Knives found in father-in-law's cabin

[zneufeld]

Sadly, my father-in-law passed on 2 years ago, and a few months ago we finally made it out to his secluded cabin in the mountains (it took us awhile because the only way out there is a 4x4 or horses and hours on a rocky dirt road).

I found these two knives, and my mother-in-law said I could have them. The longer one appears to be a Western "Baby Shark" from just after WW2, and I don't know anything about the smaller one, but either will probably make a decent patch knife.

 

[poker]

You’ve got the best of knives. Thats the Inherited sort. Every time you handle one, you’ll be sure to remember your father in law. Besides, those both look to me to be great hunting knives, both functionally as well as cosmetically.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I'm sorry you lost your father-in-law. He must have been an interesting man. He sure did have a good eye for cutlery. Those are both of twentieth-century manufacture, as you know, but they have been around for a while. I like old steel. It seems to have some intrinsic quality that makes the best cutting, best wearing blades. Those knives have a lot of character, and a lot of life left in them.

Could we see a photo of the other side of each knife? Are there any identifying marks or stamps on the lower blade?

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[zneufeld]

Could we see a photo of the other side of each knife? Are there any identifying marks or stamps on the lower blade?

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

The only identifying marks are on the longer knife. The stamp on the ricasso reads WESTERN, BOULDER COLO., PAT'D MADE IN USA.

 

[user 48679]

Both knives appear to be Westerns

The stag handled skinning knife appears to be a Western 539; the wood (or stacked leather) handled knife is their Bowie

 

[Peregrine]

we finally made it out to his secluded cabin in the mountains (it took us awhile because the only way out there is a 4x4 or horses and hours on a rocky dirt road). The cabin sounds interesting also!!! But that's a story for another thread

 

[Daryl Crawford]

Is that wood or stacked leather on the longer blade?
I have the same shorter skinner from my father.

 

[zneufeld]

Is that wood or stacked leather on the longer blade?
I have the same shorter skinner from my father.

It is leather. I've gathered from a knife forum that this is a 1946-48 ish Western "Baby Shark."

 

[zneufeld]

we finally made it out to his secluded cabin in the mountains (it took us awhile because the only way out there is a 4x4 or horses and hours on a rocky dirt road). The cabin sounds interesting also!!! But that's a story for another thread

Yes indeed. I didn't get to know my father-in-law very well, but I know he was a lover of the wilderness. Perhaps I'll share some photos of the "cabin" in another thread.

 

[Two Feathers]

zneufeld:
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father in law. Just my $0.02 b ut the antler handled one looks very much like a Schrade "Old Timer" skinning knife. Very popular in the 60's. Not certain about prior to that?
Looking forward to pics. of the cabin.
Again, all just my $0.02. I've been known to be wrong, Ask my wife. She'll verify that.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[Notchy Bob]

@zneufeld

By all means, please post pictures of the cabin in the mountains!

I've been known to be wrong, Ask my wife. She'll verify that.
God bless:
Two Feathers

I hear you, brother....

Notchy Bob

 

[Two Feathers]

Notchy Bob:
Yup...Misery loves company.

Two Feathers

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

I have a knife similar in shape to the antler handled knife. Mine is a Schrade Old Timer. Also marketed as an Old Timer Sharp Finger. It sure is a pointy devil…

 

[zneufeld]

Ok, here are a few photos of the cabin I mentioned and the surrounding property. After about a 2 1/2 hour drive on rocky dirt roads, assuming you don't get lost, you arrive at a gate on a ridge.

About a mile more down into a wide canyon is the cabin. Just enough space inside for a small desk, countertops, and two bunks. Can't find my photo of the inside at the moment.

The place needs work, but my father-in-law's health wasn't good in his later years, and he hadn't been able to keep it up. I hope to make it out there more often to spruce up the place.

A stone's throw away is a steep canyon with a pretty river at the bottom.

 

[deermanok]

Beautiful spot. I'm sure he loved it there.

 

[springfield art]

we finally made it out to his secluded cabin in the mountains (it took us awhile because the only way out there is a 4x4 or horses and hours on a rocky dirt road). The cabin sounds interesting also!!! But that's a story for another thread

Won't be secluded once rumor gets around he buried bag of 1930's gold coins up there!

 

[springfield art]

Ok, here are a few photos of the cabin I mentioned and the surrounding property. After about a 2 1/2 hour drive on rocky dirt roads, assuming you don't get lost, you arrive at a gate on a ridge.
View attachment 100153

About a mile more down into a wide canyon is the cabin. Just enough space inside for a small desk, countertops, and two bunks. Can't find my photo of the inside at the moment.
View attachment 100154

The place needs work, but my father-in-law's health wasn't good in his later years, and he hadn't been able to keep it up. I hope to make it out there more often to spruce up the place.
View attachment 100159

A stone's throw away is a steep canyon with a pretty river at the bottom.
View attachment 100158

Knockout beautiful!

 

[Two Feathers]

Be still my beating heart!
My idea of perfection. Thank you so much for sharing. Again, condolences.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[Whitworth]

Beautiful setting. I'm sure he enjoyed his time there. Hope all the happy memories help with your loss.

 

[Notchy Bob]

That is an extraordinary place. Wow...

Thanks for the pictures!

Notchy Bob