MAKER:   Kershaw 

PATTERN:  Whiskey Gap #4100

CUSTOMIZED BY:  Orvet Customs (Dale Vincent)   

BOLSTER ETCH:  DALE R. VINCENT/SALEM, OR 

LENGTH (Closed):   3”

BOLSTERS:   Stainless steel WEIGHT:    

HANDLE: Giraffe bone 

BLADES:   2 ½” locking clip blade

LINERS:   Brass

TANG STAMPS:   KERSHAW/OREGON USA   Rear Stamp:  BY KAI JAPAN/4100 

MADE IN:   Japan

CUSTOMIZED IN: U.S.A. by Orvet (Dale Vincent)

ADDITIONAL INFO:             Because of my great affinity for this mid-1980s series of Kershaw Knives, I could not hold back the temptation to dress this one up a little bit. I was able to buy this knife new in the original box, which has Lake Oswego, Oregon printed on the end. This knife also has the Oregon tang stamp, which means it was probably made just before Pete Kershaw sold the Kershaw Knives to Kai Cutlery, their manufacturer in Japan, and they moved the Kershaw’s location from Jean Road in Lake Oswego, OR to Wilsonville, OR. This pattern was being made in Japan as late as 2010, but this one is among the first came out and I think the earlier ones may have had better steel.

I didn’t do a great deal of customizing on this knife beyond removing the rosewood handles, and replacing them with giraffe bone. The technical part is to be able to do that, re-glue, re-pin and shape the new handles without messing up the knife. My old fingers don’t do as well with small knives as they used to.

I have included a little information below on the history of this knife in the Kershaw series it came from for those who are interested.

 *By purchasing, the buyer confirms it is legal for them purchase and own this knife.

 Kershaw Officer Ranch rosewood handle series information:

The Whiskey Gap is one of the patterns listed in the 1985 Kershaw catalog along with the Lil’ Cody (#4000), Wild Turkey (#4150), Big Joe (#4200), Whiskey Gap (#4100), Black Horse (1060), and the two bladed (#4300), and the 45 Ranch (#4350). These patterns were very popular and the Whiskey Gap and the Wild Turkey were still being made in Japan.

Item # 30257