Restoring a Cattaraugus 225Q Knife from WWII

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  • Опубликовано: 31 дек 2022
  • I picked up this WWII vintage Cattaraugus 225Q knife on a local auction for $14. Let's restore it to its former glory.

Комментарии • 812

  • @dougtaylor8735
    @dougtaylor8735 Год назад +91

    Wes, I have my Dad’s knife from WWII. It is still in good shape and has the original sheath. It may only be worth $20, but to me it’s priceless and I plan to pass it down to my grandson as a reminder of the greatest generation. Thanks for this video.

    • @spudth
      @spudth Год назад +6

      Worth a lot more than $20. I just read a great comment on the Ka-bar company story video. Guy was in Nam during the war working to recover his shot down helicopter in a river. He had a rope on him and was swept under the helicopter by the current. Before he drowned he pulled his knife from his hip, cut himself free and survived. Said that Ka-Bar knife will be buried with him.

    • @williamkowalchik572
      @williamkowalchik572 Год назад +2

      Me too. My dad carried it in Africa then in to Europe. Has his name and serial number on the sheath.

    • @tedholvey2271
      @tedholvey2271 Год назад

      Nice job Wes, beautiful knife, if that knife could talk! It's about the history. My dad was a Marine in WW II, growing up he always had a pocket knife in his pocket, his whole life. Almost every boy or grown man carried a pocket knife from that generation. I keep a Leatherman close by.

    • @robertthorn9560
      @robertthorn9560 Год назад

      Collector value are increasing substantially, hold on to it!

  • @pickletreewoodcraft7858
    @pickletreewoodcraft7858 Год назад +88

    Nice! It’s refreshing to see someone redo something their not satisfied with rather then messing with it until it’s worse and also making practical decisions based on the item, compared to the countless videos where people shine shit or try to make an heir loom out of a utilitarian product! Looking forward to see more, thanks for the content!

  • @SugarMapleForge
    @SugarMapleForge Год назад +55

    Finally restoration videos where the maker actually talks though the process. We need more of this on RUclips! Nice work

    • @claytonno2571
      @claytonno2571 4 месяца назад +1

      It seems to be a problem of content creators thinking everything need to be a type of "asmr" when it really has no reason to be. Its like a virus that has crept into many genres.

  • @the_bishop
    @the_bishop Год назад +8

    The end result turned out great. Being patient and willing to re-do something you're not happy with really pays off.

  • @fyrpiper
    @fyrpiper Год назад +4

    The way I do my stacked leather handles...get a long 1/4-20 carriage bolt and a couple large fender washers and nut. Cut your leather disc's, punch center holes in them then soak in water. Stack the disc's onto the bolt with washers on each end and crank down as tight as you can. Sit it somewhere to dry for several days. Then remove from bolt and use as normal. This method takes a lot of guesswork out, as the disc's are already as compressed as they can be. It also reduces any issues of handle shrinking in the future and handle loosening. I usually finish by melting beeswax into the leather until it won't accept more, then buff.

  • @c.b.giornesto4581
    @c.b.giornesto4581 Год назад +1

    i like to see motivated people take something old and restore it. well done.

  • @1999Valkyrie
    @1999Valkyrie Год назад +24

    Wes...GREAT job!! I'm a self-confessed knife junkie too. Just a quick tip here...get two thin strips of rubber (can be very thin and still work) and put them between your blade and the Lansky clamp. The rubber will protect your blade from any scratches while sharpening.

  • @marklammas2465
    @marklammas2465 Год назад +44

    Excellent handle. One functional workaday military knife successfully restored to peaceful modern usage. As a first restoration video, I think that's pretty damn decent.

  • @trajtemberg
    @trajtemberg Год назад +99

    Finally someone that doesn't give in to the epoxi trend.

    • @larrypostma2866
      @larrypostma2866 Год назад +8

      Right! Why waste the leather if you plan on turning it into a hard plastic handle anyway.

    • @frank-t6857
      @frank-t6857 Год назад +7

      Natural leather has way better grip than epoxy and looks so much better

    • @H.D.R.74
      @H.D.R.74 Год назад +4

      Pero de todas formas, arruino un cuchillo original! 🤦‍♂🤣🤣🤣

    • @stevesyncox9893
      @stevesyncox9893 Год назад +7

      Stacked leather needs no epoxy.... I did one of these too.

    • @hat8415
      @hat8415 Год назад

      So much more rewarding than fixing a ford , gm or mopar huh.

  • @aeromedic5824
    @aeromedic5824 Год назад +24

    I find this inspiring in a couple of ways. Not being afraid to redo something because it isn't right. It's easy to just say "good enough", but it takes dedication to make it just right.
    It's also inspiring to see someone who isn't ashamed of his vices and in fact, finds creative ways to make them work positively.......

  • @jeremyboyd5759
    @jeremyboyd5759 Год назад +29

    One of the best looking leather stacked handles I’ve seen. Great work

  • @jamesweaver9636
    @jamesweaver9636 Год назад +32

    I watched a lot of restoration videos on RUclips and the majority were hacks. You my friend have talent and did this knife justice. Love both your channels…some of the best on RUclips. Btw, think you would like the firearms channel, Anvil with Mr. Mark Novak. You remind me a lot of his style..do it right or don’t do it. Keep them coming please.

  • @RestorationVideo
    @RestorationVideo Год назад +3

    *_I have watched many of this kind videos but honestly this one was more perfect and in detail_*

  • @travisrulason3863
    @travisrulason3863 Год назад +21

    I always learn something when I watch you work... thanks for the great content Wes

  • @michaeldurling793
    @michaeldurling793 Год назад

    Wes, thanks for the heads up on this new channel, it's nice to see what you're into when there's no rusty old junk involved, or did I speak to soon.

  • @patdawson3902
    @patdawson3902 Год назад +2

    Hi Wes, I am from Cattaraugus, New York . Graduated in 1983 and remember the factory. It is now just a museum at the top of Main Street. Thank you for sharing. My family has been there for about 200 + years.

  • @hughbryant1326
    @hughbryant1326 15 часов назад

    A really thorough and fine restoration. I enjoyed watching. UK.

  • @alexmoreau8921
    @alexmoreau8921 Год назад +1

    Nice! Always like second channels, I feel like I learn about a whole side of the person I couldnt have imagined before

  • @ericd2791
    @ericd2791 Год назад +2

    Reminds me of my grandfather’s knife. His was from ww2 to. He also had a ww1 as well both I have now. I hurt with the ww1 one great knife.

  • @cesargallo7424
    @cesargallo7424 Год назад +1

    You can't hide out of your fans Wes, we will chase you donwn! great job

  • @stevedingman474
    @stevedingman474 Год назад +3

    My father brought one of these home from Korea , I never found out how he got it but rumor was a Master Sargent from Iowa was going home from a bullet thru his love handle his second wound and dad and his tank hunter picked him up from the battlefield and drove him straight too the field hospital. Not sure if he was Jim Foot or my dads friend was Jim Foot but anyways that’s how I heard he received a WWII knife in Korea . I received it on dads passing . I loved it it would chop about anything stayed sharp and it had its original sheath . But I kept it in my garage on my work bench and well someone stole it . I was crushed so now I am searching for one that was as close to dads and make a new one ! I can’t find one and I can’t remember the makers name but it’s a much better knife then the one here . Maybe when I retire I’ll spend some time looking for that knife so I can remake it ! And pass it on too my son or make a few and pass them too all dads mine male children .? Lol reason too stay in the shed longer lol😅

  • @chrismaverick9828
    @chrismaverick9828 Год назад

    Some things are genuinely collectable, extremely rare, and should be restored to their virtually perfect condition to be shown off or wall-hung.
    Those things are NOT as much a connection to history (or family in such cases) as an item which is lovingly maintained through regular use and then restored once or twice in order to continue being used.
    That you decided to restore this for your own use is a fantastic connection to the history of such a knife.

  • @wallyarent6548
    @wallyarent6548 3 месяца назад

    One of those and an old tool box full of bayonets has been laying around our shop,for at least 60 years
    Now I have to dig them out and look
    Thank you for great video

  • @richardguse3410
    @richardguse3410 Год назад

    I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and the fact you will use your knife. I don't have any military knives. However, I do have a "Boy Scouts of Canada" knife made in England that my father had for many years before he joined the RCMP on his 21st birthday, which happened to be the day (Sept. 1939) Canada declared war on Germany. I still use the knife and the construction is very similar to yours. I've only made a new sheath.

  • @outdoorsaddiction1085
    @outdoorsaddiction1085 3 месяца назад

    WOW….You absolutely brought that blade back to life….amazing job bro!

  • @williamberry509
    @williamberry509 Год назад +4

    My dad had one most of his life. When he passed my oldest brother got it. It is to me the perfect camp/hunting knive. It hold an edge well. In my youth we used it for everything. If I could I would have one for every car or truck I own. I learned to use it young and it just a great knive

    • @williamberry509
      @williamberry509 Год назад

      Left this off. My dad got his as a boy as a boy scout kit knife. Great way to get rid of surplus blades

  • @user-rp9jv6sl7m
    @user-rp9jv6sl7m 9 месяцев назад

    Wes, I’ve never posted a comment in RUclips but your restoration of this knife touched my heart. Dad was a bomber pilot during the war in Alaska. I pulled out his old knife only to find it was a 225Q in the original sheath with his name and rank embossed on it. Thanks for paying homage to all the old World War II veterans. Good work.

  • @grilnam9945
    @grilnam9945 Год назад +1

    Im always willing to try a new content provider. Im sure this young man’s productions will grow and grow. I haven’t watched yet, but it I hope it has a pup called Max

  • @michaelshocik5915
    @michaelshocik5915 Год назад +1

    Dude, you did an amazing job!!! I love your leather skills!!! What can't you do??

  • @HappyHomey
    @HappyHomey 10 месяцев назад

    I don’t know who you are or how I came across your video as I don’t know much about knives, don’t follow historical restoration, etc…. but DAMN that was so informative, interesting, and relaxing to watch! You have a very soothing speaking voice and though it seems off the cuff, your conversation is relatable and relevant.
    Thanks for the entertainment and education this evening! I’m a new follower!

  • @PappyHolliday
    @PappyHolliday 4 месяца назад

    You did it the way it should be done. I think you could put in a museum now if you wanted to. Great work.

  • @DavidPerez-ck3dw
    @DavidPerez-ck3dw Год назад +5

    You did a great job. You kept it as original as possible and it now is a usable knife. I'm glad you redid the handle, you weren't happy with the first attempt, so you redid it till you liked it. It's a beautiful handle.

  • @TheDrGoody
    @TheDrGoody Год назад +2

    I love when "to make it right, you need to do it twice"! Happy to have just found the second channel. Well done, Wes!!

  • @drummerdude476
    @drummerdude476 Год назад +4

    Man, I was not expecting you to go all in on that knife, especially given your attitude towards it being a not-so-stellar knife beforehand haha. Amazing, amazing work, super inspiring.

  • @redlock4004
    @redlock4004 Год назад

    "Let's just do it. I'm never going to be happy with the way it is". Great attitude and I respect you for having it.

  • @timgruver5932
    @timgruver5932 Год назад +2

    I’ve got my Dad’s he carried in WWII. It’s probably 90% clean with the original sheath.

  • @tmurray1972
    @tmurray1972 Год назад +7

    Outstanding referb job. I’ve found with my Lansky the angles actually come out 4deg less than what’s stamped into the fixture. I measured my angles on a optical comparator at work, I sharpened on the 20deg slot, it actually measured 16deg. Something to keep in mind.

    • @12345NoNamesLeft
      @12345NoNamesLeft Год назад +5

      The angle is totally dependant on the width of the blade and the position you clamp it in.

  • @robertkavich7426
    @robertkavich7426 Год назад +1

    225Q knife , very nice , just down then road from me . They also made K Bar knifes for the military during WWII , The other big maker of military knifes was Ontario Knife , , Olean NY . They still make knifes for the military . I have several among my collection. They also own CUTCO knife , They make IMO one of the best set of Kitchen knifes , life guarantee and free sharpening all you pay is postage .great video , knife looks great , stay safe be well Bob k

  • @barthanes1
    @barthanes1 Год назад +1

    Looks good. I got a Kabar 1237 at a garage sale for $5. Best garage sale find I've ever made. It didn't even need restoration. Just cleaning, sharpening, and a bit of restitching on the sheath.

  • @user-br2bf1hl6n
    @user-br2bf1hl6n Год назад +1

    Very interesting Wes. I learned several things by watching. Thanks for taking the time to share. Deb

  • @francislahey7981
    @francislahey7981 Год назад

    "The Bridge on the River Kwai." How very clever of you. Fantastic video! I enjoyed very much. Now, on to the next one.

  • @walterpchrysler9446
    @walterpchrysler9446 Год назад +5

    Wow!!! Beautiful knife, loved the finished knife. Amazing start to finish results. Grew up in Western NY, nice seeing something from my home town area. You would pronounce the word Catt-a-raw-gus. Drop the u and replace it with a w(for pronunciation purposes). Great video, love the second channel

  • @5T3V3N-ns9gg
    @5T3V3N-ns9gg 6 месяцев назад

    Beautiful finished product. Simple, yet functional sheath, and a usable edge on the blade. Overall a very good restoration.
    I can understand being irritated by having to redo the handle, but that's natural. Sometimes we have to try again.
    Good work.

  • @poppydogz
    @poppydogz Год назад +5

    Wow a man of many talents, stunning work fella, well done..

  • @mrsuperduty100
    @mrsuperduty100 Год назад +1

    Wes, you did the workers at the Cattaraugus factory proud..

  • @klwdesigns
    @klwdesigns 3 месяца назад

    Dude, you killed it on this restoration, well done. Not only did I learn about the knife restoration (I'll be working on a USM4) but I also learned a little more about leatherwork, and to top it off, I found out Lansky makes a stand for my sharpening system! Who knew?

  • @stucook8622
    @stucook8622 Год назад +1

    Nicely done Wes. Thanks for the video 🐾🍺

  • @fireantsarestrange
    @fireantsarestrange Год назад

    That right there is a mean blade. By the way, I am so glad you started this second channel. I am very much liking the content.

  • @davidyates748
    @davidyates748 Год назад +2

    I did not expect the quality job you did on the sheath, including the sewing work! Absolutely top class work Wes.

  • @bryanh666
    @bryanh666 Год назад +1

    Can't wait for the next project!

  • @69uremum
    @69uremum Год назад +1

    I like this other channel, keep up the more off topic kind of videos please. The sheath and knife both look like they came out nice.

  • @KarateSensei71
    @KarateSensei71 10 месяцев назад

    THe first handle build looked great. The second attempt was a piece of art, well done. I have two WWII KaBars one was my Dad's one was my Uncles, I never considered redoing them.

  • @DelButch
    @DelButch Год назад +2

    Thorough as always Wes even when restoring a knife but not just any knife a WW2 weapon

  • @thomaseskelsen1362
    @thomaseskelsen1362 6 месяцев назад

    What a good vid. I've been working on restoring my Grandpa's Cattaraugus knife. I got intimidated when I couldn't discern how to remove the pommel. You have showed me how and now I'm making progress. Thank you 🙏

  • @poet__anderson
    @poet__anderson Год назад

    Could watch these all day, thanks for making another channel for this stuff Wes!

  • @ManInTheWoods76
    @ManInTheWoods76 Год назад

    The first handle failed because the water expanded washers, drying shrunk them. Fantastic job fixing the issue. Excellent end product. I'd trust it in the field.

  • @hildolfrdraugadrottin7279
    @hildolfrdraugadrottin7279 Год назад +1

    I love restoring old tools and knives. New steel just don't have the same kinda energy in it. Especially after someone invests the time it takes to restore them. Most people probably won't understand that and often thinks it a waste of time when you could just buy something new.. And that's alright, it makes such things available to people that do appreciate the history of them. Manu people who do such restorations just set their old tools on a shelf or in a box and forget about them. Not me, I like to put them back to work at least once and some end up being my go to tools because they actually function better than their modern-day interpretations. Your knife turned out great, it's a beautiful knife once again.

  • @stormchaser8605
    @stormchaser8605 Год назад +1

    Hell yeah Wes! Thanks for the project and filming the process. So glad for this second channel

  • @buzzsawncgo2751
    @buzzsawncgo2751 Год назад

    Boy did you just reactivate some very old memories. I had a knife very much like that which my father got for me when I was about 13 and a boy scout when we lived on Guam. Think 1958-59. I took it with me on camping trips, snorkeling, you name it. I was even pretty good at throwing it for a while. I now wish I had kept it or at least kept up with it. I can assure you it never looked as good as the one you presented even before the restoration.

  • @robco6997
    @robco6997 Год назад +2

    Great job Wes, looking forward your future projects.

  • @kongchingpow
    @kongchingpow Год назад +1

    Excellent job, Wes! Always loved your other channel, and now i get to see the attention to detail you have always shown, expressed for pleasure instead of duty! :)

  • @MRrwmac
    @MRrwmac Год назад

    Wes, It never seises to amaze me about peoples skills AND the tools they havbe hidden in their shops. Nice work!

  • @MadMax0318
    @MadMax0318 Год назад +6

    Wonderful job my friend, truly a work of art, congrats.

  • @adamsalerno881
    @adamsalerno881 Год назад

    You made the right call on the handle. The second effort is amazing. Digging the content over here. Good different.

  • @nathanalexander3425
    @nathanalexander3425 Год назад

    Wow Wes, first you motivated me to learn more about automotive diagnostics now you're motivating me to restore things. 🤘

  • @ubertalldude
    @ubertalldude Год назад

    More Wes content! This seems like a therapeutic retreat from all the mechanical repair. Great work! The knife looks good and will serve a good life.

  • @johnhorwath5629
    @johnhorwath5629 Год назад

    Great video and amazing work Wes! Thank you for sharing!!

  • @Republic_ofTexas
    @Republic_ofTexas Год назад

    After seeing this I got a Romanian surplus combat Knife and got her all fixed up. Thanks for the inspiration :)

  • @ngmtk7t
    @ngmtk7t Год назад +4

    Nicely done! And good to see you branching out though it doesn’t surprise me, especially after that welder. Can’t wait for more!

  • @blindmelonlemonjello
    @blindmelonlemonjello Год назад +1

    Absolutely beautiful outcome!

  • @kisselectronics8360
    @kisselectronics8360 Год назад +1

    Beautiful, a restored, with love, a treasure from the past and a reminder of all who sacrificed.

  • @richardphelan8414
    @richardphelan8414 Год назад

    You do continue to amaze me with your skills Wes ,the knife turned out awesome and the background information just completes the transformation ,great Video Keep them coming .

  • @michaelrania1985
    @michaelrania1985 Год назад +1

    Awesome video Wes! I am so glad I found this channel, been subscribed to WWW for a few years now. Excellent job on that knife. I love the fact that you redid the handle because you didn’t like it instead of just leaving it. Keep the vids coming, you def earned my subscription.

  • @paulcooper2897
    @paulcooper2897 Год назад +1

    That turned out awesome! Beautiful colors in the grip!
    Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

  • @johnwilliams7099
    @johnwilliams7099 Год назад

    Started watching your original channel because I liked the content and could relate as a fellow mechanic. I’m enjoying how much we share interests outside of work as well with the new channel. Keep up the great work!

  • @gerryclark2063
    @gerryclark2063 Год назад

    Thanks for the content, proving the creative and mechanical side is available from our favorite problem solving mechanic!

  • @runamonk
    @runamonk Год назад +1

    All those leather working tools are giving me flash backs to metal shop. Not seen any of these in years since highschool. Nice job man, looks badass!

  • @Coalbucketcd91
    @Coalbucketcd91 Год назад

    This channel is just as good as the other one. You're a very informative person and I learn a lot from you. Please keep the videos coming on both channels. Thank you.

  • @StrelokTheStalker
    @StrelokTheStalker 2 месяца назад

    Did great. A tip for when you're stacking the leather, wet them all (maybe you did and I didn't notice?) and when you press them they'll really fuse well, just make sure you let the wad dry out before you go further. Also, some people (unless you're truly sticking to the old methods) will saturate each leather disc with epoxy before stacking them as an alternative to leather. Finished piece looks incredible. But you're looks gorgeous too, so great work.

  • @victorthomas6782
    @victorthomas6782 Год назад

    I love these videos! Im not a mechanic, but I can’t stop watching your videos. This, however, is right up my alley. Personal projects that are “gathering dust”. I love it.

  • @TheVwgolfmk1
    @TheVwgolfmk1 Год назад +8

    The handle came out beautifully and it's nice to see someone not over work a blade with sanding machines. Overall a very nice project well done 👍. New subscriber today so looking forward to seeing the other things you have done.

  • @handyman5455
    @handyman5455 Год назад

    Beautiful job. You are a man with many talents.

  • @McGreyling
    @McGreyling Год назад

    What a wonderful restoration. You have restored it and retained all of the character of the knife. I loved the video.

  • @florissantdave
    @florissantdave Год назад

    Very cool. Love your workshop, your skills and your values. I look forward to the next project.

  • @dposer10
    @dposer10 Год назад

    Good job Wes! You always amaze me with your bag of skills!

  • @pannermccall4375
    @pannermccall4375 Год назад

    Thanks Wes, really enjoyed this. Thanks for the second channel.

  • @cardinalpoints2839
    @cardinalpoints2839 Год назад

    Excellent work, thanks for taking the time to film and share.

  • @richardvirchow3390
    @richardvirchow3390 Год назад +1

    You did an excellent job of restoration of that knife..! Congratulations!!

  • @JesStricker
    @JesStricker Год назад

    Nice work Wes. Turned out amazing!

  • @patrickclark6261
    @patrickclark6261 Год назад

    I found one of these thrown away on a street corner. My Cattaraugus needs a little work and thanks to your video, I know how! Thank you!

  • @Paughco
    @Paughco 7 месяцев назад

    VERY NICE complete overhaul. I have one of these knives. Got it from my pappy in 1962. No sheath, unfortunately. I didn't take it apart like you did, but I did give it a nice, 21-degree edge on a Work Sharp sharpener. It looks pretty much the same it it always has, but now it cuts off arm hair and slices through paper. Seriously sharp.

  • @Don26skillet
    @Don26skillet Год назад

    Cool project! Thanks for sharing your other passions with us.

  • @mischef18
    @mischef18 Год назад

    forgot you had this channel bro but that was a nice job you done with it. Not into knives but watching your dedication to getting it right was well worth the price of admission. Safe travels

  • @skeezixzx9r
    @skeezixzx9r Год назад

    Outstanding work, sir! You are truly a man of many talents.

  • @thomasdesmond2248
    @thomasdesmond2248 Год назад

    Awesome job Wess the old timers would be proud. God bless

  • @MI_Prepper
    @MI_Prepper 5 месяцев назад

    What a GREAT blade and restoration!

  • @hungary191296
    @hungary191296 Год назад

    I grew up where that knife was made. Thanks for showing the restoration.

  • @horstszibulski19
    @horstszibulski19 Год назад

    Not too bad...both the knife and the video also!
    Nice to see you doing other things than just wrenching on vehicles, these are great too, but the videos here are being much more personal, because you do things for yourself...
    Thx for this channel!
    👍👍👍

  • @cluelessbeekeeping1322
    @cluelessbeekeeping1322 Год назад

    I LOVED the video.
    The ending music, the artistic spinney bit, the lighting...oh, wow, the lighting.
    That knife turned out beautiful!!!
    The entire production was great!

  • @paulsilva3346
    @paulsilva3346 Год назад +1

    00:26, I think that knife looks just great as it is right now. As I look at the knife it tells a story many stories in fact