All About Pocket Knives

Hey all, my first post here.

My dad recently passed and one of the things handed off to me was an old Western L36 knife. I am trying to dial in the possible year(s) it was produced and haven't yet come across a thread that really identifies it. The base of the blade isn't stamped at all, the guard is brass and the markings are stamped in the top of the guard. Here are some pics. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Trying to figure out if I get this cleaned up and display it because it has some value/history behind it or if I get it cleaned up, sharpened and use it as a camp knife just to have something of his carry on. Thanks for all your help!

Howdy, bugwump!
Go to the top of the page and type in Western fixed blade under the search button and a bunch of info comes up.
I've got several Western fixed blades and about all I know is the "L" indicates a leather handle, if there is a "W", it would be a wooden handle. Not much help from me, but there are several on AAPK that know all about Western knives.
Treefarmer

Ads from 1968 said that the knives were "now marked on the guard". The practice seems to have been discontinued by about 1977; the end date is a bit "fuzzy" because marked guards would be used until the stock was gone, which differed depending on orders and sales.

Personally, I'd use it. The sentimental value far exceeds the cash value.

Welcome to AAPK!

coffeecup wrote:Personally, I'd use it. The sentimental value far exceeds the cash value.

I agree with Jim, the sentimental value would be worth far more to me than the $50 or so you might get for that knife.