R H Ruana Model 15C Knife Bonner Montana 1943-44 All Original

Original R.H. Ruana model 15C 5 3/4" outdoor knife in amazing unused condition with original sheath. It has not been buffed or polished other than a light cleaning with a paper towel and a little rubbing alcohol. This is as good a condition as a knife outside of it's original packaging could be. 

Appraisal from Ruana Knife Works:

The knife was made by Rudy Ruana sometime around 1943 - 1944 as indicated by the square antler inserts (1938 – 1943 and R H RUANA BONNER MONTANA stamp in the handle (began in 1944). At the time of production, the knife was referred to as a Model 15C. The model was discontinued in 1984. The original purchase price would have been around $ 6.75 - $ 9.75. A similar knife and sheath made brand new today would cost around $700.

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Ruby Ruana was a North Dakotan farmer who relocated to Bonner Montana in the 1930's during the post-depression/dustbowl era. He worked as a mechanic and welder but in an effort to make extra money, he adapted his skills learned from time spent as a farrier in the military to make a skinning knives for a few Native Americans who needed better tools for preparing horse hides. His reputation grew and he began making knives full time in 1952.

Ruana retired in 1983 at age 80 and Ruana Knife Works was sold to his son-in-law Vic Hangas who had been working for Ruana since 1964. Ruana passed away in 1986 and was posthumously inducted into the American Bladesmith Hall of Fame in 1997 and BLADE Magazine's Hall of Fame in 2002. Ruana Knife Works is still in operation and is currently being run by Mark and Mike Hangas, grandsons of Ruana, who combined have 88 years of knife making experience.

We are excited to be able to offer an original part of American knife making history.