show me your leather handles

To be honest, I really don't have a use for it but it's just one of those things I like to have on hand, if for nothing else, the coolness factor.

Yeah, I have a few knives that fall into that category. I probably could not be classified as a knife-knut if I did not.
 
Cattaraugus 225Q, with original sheath. (I also have a modern replica sheath which I use for the knife instead of the old veteran.)

tumblr_nu0ml9FkAi1r4zf5xo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_nu0ml9FkAi1r4zf5xo2_1280.jpg


Although in great shape, the handle on this one no longer shows deep, heavy scoring on the center section, which was apparently part of Catt's manufacturing process, presumably to provide a better grip on a wet or slippery handle.

Also, a previous owner rounded the corners of the last steel disk in the butt, rather like what Buck did to the bolsters of the 110 and 112 some years back.

Some folks put a mirror finish on Catt 225Q blades because they weren't issued as subdued or Parkerized. But I'm leaving this as-is aside from normal sharpening for use.
 
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You can see why Marbles set the market pattern for fixed blades, ca. 1900. Just beautiful. (Do you have a stacked-leather Ideal?)
 
Sadly, no but If I can catch one at the right price I'll grab it!!! The Ideals are just so classic!!!!
 
Cattaraugus 225Q, with original sheath. (I also have a modern replica sheath which I use for the knife instead of the old veteran.)

tumblr_nu0ml9FkAi1r4zf5xo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_nu0ml9FkAi1r4zf5xo2_1280.jpg


Although in great shape, the handle on this one no longer shows deep, heavy scoring on the center section, which was apparently part of Catt's manufacturing process, presumably to provide a better grip on a wet or slippery handle.

Also, a previous owner rounded the corners of the last steel disk in the butt, rather like what Buck did to the bolsters of the 110 and 112 some years back.

Some folks put a mirror finish on Catt 225Q blades because they weren't issued as subdued or Parkerized. But I'm leaving this as-is aside from normal sharpening for use.

I totally agree...it looks perfect as is!! I am wanting one of these after seeing your picks...lol
 
I totally agree...it looks perfect as is!! I am wanting one of these after seeing your picks...lol

Despite having a blade an inch shorter than a standard 7-inch Mark 2 (Camillus, Kabar, etc., etc), the Catt 225Q weighs the same (11 oz.). Good luck in looking for one — they aren't as common as the Mark 2, but they usualy go for less $. You'll find condition varies a lot.
 
Despite having a blade an inch shorter than a standard 7-inch Mark 2 (Camillus, Kabar, etc., etc), the Catt 225Q weighs the same (11 oz.). Good luck in looking for one — they aren't as common as the Mark 2, but they usualy go for less $. You'll find condition varies a lot.
I see at least one at every gun show I go to around here. Top dollar they sell for at these shows is usually about $100, but they can be had for less. They are listed on eprey often -- likely several listed now. They aren't rare at all for two reasons --- large U.S. Army QMC contracts/production numbers, and they were built like tanks.

The Case Quartermaster knives are harder to find as Case's contracts for the Quartermaster knives were fewer and smaller. The "CASE" stamped vs. "CASE XX" stamped is more challenging to find. The contract data below is from Frank Trzaska. He deduced Cattaraugus produced approximately a million of the 225Q. The Cattaraugus contracts equated to $1,238,000.00. The Case contracts equated to $295,000.00, less than1/4 of Cattaraugus' contracts.

Cattaraugus
Knives 1913QM9627 Army $76,000.00 12/1/1942 6/1/1943
Knives 1913QM10585 Army $76,000.00 1/1/1943 4/1/1943
Knives 1913QM11694 Army $340,000.00 2/1/1943 7/1/1943
Knives 28021QM3029 Army $381,000.00 10/1/1943 6/1/1944
Knives 28021QM11497 Army $110,000.00 3/1/1944 9/1/1944
Knives 28021QM16054 Army $114,000.00 8/1/1944 12/1/1944
Knives 28021QM24308 Army $141,000.00 11/1/1944 6/1/1945

Case
Knives 1913QM11693 Army $213,000.00 2/1/1943 6/1/1943
Knives 189XSX47599 Navy $82,000.00 12/1/1944 6/1/1945



I bought this Cattaraugus one at a gun show near here just 3 weeks ago. Last Saturday I saw more at another gun show. What I'm having a hard time finding is a Case at a reasonable price.

Cattaraugus%2520225Q%2520Tang%2520Stamp%2520Side.jpg
 
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I see at least one at every gun show I go to around here. Top dollar they sell for at these shows is usually about $100, but they can be had for less. They are listed on eprey often -- likely several listed now. They aren't rare at all for two reasons --- large U.S. Army QMC contracts/production numbers, and they were built like tanks.

These knives could be the original models in the "sharpened prybar" school of knife design.

The Case Quartermaster knives are harder to find as Case's contracts for the Quartermaster knives were fewer and smaller. The "CASE" stamped vs. "CASE XX" stamped is more challenging to find.... What I'm having a hard time finding is a Case at a reasonable price.

And in addition to the smaller numbers made, Case (for both the plain and XX versions) has a collectible value far higher than Cattaraugus. It would be interesting to compare with these the average value of the Pal RH-36, which is in many respects similar to these in "tankishness."
 
These knives could be the original models in the "sharpened prybar" school of knife design.



And in addition to the smaller numbers made, Case (for both the plain and XX versions) has a collectible value far higher than Cattaraugus. It would be interesting to compare with these the average value of the Pal RH-36, which is in many respects similar to these in "tankishness."

The PAL RH-36 can still be found in the $50-$70 range in great shape. The PAL RH-36 isn't as "tankish". I bought this RH-36 for $55 at another gun show about 5 weeks ago. Wasn't really looking for it and didn't even haggle. I'm sure I could have bought it for $40, $45, or $50. I bought it from a close acquaintance and the price was fair enough, and since I know I'll buy, sell, or trade with him again I bit the bullet on the first deal.

PAL%2520RH-36%2520with%2520Sheath.JPG
 
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The PAL RH-36 can still be found in the $50-$70 range in great shape. The PAL RH-36 isn't as "tankish"....

PAL%2520RH-36%2520with%2520Sheath.JPG

Looks like you got a good deal, the leather disks appear both intact and unshrunk, with a tight pommel. (That sheath, however...)

I haven't handled an RH-36, so its weight and bulk are unknown to me. I do have an RH-35 (the USN Mark 1), which is definitely lightly built (and of course an inch shorter). The 36 Looks like an item to hunt for at a show —
 
Looks like you got a good deal, the leather disks appear both intact and unshrunk, with a tight pommel. (That sheath, however...)
Fair deal at best in these parts. Good deal would have been less than $50. The tape was put on the sheath decades ago. It's now as hard as a rock.
 
Fair deal at best in these parts. Good deal would have been less than $50. The tape was put on the sheath decades ago. It's now as hard as a rock.

I'll take your word for it on the pricing. Me, I see the knife itself looking very good: solid, no blade chips or bad areas of corrosion or sharpening by an idiot with a grinder. The parkerizing is scuffed in the usual places from use, but that's normal.

As for the sheath, given that all of these are (1) just leather, and (2) now 70+ years old, and (3) arriving at today after typically a couple decades of neglect, I'm surprised when there's much of anything left.

On the original sheath for my Catt, one of the snap-straps is a-l-m-o-s-t broken. The finished smooth side is actually broken, and only the unfinished rough underside is still holding it in one piece. I gave the whole sheath a load of mink oil, applied carefully, but it's now honorably discharged from service. Hence the new replica sheath.

Love those stacked leather handles —
 
Cattaraugus 225Q, with original sheath. (I also have a modern replica sheath which I use for the knife instead of the old veteran.)

tumblr_nu0ml9FkAi1r4zf5xo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_nu0ml9FkAi1r4zf5xo2_1280.jpg


Although in great shape, the handle on this one no longer shows deep, heavy scoring on the center section, which was apparently part of Catt's manufacturing process, presumably to provide a better grip on a wet or slippery handle.

Also, a previous owner rounded the corners of the last steel disk in the butt, rather like what Buck did to the bolsters of the 110 and 112 some years back.

Some folks put a mirror finish on Catt 225Q blades because they weren't issued as subdued or Parkerized. But I'm leaving this as-is aside from normal sharpening for use.

Nice looking 225 Q . Your handle is much better shape than mine. The old farmer must have used it with oiled hands many times and certainly used in the mud , the blood , and beer . I agree with leaving the patina on the blade too. Thanks for the nice pictures.


Harry
 
Great knife, too bad I dont carry it as I pocket carry my fixed blades and this one just dosnt work for that :(

 
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