blades. The B beneath the tang stamp indicates that this knife was manufactured in 1978, the first year production for the Western Lock-Blade series. The tang stamp also has the patent number under which this knife is patented. The patent was granted August 9, 1977: the inventor was Lawrence P. Johnson and the assignee of the patent was Western Cutlery Co. The patent is essentially for the spring that activates the lock mechanism of the lockback knife. The spring is basically a V-shaped spring that sets within a cut out at the rear of the lock bar, which is also the spacer between the halves of the knife. Coleman (the lantern people) bought Western Cutlery in 1984. It appears that they continued the lock blade pattern. In 1991 Western was purchased by Camillus Cutlery Company and the 1991 catalog shows that both of the clip point patterns have already been discontinued and the drop point patterns I’m sure soon followed. I know from conversations with my friend Tom Williams of Camillus Cutlery Company that Camillus did not produce the Lock-Blade knives.

 

This knife is in good condition and low enough priced that it would be a nice example for someone who wants to EDC a piece of cutlery history!

 

 

 

Free Shipping In Continental USA If Paid By Money Order, Just Ignore The Shipping Charge On The Invoice.

 

*By Purchasing, The Buyer Confirms It Is Legal For Them Purchase And Own This Knife.

 

Item # 14848