Western 648 handle

In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. At first only a jobbing business, by 1920 construction and machinery purchases were underway to begin manufacture of knives. Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007.
Post Reply
User avatar
BigAl62
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue May 07, 2024 2:52 pm
Location: Northwest Arkansas

Western 648 handle

Post by BigAl62 »

I recently acquired this Western 648. My question is about the handle color. Is the color normal or is the color actually worn off? If it's worn off, the handle would seem to indicate much more wear than the blade.
Attachments
IMG_7008.jpg
IMG_7009.jpg
IMG_7010.jpg
"cogito ergo armatum sum"
Top
User avatar
edge213
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8116
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:48 am
Location: The Crossroads of America

Re: Western 648 handle

Post by edge213 »

BigAl62 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 2:26 pm I recently acquired this Western 648. My question is about the handle color. Is the color normal or is the color actually worn off? If it's worn off, the handle would seem to indicate much more wear than the blade.
Some call it delrin haze, a form of oxidation I believe.
Rub some 3 in 1 oil onto the handles then let it sit for awhile. Wipe it off, it should be much improved.
David
"Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" Meat Loaf
Top
User avatar
BigAl62
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue May 07, 2024 2:52 pm
Location: Northwest Arkansas

Re: Western 648 handle

Post by BigAl62 »

Well, as you said, 3-in-1 helped a lot especially on the top of the handle. 2 applications over 2 days letting it pretty much "dry" each time then wiping it. Thank you for the tip.
Attachments
IMG_7014.jpg
IMG_7015.jpg
IMG_7016.jpg
"cogito ergo armatum sum"
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Western Cutlery Collector's Forum”