Home Forums Gear Free Classifieds American Made Western W49 Bowie Knife

I bought this knife new when I was 17 years old (I was gonna be another Jeremiah Johnson then). It's been in storage ever since. I haven't seen this knife in 36 years. Ran across it yesterday with some other older Schrade's when I made a trip to my storage facility. It's never been used or sharpened. It's in pretty darn good shape too. Says 'WESTERN' and 'U.S.A. W49' on the blade. Underneath that, there's an 'E'. It has the original sheath and is in the original box. The OAL is 14 and 1/2", and the blade length is 9 and 3/8". There is no pitting on it, and barely a slight patina (it's likely just very slight stains from the gun oil that was on the blade for over 30 years in storage). Could probably be polished up with some car wax or something. It's a biga$$ knife...it's really got some heft to it...! I think you could cut a man's hand off at the wrist with it in one swipe. Anyway, here it it...$75 shipped to the lower 48.
Thanks for lookin'.

I'll take it. PM sent.

Danny, I will take that also.

Guess I just missed it. 2nds

*SOLD* - Thank you.

I have a couple of the older Western knives (early 70s skinner and a drop point) They are good blades.
Wish I could find someone to make a good sheath for the skinner.

Danny what did you do? Buy a pawn shop!!??

laffin'

I have a couple. The "E" indicates that this was made in 1981. It has the large rivets, as compared to 1960s versions, but still much better quality that the later models made after Western was acquired by Camillus.

While not a hugely practical knife due to its bulk, as compared to a slimmer W46, quite a few were sold via PXs to young GIs bound for Vietnam. It was priced well below many competitors and these do have good steel. There is a thriving market for Western knives. They don't command huge prices, but many of us like them.

I have one old beater that I am in the process of filing down to a slimmer blade as described in Bill Bagwell's book.

That was an amazing deal. I wouldn't sell mine for twice that price. Same condition.