Page 1 of 1

My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:46 pm
by jljr1944
Just purchased this knife a week or so ago. Actually traded a pistol for this knife and a couple of others. I haven't found this wrench knife in any of the Cattaraugus books but it sure looks legit to me. I have probably looked at 500 of the old Cat wrench knives. Maybe someone can tell me why it dosen't show up in any of the Cattaraugus catalogs or knife books. I think it is supposed to be a typesetters knife. The small blade is stamped patent applied for and the large blade is stamped cattaraugus cutlery co. Little Valley new york.
Any info on it will be appreciated.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:52 pm
by TRIGO8
Boy, What a beauty,Seen more knives that I love after being exposed to them on this forum.
I wish I wasn't so Hen pecked, I would sure get me some of those beauties. Pore me.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 4:18 pm
by orvet
TRIGO8 wrote: I wish I wasn't so Hen pecked, I would sure get me some of those beauties. Pore me.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:16 pm
by Miller Bro's
Jerry,

Can I see a closeup of the "Pat Applied" tang stamp.





Thanks, M.B.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:40 pm
by Knife Nut
No question the wrench and scales are legit. I question the long tang on the secondary and the electrican master. Hate to say it, but it looks like a put together piece to me.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:15 pm
by jljr1944
When I first saw the knife I thought the same thing but after examining it closely I feel it may be legit. Both blades open smoothly with strong snap in the half stop and open position. The blade fit to the backsprings is identical to my other 3 wrench knives. It would be very hard,in my opinion, to take out the original blades and put in two new ones without leaving some evidence that you did it.
And why would you want to put in two blades like the ones that are in the knife. I'm considering sending the pics to Bernard Levine and getting his opinion on it. The last time I checked he still knew everything.lol

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:11 am
by knfcollector
I'm pretty sure I've seen one of these years ago but can't remember what the story was. Pretty sure it's legit.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:25 am
by jljr1944
I'm thinking it may have been some type of special order knife that wasn't sold to the general public. That would explain why it's not in any of the Cattaraugus catalogs. Everything is just to precise on the knife for it to have been messed with IMO. The liners and handles are grooved to match the nail nicks on both blades. No sign of any kind that the blades have been replaced. Like I said in a earlier post I will pay Levine his 10 dollar fee if I have to in order to get the info on it.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:03 pm
by Knife Nut
Keep us informed of Levine's evaluation.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:25 pm
by jemjr
You could just post it over on BladeForums.com in Levine's Knife Collecting ID subforum. He usually will pop in with his opinion without charging a fee.

Jack

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:27 pm
by jljr1944
Levines comments are as follows.

Those blades together are correct for that knife. There are 3 (I think) versions of this wrench knife, and this is one, probably the least common.

I've attached a tiny ebay picture of another one like it. Also a picture of a damaged one, as dug.

The wider blade is a lineman's blade, combo screwdriver and wire stripper.

I used to know about the thin blade, but I forget. Maybe a punch or reamer.

I hope this helps.

BRL...

Bernard Levine
PO Box 2404
Eugene OR 97402-0124 USA

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:45 pm
by peterforce
i remember seeing a blade setup like this and it was called a radio knife or something.

maybe that will help to ring a bell.if i find what i was talking about i will let you know more.

i know theone blade is knowns as a lineman blade but its been called a few things.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:03 pm
by Knife Nut
WOW,
I learned something today. I had no idea that there are (at least) three different versions of the Catt wrench knife.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:31 pm
by jljr1944
I have been looking for a knife like this one for 3 or 4 years. I heard rumors that they existed but I never saw even a picture of one before I got this one. I was beginning to think it was a ghost knife.lol I am sure proud of it.

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:37 am
by Owd Wullie
COOL!! :mrgreen:

Looks like you hit a home run! ::tu:: ::tu::

Re: My new Cattaraugus wrench knife

Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:22 pm
by Miller Bro's
Jerry,

Here are two different models I have come up with so far.


When you get a chance send me a close up of the tang stamp.




M.B.