Thanks Bill! That does agree with my memories [which is reassuring!].
The hammer-pommel & crate opening theory was mentioned on Bladeforums. The link you listed debunks that! I'm familiar with 1095 steel used in knife blades (I have several 1095 blanks) but was not aware that this knife had that blade steel.
I neglected to mention the waffle pattern pommel grooves. Quite pronounced. And similar to a framing hammer face. I thought the ends of the grip were epoxy but could very well be old worn plastic disks. (Or even buffed-to-shape).
The reference to
The Buffalo Evening News was amusing; I have subscribed to them since the 70's and still get their Sunday Edition.
Thanks for the link/article and your comments!
