BRAND:   Western

MAKER:   Western

PATTERN:   S-534

LENGTH (Closed):   4-1/4”

BOLSTERS:   Nickel silver

HANDLES:   Resin impregnated hardwood handles

BLADE: Clip blade with double swedge and long match striker pull

BLADE ETCH:  A ram with scenery

LINERS:   Brass

TANG STAMPS:   WESTERN/U.S.A. S-534/PAT. 4040181/C

CONDITION:   Excellent

DAMAGE:  Light normal wear, some sharpening scratches on blade, scratches & dings to handle & bolsters. There is a tiny spot on the pile side blade about 5/8” from the tip. It appears the previous owner had hit something hard, (perhaps a bone?), which left a tiny indentation right at the edge. It is so small it is very difficult to see unless you know exactly where it sat and can get it positioned perfectly in the light. It is so small it will probably be gone after someone sharpens the knife once or twice.

BLADE WEAR:   Estimate 10%

SNAP:   Good

 

MADE IN:   U.S.A.

 

ADDITIONAL INFO:      The Year Mark was introduced in 1977. Knives made in 1977 or coated with a capital A, those made in 1978 B, 1979 C, 1980 D. There is a chart of this near the back of the 1980 Western catalog. The Year Mark on this knife is which means this knife was made in 1979.

 

In the 1978 reprint of the Western knives catalog in Harvey Platts book, "The Knife Makers Who Went West," the Lock-Blade knives are listed as being "NEW."

 

The Lock-Blade knives were touted in the 1978 catalog reprint as having the following:

- Enclosed, trouble-free lock spring system.

-440 series stainless steel, takes and holds a keen edge.

-Blade is double swedge for better point.

-Heavy-duty pivot pin.

-Nickel silver bolsters on both ends for strength and beauty.

-Slim handle is wide and form fitting for grip control.

 

This explanation of "The Westlock Enclosed Spring System," is from the 1980 Western catalog.

"Western engineers have created an entirely new concept in lock blade technology. Instead of exposed spring or split-rocker spring found in conventional lock blade knives, the Westlock design totally encloses a separate lock spring within the rocker arm. This innovation protects the lock spring and gives the knife a cleaner, neater appearance. The Westlock mechanism represents a major advance in modern lock blade construction."

 

As you can see by the patent number on the tang stamp this knife was something of an innovation its time, even though it was a short-lived innovation. I believe the Lock-Blade knives were discontinued just a few years later when Coleman purchased Western. This is your opportunity to own a piece of American cutlery history! This knife comes with a generic nylon sheath, the leather sheath was gone long before I acquired the knife.

 

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

 

I try to keep the shipping price as close as possible to the actual USPS rate. If you are purchasing several items and you are concerned that the shipping is more than the actual USPS rate, please contact me if it’s off by more than a couple of dollars and I will adjust it to actual USPS listed price if it is less than the price listed by the our postage program.

Item # 32771