Vietnam War era large WESTERN mod L46-8 “private purchase” Fighting Knife, 8-inch blade, original sheath; scarce 1960th fighter

Vietnam War Western L46-8 Fighting knife survival type, huge 8-inch blade, original leather sheath. Made in Boulder, Colorado in the 1960th; rare type in great overall condition, considering the age.

Vintage Vietnam War era Western Cutlery “Heavy Duty Survival Knife” (model L46-8) hunting/survival knife. Made in Boulder, Colorado, USA circa 1961-1977; this type was a popular “private purchase” fighting knife option for the GI shipping out to Vietnam. This exact type is illustrated on page 126 of KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY IN VIETNAM book by Michael W Silvey – a well-established expert and the author of a number of books on the subject of the US military edged weapons (see book’s page scan attached).

The knife is about 13-1/4″ / 33.7 cm overall; an impressive clip-point blade with “blood grooves” is about 7-7/8″ / 20 cm long. The blade has been lightly sharpened and cleaned; it is razor-sharp still; the tip is intact; some buffed-out light pitting is noted for accuracy. Stacked leather washers and colored fiber spacers handle; the washers have been resin impregnated for moisture resistance. Solid aluminum pommel and a wide extra-thick bronze handguard. All parts are tight; the handle is solid with no movement. Ricasso is stamped WESTERN / BOULDER COLO. / MADE IN U.S.A. on one side and L46-8 on the other. The knife comes with the hard-to-find original leather sheath. The leather is still soft and supple; all original stitching and rivets are intact. Western Cutlery has always made solid, high-quality knives back in the days; with proper care this Vietnam War Western L46-8 fighting knife will last you another 60 years 😉

Very attractive Vietnam War Western L46-8 fighting knife Survival Knife with original scabbard. This type is getting harder and harder to find these days; don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection!  This attractive Vietnam War Western L46-8 fighting knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, 100% original condition; these are the actual photos. I have a few more Vietnam era American knives/bayonets, as well as some British, Commonwealth, and German WW2 era combat knives and bayonets, plus several scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.