All About Pocket Knives

This is one of the best knives in my collection. It was made for the Byrd Antarctic Expedition II by Cattaraugus. This expedition took place in 1938. The knife has an almost "ulu" shaped upswept blade of thick steel, and a long very rough handle for use with heavy mittens on. The blade etching says "Byrd Antarctic Expedition II below a couple of Cattaraugus etches. The pommel is rough cast, and examining the pommel and split nut one can see that the original file marks are still there. This knife was never made for sale to the public and the rough cast finish on the pommel is indicative of that. I'm not sure if the sheath is original, but it is a perfect fit, made of very thick leather sewn with rawhide and the rawhide stitching is sealed with shellac or a similar substance. I feel fortunate to have a knife of such historical interest. I would like to know if anybody else has seen such a knife. It is well documented that Catt made knifes for Byrd, and in the 1941 catalog they show a stag handled 5" blade hunting knife etched "Antarctic Special" made for sale to the public. I'm also looking for photos from that expedition that may show somebody carrying one. I have looked at a lot of photos in the U of Ohio, Columbus, collection to no avail.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

That's an awesome piece. I wonder if it made the expedition? The stories it could tell!

Randy

An older thread here, but I have some questions. The leather washer handle was never finished, or are those replacement washers? Was this a second that never made it out of the factory? A recent put together? The 'rough cast' pommel also makes me think this was an unfinished knife. The quality and complete absence of any attempt at fit and finish doesn't look like anything the Catt. factory would have sent out. Perhaps a prototype? Might help knowing where you found it.

Maybe this could help out.