Discover a rare piece of custom knife history with this vintage Ralph Bone handmade dagger. Crafted in Lubbock, Texas, during the golden era of 1960s combat and sportsman cutlery, this double-edged fighting knife features a premium exotic wood handle, brass fittings, and the iconic “Bone” stamped ricasso. Includes original leather sheath. Excellent condition for serious collectors.
Own a legendary piece of American custom knifemaking with this exquisite Vintage Ralph Bone Custom Dagger. Renowned for producing some of the highest-quality sportsman and combat knives of the Vietnam War era, Ralph Bone’s custom shop in Lubbock, Texas (operating aggressively from 1964 to 1970) remains highly sought after by elite military and custom blade collectors.
This particular custom fighting knife is a masterclass in mid-century tactical craftsmanship, showcasing a perfectly symmetrical double-edged dagger blade, high-end handle ergonomics, and Bone’s unmistakably striking aesthetics.
Key Features & Specifications
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Maker: Ralph Bone (Lubbock, Texas)
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Knife Type: Custom Fixed Blade Dagger / Tactical Fighting Knife
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Blade Style: Symmetrical, double-edged dagger with a prominent center ridge for structural piercing strength.
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Maker’s Mark: Stamped clearly on the ricasso with the highly collectible, signature dog-bone-shaped logo bearing the “BONE” name.
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Handle Material: Premium, richly grained exotic hardwood (likely Walnut or Rosewood) turned to a comfortable, ergonomic contour.
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Guard & Pommel: Solid polished brass crossguard and matching brass end-cap/pommel, accented by classic black micarta or fiber spacer rings for a striking visual contrast.
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Sheath: Includes the original, heavy-duty brown leather belt sheath featuring a secure snap-closure retaining strap and a dedicated front hone/stone pouch (stone not included).
Detailed Description & Craftsmanship
The Blade
The heart of this Ralph Bone dagger is its beautifully ground, mirror-polished, double-edged blade. Designed primarily as an elite thrusting and backup defensive weapon, the blade tapers cleanly to a needle-sharp point. The crisp center line provides the rigid structural integrity that defined Bone’s legendary combat knives—many of which found their way into the hands of service members during the Vietnam War.
The Handle and Hilt
The hilt features a curved brass double-guard meant to prevent the hand from slipping forward onto the live edges during heavy use. The warm, dark wood handle scales boast striking natural striping, balanced by dark spacer bands near the guard and pommel. The heavy brass pommel counterweights the blade perfectly, giving the dagger a lively, incredibly well-balanced feel in the hand.
Collector’s Provenance
What makes this knife an absolute must-have for custom cutlery investors is the pristine stamp on the ricasso. Ralph Bone’s iconic “dog bone” logo is deeply impressed and highly legible. Because Bone transitioned to custom master gunsmithing and engraving later in life, his early Lubbock knife production years yield a very finite number of surviving pristine specimens.
Condition Report
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Knife: Excellent vintage condition. The blade steel retains its bright finish with minimal age-related wisps or storage wear. Edges are crisp, and the brass fittings have taken on a beautiful, authentic golden patina. The wood handle is free of cracks or structural chips.
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Sheath: Genuine vintage leather sheath is structurally sound with tight, unbroken original stitching. The brass snap functions perfectly. Shows light, honest cosmetic storage scuffs and minor surface aging that enhances its vintage character.
Why Buy a Ralph Bone Custom Knife?
Ralph Bone was a pioneer in the mid-century custom knife movement alongside legends like Bo Randall and John Nelson Cooper. Whether you are looking to anchor a Vietnam-era military collection, expand your vintage custom knife portfolio, or invest in rare Texas-made heirloom cutlery, this Ralph Bone Dagger represents an elite tier of American craftsmanship.
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