John Nelson Cooper 1960's combat dagger "Diablo" with original leather case

Description

This combat dagger, the "El Diablo" is a one-of-a-kind original work of art created by the famous knife maker John Nelson Cooper. It is in fantastic condition as shown in the photos. This knife has only had one owner. It was created in the 1960's, but I do not know the exact date. The original case is the black leather case shown in the photos. The brown leather case was custom made for the knife in June 1969. The black leather case has a flaw in the leather at the point of the snap. The brown leather case is in perfect condition and stamped 1969. It is "used" in the sense that it is old.., It has never been used.
Cooper used four different logos during his career. This logo stamped at the hilt is the J.N. Cooper VA. Beach, VA. logo.
Cooper began making utility knives and butcher knives in
Tremont, Pennsylvania
in 1924 while working as a welder. Eventually he moved on to welding in the Virginia shipyards and began making hunting knives, fishing knives and combat knives as a second business. Cooper's knives were made by the
stock removal
method and he attached his handles using traditional methods such as rivets and pins until 1965 when he retired from welding and relocated to
Burbank, California
as a full-time knifemaker with his nephew, Greorge Cooper as Cooper Knives.
[1]
Cooper noticed that his traditional methods of knife making could leave gaps between blade, guard, and handle material where water or blood could collect and eventually corrode the knife. He developed a new method of construction which made the knife and handle into a solid, bonded unit by welding, brazing, and using epoxy. He patented these ideas in 1967 (3481038) and 1971 (3595104).
[1]
Cooper was a prolific maker who made over 100 knives in a month. He taught his trade to knifemakers,
Jody Samson
and Vic Anselmo in 1969.
[2]
He was a charter member of the
Knifemakers' Guild
.
[3]
[4]
Cooper made
push daggers
for police officers and
FBI
agents.
[5]
Cooper made knives used in film and television such as the
Arkansas toothpick
in
The Sacketts
and a
Bowie knife
for
Jeremiah Johnson
.
[6]
His knives were collected by celebrities such as
John Wayne
,
Sammy Davis Jr.
and
Lee Marvin
.
[1]
I am a first time seller so I do not have any ratings. I am, however, offering a money back guarantee within 14 days to make you feel secure with your purchase.