Is This Blade From DON Norton...Or ?

[wlwhittier]

This knife and sheath were acquired (along with several DON Norton knives) maybe 8 years ago. The fellow who sold them believed this one was ''an early Don Norton, hence the stamped rather than etched marking''. I dis-agreed at the time, and still do.

Can any of you identify the maker of this blade? Does the marking on the sheath have any particular significance?

Thanks for your help!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Knives Annual 1987 and 1988 have a part-time maker 'Frank Norton' listed from California. No listings beyond that period, yet this knife appears from that era.

All references to Don Norton state his mark had a name with a first letter and/or logo.