In this video I’m taking a look at a really cool knife I was recently gifted: a vintage Western W49 Bowie made in Boulder, Colorado. I did a bit of digging on the history and markings, because these were made across different years with small changes that help you date them. Based on the guard stamps (W49 and Western USA) and the guides I found, this particular one looks like it falls roughly in the 1973–1976 range. It comes with the original leather sheath with a dangler, and it’s got that iconic “old Western” look that a lot of modern Bowies are still copying today. I also talk about why this one is special beyond just being a big, good-looking Bowie. It was purchased from the estate of a Vietnam veteran, and while I can’t confirm it saw action, it’s absolutely possible based on the timeframe—and that history matters to me. The knife has a brass guard, riveted wood handle, and what I believe is a carbon steel blade (likely 1095 or similar) with honest patina and a little corrosion. I’m not trying to polish or re-sharpen it; I’m preserving it. I wipe the blade down with mineral oil and treat the dry leather sheath with Obenauf’s Leather Oil to keep it protected and prevent cracking.