G.W. Stone

[Mumbleypeg]

@Mumbleypeg, Here is a slipjoint Stone folder I picked up today from an Estate Auction. Sort of curious about the tang stamp. It is clearly STONE, but the positioning of it has me confused. Most of his folders I have observed have it running with the blade. Not for sure on the Scale material, perhaps a smooth bone or Ivory? Open length is 6-5/8", with a 2-7/8" clip blade. Your thoughts??

Nice find, looks like it’s had some use but Stone’s blades are the closest to indestructible I know of. He was justifiably proud of them. I wouldn’t put much concern into the positioning of the stamp. The knife has the characteristics of a G.W. Stone knife, and his fixed blades were typically stamped like that.

What is the closed length? (Folding knives are typically measured and described on closed length. Blade length varies slightly from knife to knife in the same pattern, and especially so on used knives since metal lost from sharpening changes the blade length, and hence the overall length).

I’m not sure about the handle material. Perhaps horn, or walrus tusk? Someone else here may recognize it.

Ken

[Knights Equinox]

@Mumbleypeg, Here is a slipjoint Stone folder I picked up today from an Estate Auction. Sort of curious about the tang stamp. It is clearly STONE, but the positioning of it has me confused. Most of his folders I have observed have it running with the blade. Not for sure on the Scale material, perhaps a smooth bone or Ivory? Open length is 6-5/8", with a 2-7/8" clip blade. Your thoughts??

Nice find, looks like it’s had some use but Stone’s blades are the closest to indestructible I know of. He was justifiably proud of them. I wouldn’t put much concern into the positioning of the stamp. The knife has the characteristics of a G.W. Stone knife, and his fixed blades were typically stamped like that.

What is the closed length? (Folding knives are typically measured and described on closed length. Blade length varies slightly from knife to knife in the same pattern, and especially so on used knives since metal lost from sharpening changes the blade length, and hence the overall length).

I’m not sure about the handle material. Perhaps horn, or walrus tusk? Someone else here may recognize it.

Ken

Thanks Mubleypeg, closed length on this one comes in at 3-3/4". As for wear the blade looks to be as Mr. Stone sent it out of his shop, no sharpening marks at all, there is some pocket wear on the outer portion of the knife. Good guess on the scales, it could be either one but I don't think it is bone. The scales have way to much yellowing in and on them for bone.

[Mumbleypeg]

This one came to live with me. It has definitely been carried some - even without a loupe you can see scratches in the covers and bolsters. The blade is full though and may never have been sharpened until I touched it up today. Been wanting a used Stone folder to carry, and it’s in my pocket. Can’t decide what the handle covers are made of, still thinking probably walrus.
Any body got an idea, confirm or otherwise?

Ken

[doglegg]

Beautiful and beautiful. What a gorgeous knife!!!

[Mumbleypeg]

Thank you Floyd.

Ken

[Quick Steel]

Mr. Stone's work is, in a word, wonderful. Impressive as all get out.

[Knights Equinox]

This one came to live with me. It has definitely been carried some - even without a loupe you can see scratches in the covers and bolsters. The blade is full though and may never have been sharpened until I touched it up today. Been wanting a used Stone folder to carry, and it’s in my pocket. Can’t decide what the handle covers are made of, still thinking probably walrus.
Any body got an idea, confirm or otherwise?

Ken

Glad it made it ok. I knew you would like it Ken! Hopefully one day we can figure out the Scale material, I am almost positive it is not bone. That blade was immaculate indeed, never even been close to a whet stone. Keep your eyes peeled I have some more Stone's in my sights!!!

[Knights Equinox]

This is my latest G.W. Stone Knife acquisition. Looks to be one of his Fighting / Tactical Models.

[1967redrider]

As gorgeous as a Randall!

[Mumbleypeg]

Gorgeous indeed! Nice acquisition.

G.W. often credited Bo Randall as being a big influence, and that could be readily seen especially in his earlier work. He began innovating with models like the Magnum and High Country but continued to produce many designs having an unmistakable Randall influence.

I sometimes wonder what he thought about his knives being “collectibles”. That phenomena started well before he passed away.

Ken

[Knights Equinox]

Any info on the model or type of knife? I'm putting it on ebay so need to do a good description. Thanks in advance.

[Knights Equinox]

That Hooked guard is what made me say some sort of tactical or fighting knife. It even has a Scale shield for personalization.
!

[Mumbleypeg]

It looks similar to his Model A “Fighting Knife” but the guard on yours is different than what is shown in the catalog I have. The Model A as shown in Stone catalog I have a copy of has an 8 inch blade length but could also be ordered with 7, 6 or 5 inch blade. Note the letter “A” stamped on the ricasso on the knife. Just a semi-educated guess but it might possibly be an early Stone knife for which he made the guard “to order” for a customer. He made many knives for servicemen during the Vietnam War. Again, that’s just a guess.

Ken

[Knights Equinox]

It looks similar to his Model A “Fighting Knife” but the guard on yours is different than what is shown in the catalog I have. The Model A as shown in Stone catalog I have a copy of has an 8 inch blade length but could also be ordered with 7, 6 or 5 inch blade. Note the letter “A” stamped on the ricasso on the knife. Just a semi-educated guess but it might possibly be an early Stone knife for which he made the guard “to order” for a customer. He made many knives for servicemen during the Vietnam War. Again, that’s just a guess.

Ken

This one is 13-1/8" OA length with a 8-1/8" blade.

[Mumbleypeg]

It looks similar to his Model A “Fighting Knife” but the guard on yours is different than what is shown in the catalog I have. The Model A as shown in Stone catalog I have a copy of has an 8 inch blade length but could also be ordered with 7, 6 or 5 inch blade. Note the letter “A” stamped on the ricasso on the knife. Just a semi-educated guess but it might possibly be an early Stone knife for which he made the guard “to order” for a customer. He made many knives for servicemen during the Vietnam War. Again, that’s just a guess.

Ken

This one is 13-1/8" OA length with a 8-1/8" blade.

Pretty sure it’s a Model A with an 8 inch blade then. None of the catalogs I’ve seen list the OAL.

Ken

[Knights Equinox]

I did find out this knife is one of a kind special order from Stone. I was told the special fittings on the knife were a significant upcharge! The sheath is not original to the knife but appears to also be a custom made sheath for the knife. You can carry it many ways and the knife will remain in the sheath until your ready to deploy it.

[Knights Equinox]

It looks similar to his Model A “Fighting Knife” but the guard on yours is different than what is shown in the catalog I have. The Model A as shown in Stone catalog I have a copy of has an 8 inch blade length but could also be ordered with 7, 6 or 5 inch blade. Note the letter “A” stamped on the ricasso on the knife. Just a semi-educated guess but it might possibly be an early Stone knife for which he made the guard “to order” for a customer. He made many knives for servicemen during the Vietnam War. Again, that’s just a guess.

Ken

This one is 13-1/8" OA length with a 8-1/8" blade.

Pretty sure it’s a Model A with an 8 inch blade then. None of the catalogs I’ve seen list the OAL.

KEN

They did tell me it was a Model A with some custom fittings.

[Old_TX_Hunter]

Hello
I have a collection of GW Stone knives that I wanted to see if anyone might be interested in purchasing before I send off for consignment.
I'll post some pictures here (as many as I can in one post).
If you see something you like, shoot me an offer. If you want to see additional detailed pictures, let me know here and I'll post.
My dad (is) was an avid hunter, gun and knife enthusiast however he is now in the later stages of Alzheimer's and we are selling off his collections to offset the high cost of memory care.
I'm local in Frisco TX so I can meet with buyer if needed.

- High Country Stamped #52 comes with Diana sheath - blade and handle in very good condition appears to have been sharpened. verdigris
- Stag Skinner Blade 4 3/8" Stamped: ST 104 S Original Sheath - blade and handle in excellent condition - never used or sharpened.verdigris
- Lockback Pocket Knife Blade 3 3/4" Stamped 159 blade is in very good condition - never used or sharpened. Brass on handle is tarnished. Sheath is well worn and used. verdigris
- Skinner ST Stamped: ST 130 Original Sheath - blade is in very good condition - possibly sharpened. Brass on handle is tarnished. Sheath is worn and used. verdigris
- Mag Blade 6" Stamped #: 64 Original Sheath - blade condition is Fair - some pitting but never sharpened.verdigris
- Model C Skinner Stamped #C 120 S with Original Sheath stamped C 6 - blade in very good condition - never used or sharpened. brass on handle tarnished.verdigris
- Lockback Pocket Knife Stamped #: 54 with Original Sheath - blade in fair condition. Appears to have been sharpened. Sheath in good shape.verdigris
- Integral - Stag Stamped 91 Original Sheath - Blade and Handle in Excellent/Near Mint condition. Sheath has some wear showing.
- Lockback Pocket Knife 2 1/2" only stamped with STONE - no sheath. blade has some scratches but does not appear to ever been sharpened.

Most of the knives and sheaths have evidence of verdigris.

Integral

Stag Skinner

Mag #64

High Country 52

Lockback Pocket 57