WESTERN KNIFE QUESTIONS

[afishhunter]

Does anyone know the production years for the Western 062 two blade slipjoint Folding Hunter?
(I know they were made in 1980. Mine has the "D" date code.)

Does anyone know the production years of the Western 742 (4" closed) Stockman?
(Mine does not have a date code so has to be pre-1977. It does not resemble any Camillus stockman I've seen, so I don't belive it is Coleman era or Camillus era ... presuming Coleman contracted with Camillus for the production of Western folding knives.)

I can't find anything about when they were introduced or dropped from the lineup.
I don't know if Coleman and/or Camillus (USA) made them when they owned Western.
I think the current owner of the brand only makes (or contracts) for the fixed blades.
I'm pretty sure all Western's since Camillus went under in 2007 were/are made offshore.

 

[ZHoovie]

I found this chart online a while back. I can't remember where I found it though. Hope it helps

 

[black mamba]

Steve, I hope this helps. My 742 has the WESTERN over U.S.A. tang stamp in the chart above for the dates 1961-1977 (no date code).

 

[afishhunter]

Steve, I hope this helps. My 742 has the WESTERN over U.S.A. tang stamp in the chart above for the dates 1961-1977 (no date code).

Nice. Same tang stamp as mine.
Is yours stainless? Rosewood covers?
Shame they don't show the 1950 to 1961 tang stamp(s)

I thought mine had picked bone covers. I'm not sure now if bone or Delrin.
Since they match my pre-1939 Robeson 622110, and 4 Line Camillus 33 EO jack, I am leaning toward bone, since Delrin wasn't invented until 1952.
Tho I suppose molding the jigging in is not beyond reason or possibilities.

I wonder if ours were made before Western moved out of Boulder, CO.? That was in the early 1970's ... '71 or '72, wasn't it?
I know 1977 was the first year for the letter date code. 1976 and earlier didn't have a date code.

 

[black mamba]

Steve, mine is stainless, stamped on the pile side tang of the clip main. Covers are laminated hardwood, alternating green/grey and brick red.

 

[guy g]

Another odd ball. I didn't see it on the chart. My 742 is WESTERN
BOULDER COLO
MADE IN USA
742 is on reverse side of main blade

 

[Rogerb6392]

In 1955 the model 6206 became the model 062. From the book The KnifeMakers who went West.
The 6374 became the 742. New pocket knife stock numbers as per a Letter dated. July 28, 1954

 

[afishhunter]

In 1955 the model 6206 became the model 062. From the book The KnifeMakers who went West.
The 6374 became the 742. New pocket knife stock numbers as per a Letter dated. July 28, 1954

Thank you very much.