Well, I fiqured one way to intro myself is either with a simple hello...but having done that numerous times on other forums I've decided to say hello and show initially why I joined the forum. 2 years ago my grandfather passed away, as a result I was given a knife that belonged to him from his years as a pilot and aviation mechanic in Alaska in the early 1960's.

I am told he purchased it in Anchorage in 1961 and used it on one or two Moose hunting excursions as well as his EDC when flying transports.

As far as my research has gone it has shown me to be a 20A Deluxe skinner. It has the 'little knife' stamp dating it to the 44-62 era of manufacture. here's a pic:

Nice one. Take a picture of the side with the Ruana stamp on it and also a picture of the sheath.

Pap

Here are some....

And another beauty shot...

Welcome! That is a beauty, especially with the history.

Frankly, I'm surprised at how good of condition it is in being that it's 50+years old. Though, my grandfather was somewhat meticulous, so maybe it shouldn't. Afterall, he was an aviation machinist and mechanic for the majority of his life. Over the last twenty years of his life he built RV-4 experimental planes in his garage for various people. He took good care of his tools.

A very nice example of a 20A from 1944-1962 with the knife stamp. Funny thing about Ruana's no matter what year they were made, is that normal use does not seem to hurt the appearance of them. I have always been amazed that no matter the use, even abuse, the Ruana looks almost new. Unless the Ruana is left in salt water or never wiped clean after use, it will look almost unused. The sheath shows more use than the knife.

Any Ruana with the "knife" stamp is a jewel and should be kept in your family if possible, IMHO. That's a beauty with great history. Thanks for sharing.

Pap