All About Pocket Knives

Hi everyone. This question goes out to all the Case fans and PA in particular. What role did Charles Platts play, if any, in the formation of Case or what eventually became Case in the early 1900s?

I was reading on Sheffield knife makers recenty. I understand that Charles Platts learned his trade as a knife maker at Rodgers in Sheffield, emigrated to the US (NY) in the 1860s, and founded Western States Cutlery. On the Case website, there is mention of Harvey Platts (his son?) on the board of governors at the time of Case's incorporation in 1905. Charles, however, died 5 years earlier in 1900. He must have played some role in the early formation of Case to deserve the honour of having a line of knives named after him more than 100 years later or is this a recent revival of a very early line initiated by Harvey? As you see, I have a few details but lack the connections. I am intrigued and would appreciate any info that would fill in the gaps.

However, if this is in your book PA, I will happily wait for its release. I don't want to prempt what is sure to be an interesting story. Thanks s-k

SK,

If you were to read the CASE dynasty book it would be clear as to the progression that occured with Mr. Platts. Most of the earlyl CASE knives were actually made by Platts. If you like, I have a contact with a writer from Knife World so actually specializes in Platts knife historyand is very knowledgable about them. I do know that the boys from Platts after the sale of the company in Eldred then moved to NY. That company has ties to several companies in NY state. Eldred Cutlery "man if you ever find one call me" was started by the town folks in hopes of keeping some jobs there but it failed. Charlie was related by marriage in his family to the CASE family as was many of the cutlery people from this time. You will see this in the Tidioute book that I am doing also. I am amazed at the far reaching effect that CASE has on the industry.

I realize that I haven't answered your question completely, but the book I mentioned would do a much better job as would the book "knives that went west" whick is a Platt's book.

I really love this historical knife stuff, GREAT question.

Thanks very much for the history lesson and the reading tips PA. Much appreciated. s-k