C. Platts’ Sons

Thomason

Thomason

Joined
Nov 28, 2002
Messages
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I know they are made by Case but was wondering just what the story is on the line called C. Platts’ Sons? Also was wondering which of the various Case lines are the best as far as fit and finish?
 
Platts goes way back to knifemakers in Sheffield, England in the 1700s. One of the family moved to the USA and started producing knives, and eventually became involved with W.R. Case.

The modern Platts knives are simply "badged" Case knives and are really no different from the same Case patterns, (and indeed made by Case), except for the name.... aimed at collectors rather than users. A marketing strategy to sell more of the same knife.

Which of the Case lines are best for fit and finish? Well, basically, they are all the same. If you want a real definitive answer.... then... the older ones pre 1970.

Cheers
Rod
 
Rod is, as usual, generally correct. I think the "selects" offer just a tad better finish and maybe a tad more consistency than the usual Case offerings.

That said, in the last year, I have purchased 3 Case knives sight unseen off the internet. Each of them was very nice fit and finish-wise. The only complaint I could muster about any of them is blade rub. But I have a Queen canoe where the blade rub is bad enough to make a big mark on satin-finished D2. I dont mind much, but it is a quality issue.
 
I am not a Case collector, but I am sure that the Tony Bose premium line in ATS34 is the best fit and finish case offers. They are about $250 or more and are head and sholders above the normal line.

The basic low priced version of pattern may have a little less fit and finish than the medium to higher priced collectables, but I haven't seen too much difference. I have had very good luck with fit and finish on the last 3 case knives I bought sight unseen. A little rough edge on one that came out in a few strops on a fine stone.
 
As to the Case Select series.... and I only have the collection of Seahorse Whittlers to compare and contrast, I can see absolutely no difference in fit and finish. The only difference is that the "Select" series have nickel silver liners and pins, whereas the others have brass. Two 2002 knives here for direct comparison.

02452.jpg

Above... the 2002 Case Select

10098-500.jpg

Above... the 2002 "standard" model

Cheers
Rod
 
Thanks gentleman. I knew the special editions of Tony Bose/Case were higher quality but was unaware of what the differences were in the other various Case lines.
 
Rod...just looking at the pics alone, I'll take the top one over the bottom one any day. Much nicer in my view. JT
 
I agree with J Turner, I would take the top one in a heart beat. I do have a little experience with CASE knives and I like these a lot. By the way J Turner, I am in Erie PA. Howdy neighbor!!! No wonder I can't find any deals in OHIO, I was in Akron this past weekend and visited the I-76 antique mall. Lots of knives but nothing for my collection or price range. Thanks guys
 
As I understand it, a branch of the Platt family relocated to Eldred, PA (?) and through subsequent incarnations became one of the Union Cutlery Co's, which subsequently was bought by Case, and one of the brother's went to Case... only to leave relatively soon thereafter...
As to the Eldred, PA knives, very few were marked either Platt or Eldred because they were jobbers - they'd accept an order and stamp it with someone else's logo, as Case does. So I also presume the Case knives marked C platts and Sons is but a tribute to one of the major forces behind the early Case story... ? Again, only as I understand some of that history...


PS: See the current edition of Knifeworld (IIRC) for more on the Platt story...
 
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