Antique Browning Folder

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:57 pm

I just purchased a Browning "Drop Point Hunter I" model 37171F in the original box, with original handmade mexican stamped leather sheath, and original sharpening instructions. Everything except the outside of the box is mint condition.

I own a few Case knives, but this is the first Browning I've owned. Can anyone tell me where I might be able to get some information on this knife?

Thanks so much,

Jim

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:12 pm

I've done a little research regarding Browning Sportsman's Knives, which is what this one is, by reading descriptions of similar knives on ebay. One thing is pretty evident, that the more valuable Browning knives have "Browning USA" stamped on the blade, while mine is stamped "Browning Japan". The box indicates the knife is made in the USA so I'm guessing that the "Japan" indicates that the blade was forged there. If anyone can confirm or set me straight on this I'd appreciate it.

Since it's mint, with a mint leather sheath and came in the original box with original paperwork, my intent was to keep it as a collector's item. I've still not determined it's collector's value however, and if it's not potentially valuable, I'm going to use it as my carry knife, since it's extremely well made and feels very good in the hand.

Any further insights anyone can offer would be most appreciated. It's a drop point hunter with dark wood scales and brass bolsters and pins. I have no idea the age of the knife, but it doesn't look that old.

Thanks,

Jim

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:41 pm

Hi Jim,

I will give you my opinion. Take it for what it is worth...

I do like the look and fit and finish on most Browning knives, but the collector value is not there. If it were a U.S.A. made knife, I would say that you may want to keep it unused. Since it was manufactured in Japan, I would use it and enjoy it. I'm not sure about blade performance as I have never used a Browning, and I don't know what blade material or finishing processes they use.

Bryan

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 2:07 am

Thanks Bryan, I'd pretty much determined as much. The blade is 440C so it should make a pretty good user.

Thanks again.