6504 Whittler

In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. At first only a jobbing business, by 1920 construction and machinery purchases were underway to begin manufacture of knives. Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007.
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terryl308
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6504 Whittler

Post by terryl308 »

Picked up this little 6504 Whittler the other day, I can't tell whether it is delrin or jig bone? It is darker color than all the other delrin westerns I have. Both handle scales are cracked by the center pins. 3 3/8" overall closed length with 3 blades. I'm sure it is dellrin but still doesn't look quite like it. What date did they start to put the "Whittler " stamp below the 6504?. thanks, Terry
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Dinadan
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by Dinadan »

Terry - how about a real close up photo of the end of a scale? In the photos you posted I do not see those little haversian canals which would indicate that it is bone. So you are probably right about the Delrin, but if so it is very nice looking Delrin. And a very nice knife, too!
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by knifeaholic »

Looks like delrin to me.
Steve Pfeiffer, author of Collecting Case Knives: Identification and Price Guide published by Krause Publications.
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terryl308
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by terryl308 »

Tried for a close up but not real good, I took a photo of the light colored delrin (bottom knife) to compare with the top Whittler, your probably right and both are delrin just a different dye lot when they made the delrin. I don't see any of the bone pores like you were talking about, thanks guys, Terry ::handshake::
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btrwtr
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by btrwtr »

Yes, Delrin.
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by doglegg »

Fished this little Western 6504 out of the bay the other day. A little smaller than the Camillus 72 but same blade arrangement. A very useful little knife and rides the pocket well. This is my 3rd one.
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terryl308
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by terryl308 »

Nice little western dogleg! stamp indicates made in the 78-84 age group. western boulder colo 1951-1978. but you probably knew all that info. I love old westerns! ::tu:: Terry
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by doglegg »

Thanks Terry, I had not looked up tang stamps for Western. I was thinking not old with the delrin handles. I believe these are the only 3 Westerns I have. Thanks again. ::handshake::
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Re: 6504 Whittler

Post by carrmillus »

..i'll have to start lookin' for one of these!!...nice little knife!!!....... ::tu:: ...............
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