Western stockman pocket knife any good?

[BullRunBear]

I found a pocket knife, three blade stockman style, in some odds and ends from my late father in law. The main blade says 'Western' with 'U.S.A.' below that and a J in a circle beside the USA. (I think that means made in 1987.) The other side of the blade says 'Stainless' and 'W742' below that.

The knife feels solid and well made. The grip appears to be exotic wood but one site said it was actually Delrin. I have no idea what kind of steel was used.

Were these considered to be decent knives? I would like to sharpen and clean it up but won't waste time if it's a piece of junk.

Thanks for any help.

Jeff

 

[hso]

Were these considered to be decent knives?

Yes

 

[sparkyv]

...from knifecenter: "Western Knives is an old American brand. It has gone through many permutations through the years and was recently bought by the Acme-United group which also produces Camillus Knives. They are bringing back some great Western models at very good prices. The manufacturing is all done in Asia, but the quality is very good."

On a knife forum, prices discussed were in range of up to $60. I would consider the 1987 (J) USA-made Stockman you describe as "decent". I would clean it up, sharpen it, and enjoy.

 

[bannockburn]

BullRunBear

I have an older Western Model W83 fixed blade knife which I bought for less than $10 over 30 years ago. Don't let the price fool you though, this a very decent knife and sheath for the money. Takes an edge easily enough and holds it for some time. The handle is quite wide, nicely contoured, and comfortable to use. It's made out of something called "stamina wood" which to me is another name for laminated wood.

I would definitely clean up and sharpen that old pocket knife that you found.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for the information. There's a lot more mention of Western fixed blade knives than their folders.

I was going to clean it up and sharpened to use for whittling. The back of the blades are rather wide which makes them comfortable to push against and the three blades will handy most whittling cuts. Instead, I'll get it usable and give it to my wife's niece. She's active army and appreciates useful tools. (I recently got her and her husband hooked on black powder guns.) I think she would enjoy having a knife that belonged to her grandfather.

Jeff

 

[Valkman]

Good on you!

 

[jar]

Here's one of my old Western folders.

​

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

Western made some decent knives and some excellent knives. The 742 is one of their better folders. To me, it looks like a bit of a handful, but I always feel like I have enough knife.

If you like the stainless offering you should clean it up and use the heck out of it-it’s a good one.

But you should also locate one that has older carbon steel blades. They have some of the better steel I’ve seen in a folder.

Here is mine.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Yes they are great!