My grandfathers knife - WWII related

Robtheman1983

Robtheman1983

Joined
Oct 7, 2010
Messages
117
I was going through my closet packing for the move and I found something i havent looked at in a long time and wanted to share it with you guys.

Its a knife he carried throughout the Pacific Theater of World War II, it was made by Western in boulder colorado. ( who are these guys? never heard of them) what is really special about this knife is the note that was with in the envelope.

"This knife was purchased in San Francisco by Ensign Ralph Franklin Cook prior to his departure from the United States to the Pacific Theater of Operations in World War II
The knife was carried on the belt at all times aboard ship.

Inscribed on the back of the sheath are the names of the islands that we visited by this officer during the period December 1943 - May 1945"

my grandfather served aboard an LST (Landing Ship , Tank)
I cant read all the names on the back of the sheath but here is what I can read
San Francisco
cant read
Canjon
cant read
Pearl Harbor
Majuro
Tarawa
Kwashlein
Nanomea
Abemama
Eniwetok
Saipan
Tinian
Guam
Iwo Jima

here are some pics
5dgwW.jpg


RCtN6.jpg


pDBwO.jpg


XPOgb.jpg


sZCC7.jpg
 
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WWII Western SEABEE knife. Stacked leather washers make up the handle. Black and red spacers at both ends. Full tang. Steel single guard and butt cap. .

The clip point blade A nice deep readable stamp on one ricasso: Western Boulder, Colo and a patent number.

9 3/8" OAL; 5.0" blade

I seen a few go for $100-200

is my guess but Western made several different models as well in that time frame
 
The Western Knife Company was a manufacturer of hunting knives which began operations in Boulder, Colorado in 1896. The company is probably best known for its "Bowie" style hunting knives. The company was purchased by Coleman (the famous manufacturer of outdoor equipment). Camillus Cutlery Company purchased Western from Coleman. In February, 2007, Camillus closed as a result of bankruptcy.
 
This is a really sweet piece man! Especially because it has some family value to it. Pretty awesome!
 
That's a piecs of history and has been to many places around the world and survived it all Nice. :thumbup:
 
what a phenomenal knife, there. I would definitely hold onto it and pass it down.

Maybe touch up the edge and dress a few deer with it, too!
 
Spectacular! This you can never replace it is invaluable and should never be sold. That knife has been more places, seen more things, was depended upon for many things and probably provided a sense of confidence and reassurance to your Grandfather.

I have an old M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and several M1903 rifles that I take care of but would never think to re-furbish because everytime I hold and shoot them you can almost feel the soul of the weapon and all its experiences.
 
I would never part with unless I somehow created a kid someday that hated knives.... then I guess I would donate to a museum
 
Beautiful knife. I have a knife my grandfather made for me when I was seven or eight. He just ground down an old saw blade, made a guard out of a spoon handle, and slapped some antler on from a buck he killed. One of my most cherished possessions.
 
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