Cattaraugus
The Cattaraugus Company was started by John Champlin and his son Tint in 1882. It was first incorporated under the name J.B.F. Champlin and Son as a wholesale distribution company based in Little Valley, New York. The business proved to be a successful endeavor, and it soon branched into a knife production company named Cattaraugus.
In 1890, Mr. Champlin purchased cutlery manufacturing equipment from a failed business called the Beaver Falls Cutlery factory. Because Champlin started in the knife business as a wholesaler for a company who Imported German and English knives he had great knowledge about the cutlery business. As a wholesaler, he knew the market well, and he knew the shortcomings of the U.S. knife manufacturers. His plan was simple. He believed that the business would thrive if he could providing the highest quality cutlery available. In order to achieve this goal, he hired the best cutlers and provided them with the highest quality materials. This combination proved to be successful. Champlin brought in cutlers from Germany, England, and other U.S. manufacturers. The knives that were created in these early years set the quality standard by which all other U.S. manufacturers were measured.
More About Cattaraugus Knives
The links below offer a detailed explanation and reference to various characteristics about Cattaraugus knives.
| Cattaraugus' Knife Numbering System | This link will explain the company's numbering system that it used to represent knife patterns, handle materials, and other characteristics. |
| Cattaraugus blade abbreviations | In addition to the pattern number, Cattaraugus sometimes stamped additional letters on its knives to represent certain blades or other unique characteristics. This link contains information about these characters. |
| Handle materials used by Cattaraugus | Here you will find some pictures and descriptions of the various handle materials used by Cattaraugus. They are listed by their respective handle number designation. |
| Catt Pattern List | This link lists most of The company's knife patterns by their factory pattern number, shows a picture, and gives each knife a name along with a description. |
| Catt Military Knives | This link contains information about The knives that the company manufactured for WWII. |
| Catt Bolster Configurations | This link contains information about The bolster variations the company used & included indication within the factory pattern number. |
You will find some great examples of vintage old American cutlery history for sale here regularly.
This is a Cattaraugus Cutlery sleeveboard whittler, made by A.G.Russell in Seki Japan for the KCC in 1990. Done in beautiful jigged brown bone handles that are chip and crack free....
Item # 74640
$168.50
For sale is a copy, from the original, of Cattaraugus Cutlery Co Little valley NY. Taken from the air and something great to frame. Free shipping to anywhere in the CONUS, payment to...
Item # 74547
$25.00
This is a Cattaraugus Cutlery small lockback. Made in Seki Japan by some of Japan's finest craftsmen for A.G. Russell's Knife Collector's Club. The handles are brown jigged bone....
Item # 71763
$89.50
A.G. Russell called this a whittler. Made for the Cattaraugus Cutlery in 2005 in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the KCC. The handles are some very good looking torched Sambar...
Item # 71551
$187.50
Cattaraugus Black Fixed Blade Knife - Composition Handles - No Cracks - Not the original sheath - Has Been used and sharpened with some Spots - Good Used Condition - Approx. 9 7/8 inches overall...
Item # 57491
$50.00
For Sale and really nice Cattaraugus Cattle knife with pearl handles that are chip and crack free. Tiny amount of wear at the back springs. The knife has been used but the blades appear about...
Item # 22404
$325.00
For sale is a Rare Cutlery trade card from my personal collection. JBF Champlin Galvanic Shears, great graphics on this card and made in the 1880's. They do not come up for sale or auction that...
Item # 22400
$125.00
Cattaraugus Unofficial Scout Pocket Knife In Excellent Condition With Black Jigged Bone Covers (724)
We are pleased to offer this Cattaraugus Unofficial Scout pocket knife in Excellent Condition. This 4-Blade 3 3/4" long pocket knife has wonderful Black Jigged Bone handles and should be...
Item # 19748
$150.00
Cattaraugus Unofficial Scout Pocket Knife In Excellent Condition With Brown Jigged Bone Covers (723)
We are pleased to offer this Cattaraugus Unofficial Scout pocket knife in Excellent Condition. This 4-Blade 3 5/8" long pocket knife has wonderful Brown Jigged Bone handles and should be...
Item # 19747
$175.00
We are pleased to offer this Cattaraugus Unofficial Scout pocket knife in Excellent Condition. This 4-Blade 3 5/8" long pocket knife has wonderful Brown Jigged Bone handles and should be...
Item # 19229
$50.00