Opinions on a Cattaraugus Whittler

[98src]

Opinions please on this Cattaraugus whittler. It appears to be close to new with a few spots of pitting. All blades appear to have the factory edge. It has been cleaned up a little, but no buffing. Seller claimed that the handles were "crack free", but the back handle obviously has a couple of cracks ( could be one V shaped crack). Is the knife still worth $150.00 considering the crack(s)?

[1967redrider]

On my cellphone, I don't see any cracks, unless that's a patch job in your last picture?

[richard]

On my cellphone, I don't see any cracks, unless that's a patch job in your last picture?

looks like a patch job to me, you can see the line of where the filler has been ground. and the pin has been caught by the grinder to.

[Reverand]

The handle pins have been ground down, and the bone looks to have been hafted too much off of the top.
That is not definitive, but I don't recall ever seeing that type hafting on a good Catt before. And I believe that the bolsters and shield look to have more pocket wear than the bone does.
I suspect that it might have been rehandled, but I am not positive.

[Ridgegrass]

98: I tend to agree with the Reverend. I'm no expert on anything but I'm a long time Catt collector and own quite a large number of them. I'm "iffy" on the bones and the color. That's the greenest Rodgers bone I've ever seen on a Catt. I just went through about 80 of mine and only one came even remotely near that color. You asked for opinions so that's mine. Like to see the blades too. Should have a thin coping blade. Before I'd even consider $150 for that knife I'd want to put hands and eyeballs on it close up. It just looks like someone has done some work to it, good work, but it doesn't appear to be original. Good luck. J.O'.

[kootenay joe]

What is the closed length ?
I have a 4 3/8" Catt. Swell Center Sleeveboard Whittler with dark wood handles (ebony maybe) and it does not have a large domed center spring rivet that yours does. Don't know if this is significant.
kj

[FRJ]

Here is a sleeveboard whittler for comparison. 3 3/4".
It is cracked on the pile side lower rivet. Hafting is lost at the bolsters.
Ain't a bad knife.
Can't say this helps much.

[Ridgegrass]

Here's that "greenish" Catt scout (42889). It's not nearly as green as the whittler. J.O'.

[btrwtr]

I don't see anything wrong with the knife other than the handle cracks. Without the cracks I think $150 is high enough. With the cracks I would not entertain paying that price.

[msteele6]

Pretty nice old Catt.

P.S. FRJ that's a beauty too

[98src]

Thanks for everyone's opinions. I have returned the knife for a refund.

[Ivoryman]

Just my 2 cents, not saying what to do, just my thoughts.
1. Seller blatantly lies about cracks. That's enough for a return.
2. Those lies probably caused buyers or bidders to pay more than value of said knife because of hidden flaws that would reduce price if disclosed openly.
3. These are the kind of sellers I despise most and the only way to correct/deal with/make it right is to return and leave negative feedback about fictional listing, fictional condition, lies or disinformation seller gave out. Not just to you but all who are interested. The seller knows it has cracks and why would he not disclose it? Because he's a thief and unethical and wanted the higher price a knife with no cracks would command at the expense of a buyer who pays top dollar for a flawed, cracked scale. He knew better and was trying to con buyers. Con artists do not deserve the benefit of the doubt on ebay, they have a return policy directly because they know some sellers lie in listings, then the buyer gets it and realizes he's been conned. Only recourse (and thank the lord for it) is to return, refund, and leave negative feedback about what he did so hopefully future buyers can read it and make an informed decision. I have sold for many years and ALWAYS disclose all cracks and flaws and the feedback reflects it. Zero disgruntled buyers and if they want a refund, I give it to them. Because that is the only moral, decent way to deal with customers. And I like to do unto them and I would have done to me if you know what I mean. Okay, so it was 15 or 20 cents worth. IMHO.