"Black Box" Winchesters

**mckgreg** · 06-12-2008, 05:59 PM

I have developed a bit of an interest in the 1980's Winchesters that were marketed by Blue Grass Cutlery. While I was out at Parker's knife show in Sevierville, TN today, I ran across a few. This run has the old stock Utica bone scales and some patterns I haven't been able to find anywhere else. This pattern is probably my favorite. I couldn't get over how well made they are. I'm not sure which factory did the construction on them but they did a darn good job. These ain't the China made stuff you hear about.
Greg

***Blues*** · 06-12-2008, 06:19 PM

Nice one, Greg.

(One of my favorite patterns.)

I have a couple of Winchester's from Blue Grass that I enjoy a lot myself. One is the double-end swell-center (balloon) with spear and clip blades. The other a smaller equal end with the same setup and blade configuration.

A couple of others I had made their way to a couple of forum buddies just because.

**mckgreg** · 06-12-2008, 07:02 PM

I think know the one you're talking about Blues. Like a slim, swell center Moose pattern? I'll probably go back and get one tomorrow. Here's the Coffin Jack. I should get better photos of the tang stamps to show how they are dated with the year of issue. The bone appears to be almost black but they are a very dark brown.
Greg

***Blues*** · 06-12-2008, 07:20 PM

Greg, there was a slim one like that. I sent that one to Gus. The one I still have is beefy and about 3 7/8". It's a stout knife. The 3.5" or 3 5/8" equal-end is also pretty stout. (The latter knife received the Krein treatment and is a screamer now.)

There's stock images of the knives in my foto albums (link is below) but didn't want to hijack this thread.

**waynorth** · 06-12-2008, 07:26 PM

I have a few of those BackBoxBeauties! Pretty sure the good ones were made by Queen!
Don't think I have that serpentine. Nice looking knife!!

**mckgreg** · 06-12-2008, 07:57 PM

Thanks Fellas. Add to the thread all ya want. It's all about sharing what you know more than what ya got. Here's the whittler.
Greg

**VCM3** · 06-12-2008, 08:06 PM

Greg,I don't know what color the box was,but look at the color of the bone on this whittler & check out the blades

**VCM3** · 06-12-2008, 08:10 PM

I like this one too,3-3/8" closed

**mckgreg** · 06-12-2008, 08:15 PM

Looks to have a lot nicer grinds! I never paid much mind to these knives until just recently when I saw the serpentine jack somewhere. Might have been in here? That's when I went looking for one and started discovering the others. I had a few of the Winchester Sunfish pattern but never gave much thought to any others. I should flog myself for being so blind.
Greg

**VCM3** · 06-12-2008, 08:26 PM

LarryM hooked me on these,I wish I had some of the ones I traded off
Like this one

These days though,I carry custom slipjoints,but these knives,though, are really well made

***Blues*** · 06-12-2008, 08:30 PM

Not my images, but these are the two that I have. Great carry knives (once sharp):

**waynorth** · 06-12-2008, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by VCM3

Greg,I don't know what color the box was,but look at the color of the bone on this whittler & check out the blades

Those blades are amazing!! I've never seen a swedge like that one on the main before!!

**mckgreg** · 06-12-2008, 08:43 PM

Good ones! I'll probably be up to my armpits in these guys before long.

Greg

**Christopher W** · 06-12-2008, 09:36 PM

Really like those whittlers!

**mckgreg** · 07-01-2008, 12:26 PM

A couple more. A 89 Sowbelly.
Greg

**mckgreg** · 07-01-2008, 12:28 PM

A 88 Lockback.
Greg

***Bastid*** · 07-01-2008, 12:48 PM

I love those and have picked up a few of the Winchesters from Blue Grass. Every one I have handled has been consistently excellent as far as f&f, handle materials and blade action. I have not handled any of the ones beyond the mid '90's, but I am betting that they are still just as nice. I do know that Blue Grass is still running the adds for them, typically on the back cover of Knife World.