Parker I*XL

[Froggyedge]

Several months ago I purchased this Lockback:

I got a good price and the knife supposedly had a bit of an unusual story.
I don't remember the details, but the knife parts (or at least the blades) were made in Japan more than 20 years ago for Parker Cutlery and were supposed to be assembled and sold in the USA. Parker Cutlery filed for bankruptcy and the knives were not assembled until fairly recently...
The blade has an I*XL etch and is stamped WOSTENHOLM. JAPAN on the other side of the tang.

The handles seem to be made of some sort of laminated wood. Five brass pins and a lanyard hole.

Not the best work I've seen, but on the other hand I've seen much worse!
So far I've never used the knife, but I like it and consider making a user of it.

Do any of you have more info on this knife?

[Owd Wullie]

I've heard those are good knives for the money and I've heard the same story as well.

I'd use it.

[trail]

I've heard that as well. I have several of them, they're cheap, well made and solid. Here is a copperhead-like one that I bought a while back. The handle material is very similar to what was known as "Parkerwood", perhaps a purposeful attempt to mimic Case's Pakkawood. It is very close to what Bear & Son uses to this day, though not in this ebony color.

[elbertson]

I've been eyeing those lockbacks for a user, kinda like the lanyard hole on a knife like that. Prices don't seem too bad yet...might just go for it!

[Froggyedge]

Thanks for the responses!

I'll probably use it. Feels good in my hand.
The edge needs some work though. Pretty dull... But not any worse than many other factory edges.

What kind of steel may be the blades be made of..? 440C?
The knives were assembled quite recently... By whom? Where? US or Japan?

Trail,
I like that Copperhead!

Other patterns made?

[trail]

World Knives has 3 models, the two posted above and a third slightly smaller and slimmer single blade lockback. They are each less than $20, a real bargain. According to the World Knives site, the assembly was done in Japan.

[Froggyedge]

Thanks!

[justold52]

I just happen to have one also, but never used it yet.

For a Parker knife at that price of $7.95. I would not go wrong.

I have noted that many of the old Parkers are going up in price now days.

[Froggyedge]

A Trapper too!
Is it an ordinary size Trapper (4 1/8")?
I think I will start using mine, and If I like it, I might just... Hm...

[Froggyedge]

I put a decent edge on it yesterday.
Today we brought a chicken on a trip, and the Parker I*XL Lockback is now officially a user!