western knife steel

[davidketterer]

Can anyone tell me what steel "Western" knives used. I have an old hunting knife of my dad's and I see them at yard sales periodically.

Also, I got one at a yard sale a few years back and I am seeing it advertised on the internet for $89. Scroll about halfway down in the link below, it is called a "Scout Camp Knife".

http://www.jaysknives.com/westernknives.htm

I have a knife that looks exactly like that. Is it really worth $89?

Mostly I want to know if Westerns are good steel.

Thanks.

[gino]

Dave. I believe the older ones used carbon steel. They are well made quality knives and if you run across any at garage sales, I say grab them. Below is a picture of my favorite western that I own.

[trail]

Jay has some very nice knives, he's honest and good to deal with, but his knives are let us say "fully priced". I'm sure someone wanting one of those knives who values service and reliability but is not greatly concerned with the price will buy it. For a better idea of the current value of the knife, check some of the back ebay sales.

Western knives have a great reputation and I'd agree with Gino, grab 'em when you see them at yard sales, especially if they are in decent condition.

[Darksev]

I picked up one of those Western 901's over the summer to work on. That project's still ongoing, but I did so because western's steel was always top notch, stainless or not. The 901 I believe is 440C, though it's not marked in any such way. That's just the feeling I have from playing around with it. It could well just be extremely well done 420 (like Buck is known for)

[glenn]

Nice to see your back Adam We can always count on your input on these thing Thanks!

[Darksev]

Hey Glenn,

I'm always lurking, I just don't have time to contribute much lately. Waaay to much work to do and I used up all the nice weather out hiking. Now it's cold, and I have a day off today, so there's a few of my comments floating around You know all it takes to get me out of my cave is a steel question I can't not put my 2 cents in lol.

[philco]

David,

I collect those scout or camp knives, both the official Boy Scout variety and the non official ones like that Western. I have one identical to the one shown in the link in very good used condition that I bought some time back on ebay for about 35-40 bucks. They are very well built and sturdy knives with good steel. You will like it if you get one.

Phil

[davidketterer]

Yeah, knife steel is what matters to me. I've collected just a few knives, but for use not display (pocket knives = male jewelry).

I still do not know what steel Western used, but I know it is good. I suspected that from sharpening it, even though I've seen "hard" steel which wasn't "good" steel if that makes sense, hard but wouldn't hold an edge.

Thanks for all the great answers. Now I have a better idea of what I've got. I bought it as a user, maybe as a beater, but since it is in great shape I may put it away (for my daughter to sell at a yard sale for a song when I pass away probably).

Hey Glenn,

I'm always lurking, I just don't have time to contribute much lately. Waaay to much work to do and I used up all the nice weather out hiking. Now it's cold, and I have a day off today, so there's a few of my comments floating around You know all it takes to get me out of my cave is a steel question I can't not put my 2 cents in lol.

[FRJ]

Here's four of my Westerns. None of them very old. I like this smaller size from the big hunter.

All have delrin scales.

[Aimus Moses]

I think I remember reading somewhere that Western froze forged their knife blades as well. I do know that everyone of the Western knives I've used had great edge holding ability blades.

Aimus

[Cope]

Joe how long are those folding hunters you have posted? Very nice Westerns!!

[FRJ]

The Western hunter is not too much smaller that the other hunters.
Western in 5 3/16", while the other hunters are 5 5/16".
They are a bit narrower and I like them for that and other reasons.
I'm glad you like them.

[Cope]

Joe, I thought they were smaller than that for some reason. An eighth an inch isn't much difference. To me, they appeared to be somewhere between Case's folding hunter and their smaller fh version. Really nice knives just the same. Thanks for the info.