Item:
ON4886

Original WWII Western G-46-8 Fighting Knife with Leather Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. Offered in very nice condition this genuine WWII Western G-46-8 fighting knife, with original leather scabbard. It is sometimes called the "8 Fighter", and there were also 4 and 6 inch blade versions of the G46. This knife was developed during WW2 by Western Cutlery of Boulder Colorado, who hoped to sell it to the Marine Corps to fill their need for a fighting utility knife. Unfortunately the knife proved too expensive compared to competitors. Western-made knives were all beautifully made and finished piece with a bluing comparable to that seen on hunting rifles. Although they never had any major government contracts they sold thousands of knives through private and unit purchases. This particular version was only sold to the military.

This example has an 8 inch long single-edged clip-point blade, which has a broad fuller below the spine. The blade is 1 1/4 inches wide, and is of very sturdy construction. The oval ended cross guard is in good condition, but is a little loose due to leather shrinkage. The stacked leather grip is in very good condition, and the bakelite spacers at the ends are as well. The pommel cap is solid, and secured to the end of the tang in two places. The blade ricasso is marked:

WESTERN
PAT'D.

 

This marking was only used on the early production knives, around 1940 or 1941. This knife has definitely been used, but not abused, and the blade does not appear to have been sharpened more than a few times. In many places the edge is still extremely sharp, though it does have 3 chips in the edge. The high quality bluing is still about 60% present, and the finishes on Western brand knives were all high quality.

The leather scabbard is in good condition, with solid leather and all stitching and rivets intact. Leather is somewhat stiff, though appears mostly solid. The snap is functional, though the retaining strap leather has unfortunately deteriorated and snapped.

Overall a great used example of a high quality WWII Fighting knife.

  • This product is available for international shipping.
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