Western Folding Knives

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.
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Madmarco
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

Well, I said I'd get a copy of this knife eventually, and eventually is today thanks to Matt Sanders at the "Sanders Knives" store! 1977 build as denoted by the tang stamped "A", 7 1/2" oal Western S-532 lockback with a SS drop-point blade featuring a coined n/n and "WESTERN" etch, NS bolsters and pins, thick brass liners, and brown laminated hardwood covers. Weighs about 5 oz.'s. Smooth easy opening pull and snappy closing detent. Nearly flawless fit and finish. I like this knife, thanks again Matt! 8)
WIN_20221219_13_56_06_Pro.jpg
WIN_20221219_13_55_51_Pro.jpg
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Nev52 »

Looks great Marco, ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::

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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by jerryd6818 »

I would like to add a few to this thread.
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Winchester '87 2857 Teardrop Jack Open - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 2921 Coke Bottle - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 2935 '88 Wharncliffe Half Congress - Labeled.JPG
Winchester W15 2978 Doctor Knife '89 - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 3009 Cattle Knife - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 19021 Medium Toothpick - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 19023 Texas Toothpick - 2003 - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 29016 Peanut - Labeled.JPG
Winchester 39018 Whittler - Labeled.JPG
Winchester W 40 14072YB Mini Trapper - Labeled.JPG
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Madmarco
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

Nev52 wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:23 pm Looks great Marco, ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu::

Nev
Thank a bunch Nev! It was actually your posts and pictures on page 2 of this thread that helped me finally pull the trigger for mine, so, thanks for that too! 8)
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Madmarco
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

Nice group Jerry. I was just thinking ::hmm:: how great your 2921 Coke-Bottle would look if it only had the spear-point blade, no pen blade. ::hmm:: 8)
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OLDE CUTLER
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

Madmarco wrote: Thu Jan 12, 2023 9:46 pm Nice group Jerry. I was just thinking ::hmm:: how great your 2921 Coke-Bottle would look if it only had the spear-point blade, no pen blade. ::hmm:: 8)
But those are all Winchesters in this Western thread??????
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

My goodness, you're absolutely correct OC. That went right over my head and I probably would have never noticed had you not pointed it out. Jerry's bad! lol! 8)
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by steve99f »

Just added this S-531 "A" to the pile from a dealer at the Lewisburg, PA show. Looks a lot like madmarco's example of an S-532 other than the diamond shield on my example. The dealer had a few of these with the same shield. I know Western had spear point blades and clip point blades on these but what else made them different, one from another?
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DSC00580.JPG
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

Yah, I know what you mean, Steve.
When I saw the number on your knife I stated wondering right away what makes yours different from mine, hence the different numbers. Other than the shield, the 2 knives appear identical to me, same drop-point blade, cover material, etc.
They sure are nice solid knives though! 8)
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by steve99f »

I've attached some pics of the S-531 A and a S-521 D for comparison purposes. The 531 pictured has black delrin handles, the 521 has laminated hardwood. Also attached is a 1978 catalog page from a recent ebay listing showing the S-53X series. The letters refer to a date code, A= 1977 and so on.
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1978 western cat page.jpg
S-531  ser A  top, S-521 ser D a.jpg
S-531 Ser A above S-521 ser D b.jpg
Western Folder tang stamps c.jpg
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Madmarco
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

Great chart and pictures, Steve.
Thanks!
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Papa Bones »

I picked this one up a few months ago. Just now getting around to posting it. A Western USA 4" Stockman S-742. The guy I purchased it from had an unopened deck of Western playing cards from the Gambler Series, and threw it in with the knife. So I guess I need to work on finding the other Gambler Series knives. I have a Queen, so I guess that's a start. :lol:
Western USA S_742 4in Stkmn_a.jpg
Western USA S_742 4in Stkmn_b.jpg
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Madmarco »

Very nice, Smitty!
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Felanmac »

Beautiful folders. These are also western cutlery
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by DanTX1953 »

my grandfather left me his Western pocket knife when I was a young kid - it has been my favorite knife
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by garddogg56 »

Thats a treasure Dan ::nod::
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by FRJ »

::tu:: Nice one Dan. ::tu::
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Waukonda »

Western States
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by doglegg »

A sweet one Ike.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by FRJ »

What a gem you have there, Ike.
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Waukonda »

Thank you, Floyd and Joe, I appreciate your comments. This is my first Western States, I suppose I need more! :lol:
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by DanTX1953 »

thank you garddogg and FRJ
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by DanTX1953 »

There are some really nice looking folding knives posted here !
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by DanTX1953 »

Western 932 Ranger saw/knife - from 1982.
16" fully opened
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Re: Western Folding Knives

Post by Dan In MI »

Very, very cool! ::tu::
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