Orvet Customs

Western L88 – Skinning Knife

BRAND:   Western

MAKER:   Western

PATTERN:   L88

OAL:     8-3/4”

BLADE LENGTH:   4-5/8”

GUARD:   Brass

POMMEL: Aluminum birds head pommel 

HANDLE:   Leather ring handle

TANG STAMPS:   WESTERN / BOULDER, COLO. / U.S.A.

SHEATH:   Original factory leather sheath but I had to replace the strap on the sheath because it was broken.

CONDITION:   Excellent

DAMAGE:    The knife has minor dings, scratches, etc. It appears to have had light usage. The strap on the sheath was broken so I replaced it.

BLADE WEAR:   Less than 5%

AGE:  Made circa 1950 – 1980s

MADE IN:   USA

ADDITIONAL INFO:     The L88 was described in the 1959-1960 catalog as having a… “Wide flat ground blade designed for skinning.” It also has a notched thumb rest for better control and less fatigue when using the knife. The design of this knife is very similar to the Marbles Woodcraft knife.

According to the catalog reprints in Harvey Platt’s book, “The Knife Makers Who Went West” the L-88 was on the market from about 1952 the mid-1980s.

A word about Western steel. Anyone who has collected knives for very long has probably ran across a few Western fanatics who think the best carbon steel ever made for knives was put into Western knives! I’m a big fan of carbon steel especially Western's carbon steel. I also like their stainless steel, but their carbon steel is some of the best carbon steel ever made, (in my opinion)!  The old Western knives are highly sought after by collectors, hunters, fishermen, outdoorsmen and people by people who appreciate good knives that hold an edge. In my personal opinion Western's carbon steel knives are some of the best ever made!

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

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Shipped by Priority Mail box or padded envelop in the US.

Item # 62837