Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine WWII Western G-46-6 fighting knife, offered in very nice condition, complete with its original leather scabbard. It is sometimes called the "Shark", and there were also 4 and 8 inch blade versions of the G46. This knife was developed during WW2 by Western Cutlery of Boulder Colorado. Western-made knives were all beautifully made 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 example has a 6 inch long single-edged clip-point blade, which has a broad fuller below the spine. The blade is 1” 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 lightly stained, but still solid and in very good condition, with no looseness we can feel, and the black / red / black spacers at the end are in good shape as well. The pommel cap is solid, and secured to the end of the tang in two places. The blade ricasso is marked:

WESTERN
BOULDER, COLO.
PAT NO 1.967.479

This knife has definitely been used, but not intentionally abused, and the blade does not appear to have been sharpened much. In many places the edge is still quite sharp. The blade does not appear to have ever been blued and exhibits a nice shine.

The original leather scabbard has a lovely aged color, showing some oxidation and staining around the rivets due to moisture exposure while in service. It still has the original securing strap, though it shows some wear around the snap, but still solid.

Overall a great lightly used example of a high quality WWII Fighting knife, complete with its original and correct scabbard. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6”
Blade Style: Clip Point "Bowie"
Overall length: 10 ¼”
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard length: 7" with belt loop.

More on Western Cutlery
Western Cutlery was originally founded as Platts & Sons Cutlery in Gowanda, NY, in 1896. Charles Platts, who was an immigrant from Sheffield, England, founded the company. He had been employed in the knife making trade in Sheffield and knew the manufacturing process well. Charles Platts died in 1900, but his sons continued to run the company until 1905, when his son H.N. Platts bought out all of the family owners and moved the company to Bradford, PA. In 1911, Platts moved the company to Boulder, CO, with the intention of taking advantage of the continuing western expansion in the United States. At this time he re-established the company with the new name: Western Cutlery & Manufacturing Company. With the coming of World War II, Western Cutlery’s business expanded dramatically due to wartime production needs. Western Cutlery received a number of US government knife contracts during World War II and produced thousands of combat knives during the war years.