Western L88 Skinner - Restored

BRAND:   Western

MAKER:   Western

PATTERN:   L88

BLADE ETCH:  ORVET CUSTOMS (logo)/ DALE VINCENT 

OAL:   8-7/8”

BLADE LENGTH:   4-1/2”

GUARD:   Brass

POMMEL:   Aluminum

HANDLE:   Goldenroot CSB (carved stag bone)

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

SHEATH:    This knife did not have a sheath with it, so I made one patterned after the Western sheath.

MADE IN:  U.S.A.

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

ADDITIONAL INFO:     This knife was older knife with a fair amount of surface pitting on the blade but not bad enough to affect its function or usefulness in the field. Since leather does did have a limited lifespan, it was beginning to show its age and the deterioration of the leather handle. The leather sheath was missing when I purchased the knife. A lot of the Western sheaths were not made of heavy leather and did not age well. The sheath I made to replace it is based on the Western design, which they referred to as a tube sheath. It is handmade I’m myself, and saddle stitched with gusset.

Since the blade still has a few surface pits in it, I opted not to grind the blade down to remove them but to work with them and allow them to show some of the history of the knife. The rivets I used are handmade from brass pins and brass washers and peened into place to provide a more rustic look.

 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.

This knife will make a great hunting/skinning knife because of the outstanding quality of the steel. The knife could also be used in a rustic display.

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

I Accept Money Orders, Personal Checks and PayPal.

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

For Sale By: Orvet Customs

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