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Recently purchased a 1974 Smith & Wesson Collector Series knife, Based on the Blackie Collins designed model 6030 Survival knife with beautiful embellishments and limited in number. These Blackie Collins knives are my favorite. When I saw this Collector Series knife, I had to bite the bullet to buy it.
1974 Smith & Wesson Limited Edition Collector Series Bowie #498
Based on the success of the S&W model 6010 Bowie knife, S&W offered the Collector Series of knives. A Limited Edition of 1000 serially numbered knives of the Sportsman Line. Custom treatment of these knives by Blackie Collins includes an acid etched game scene on the blade, sculptured Sterling Silver guard and pommel and a hand engraved escutcheon inlaid on the handle. The knife was packaged in a wood presentation case. This knife is the Model 6030 Survival Knife and is numbered 498
Information from the book, “The knives of Smith and Wesson by C.E. Rinke”.
For more information on the Blackie Collins designed knives for S&W go to my website blog: Blackie Collins designed S&W knives
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Thanks, so 6029 probably went with the 6030 design, 6019 for the 6020...It is funny that they never seem to be included in the purchase of one of these models. Now I know to look out for them. It is not mentioned in the book, "knives of Smith & Wesson".
RE Boxes, I know the collectors series came in a wood presentation box but I believe they were originally shipped in the blue cardboard with sheath along with the wood box. A large wood display box could be purchased separately that held all four knives.
Some additional info. you might appreciate. In 1975 S&W started a set of four knives referred to as the Collectors Series. Each knife was to be serial numbered 1 to 1000 and the production ended by 1980. The blades were etched and the guard and pommels were sculpted sterling silver. The general consensus is that only 800 complete sets were made (The Knives of Smith and Wesson by C E Rinke). Looking through some old knife magazines (National Knife Collector August/September 1979 issue) I found and ad that I believe changes that information. The ad states that only 225 of the last knife were made for sets. (Completed knives were most likely numbered to match completed and sold sets). As I personally own one of these sets, I was glad to have found this out. I just wanted to put this information out there for those that are researching information on these knives. So, in short that mean there would only have been 225 complete sets.
Steve,
Next Thursdays chat is on Smith & Wesson, maybe Gus can shed some light on it for us
Recently I purchased a S&W box and sheath for model 6029. I am wondering if the 6010 or 6030 Collector Series has this box and sheath included, However I doubt anyone would carry a Collector Series knife but maybe the box and sheath was to complete the set? Anyone know about these, I cannot find any information in my reference books.
Beautiful
I have a carry/use S+W Blackie Collins model 6020 Outdoorsman that was experienced before I acquired it. It demands to be used. Mint models should remain so.
The Seki/USA in that time period were under rated. Recently they seem to have been re-discovered and this time given their due as the "functional art form" they truly are.
Comment by Steve Dirgo on September 4, 2019 at 11:34
Thanks, I am a huge fan of 1970 - 1990's USA and Seki, Japan manufactured knives. A functional Art Form.
Well done sir...And what a beauty!
There's a special place in my heart for the S&W knives in the Survival series as well. I own two - a 6010 Bowie, and a 6020 Outdoorsman - billed as a suitable Bear knife by the dealer.
While I doubt yours will ever be carried or see the field, it is no less a beautiful specimen and heirloom. I could be your son! :-)
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