Western Field was a Montgomery Wards brand? Cool!
I was pretty sure it was some sporting goods store chain, but I did not recall it was Wards.
iI figured someone would know. Thanks Guys!
313 Mike wrote:Forgive what may be a dumb question...but what is the idea behind using a bifurcated tang?
What was it's purpose?
Seems as though it would add another step to the production process, I can't imagine they would do that if there wasn't some sort of benefit. And if it was beneficial why was Western the only ones to use it?
Does it have something to do with the stacked leather handles swelling and contracting over time and use?...
Just trying to learn...thanks fellas.
Mike
Great questions Mike!
Never be afraid to ask questions, that is how we all learn!
Between Harvey Platts’ book, “The Knife Makers Who Went West,” and the patent document we find a number of advantages to the (at least from the perspective of the company) of the bifurcated tang.
Here is the second page from the patent application.
You will note that in the first 5 lines they describe the bifurcated tang as being a
simple, durable, strong and
inexpensive method of attaching a handle and that it
cannot be displaced or loosened.
In Harvey Platts’ book it says that the 2-part tang locks the other handle parts into place.
“This construction resulted in a stronger knife, better balance, two rivets in the end-knob instead of one, and a better appearance.” – Harvey Platts, page 66.
The patent date is July 24, 1934, so no doubt the product was introduced a year or tow before, at the beginning of the Great Depression.
According to Harvey Platts’ book, the bifurcated tang “… was the beginning of Western’s leadership in the sheath knife field.”
- Harvey Platts, page 66.
Adding up all the reasons given for the bifurcated tang in these sources be see, from their admittedly biased perspective, the following reasons:
– Strength
– Simplicity
– Durability
– Inexpensive to make
– Improved balance
– Improved appearance
From the viewpoint of the company these 6 reasons were more than enough incentive to justify the expense of retooling for a different handle design. And it seemed to work very well for them. Coleman bought the Western brand in the 1980s and then in 1990 the Western name was acquired by Camillus and produced Western knives until they closed down in 2007.
On the used knife market Western made knives, especially those made prior to the mid 1980s are sought by collectors and knife users like hunters. It is a testament to the quality and durability of the product that knives made in the 1930s are not only used today, but sought out as some of the best ever made!
... but I did not have any cheater glasses... So I couldn't clearly read the tang stamp 
But I am glad I got it anyway it is a nice little knife. 
