All About Pocket Knives

Hey all I joined just today, only to post a question here. I don't know much about pocket knives, other than the new ones you get at any sporting goods store I tend to keep in my boat or in my hunting gear. I bought a box of stuff from an estate sale and I spotted these 3 knives in the contents.

I was hoping to get some info on them, and possibly some help with figuring out if they're worth anything. Please feel free to comment, or send me a PM as well. Thank you all in advance and hope this generates some interest.

Both are good brands but condition is a big problem with both knives. Don't take early retirement yet. Value is minimal.

Ray

Welcome to AAPK!

As Paladin stated, the knives are old but in poor shape. Condition matters a lot as far as collector's values.
The Excelsior has nice handles, possible ebony wood, but has a lot of blade wear, and the smallest blade appears broken.
The wear on the Catt looks even worse on the main blade, to the point that it might be difficult to use.
There could be other issues as well, but that much is easily visible. If you can find a small blade for the Excelsior it might be worth the cost to repair it, but probably not the Catt. It might be worth selling to someone as a parts knife, if they needed handles or a pen blade for another knife.
That is a shame, especially because the handles look so nice, but that is my opinion.

First, the Excelsior.
Made from 1884-1905 according to my Goins.

Second, the Cattaraugus.
1886-1963 again according to Goins and that tang stamp. Catt. has a very cool history.

Sorry, but I am the wrong person to tell you what they might be worth. I only have 2 Excelsior’s & I think 2 Catts. These are usually out of my price range. I am also a sucker for old knives in any condition. You might want to check ebay sold items and try to find some in similar condition as yours to see what value might be. Take into consideration handle condition, blade loss and if the blades have good snap.

I do have several books (thanks to another member & friend on here), so if you need any further info feel free to reach out. Best of luck.
John
Matthew 22:37-38

Almost wrote: ↑Wed Jul 10, 2024 9:21 pm if they're worth anything.

Welcome here.
These knives were very will made. If you clean them up and sharpen them and carry them you will find their value.

Welcome, "ditto" to all the above. Two very collectible brands, just a bit used. J.O'.

Thanks all of you for ur input. I'm gonna tryn clean em up some and see what happens. I don't think they're a bust, but could benefit from a good cleaning. The snap action is definitely still there, so there might be some hope for them yet lol. Thanks again for ur responses, they were pretty helpful. Except for that first guy. I mean I took out a loan, quit my job, and left the family, then he tells me NOT to retire yet. Dammit. (And I hope he has a sense of humor!)

Almost wrote: ↑Fri Jul 12, 2024 4:19 am Thanks all of you for ur input. I'm gonna tryn clean em up some and see what happens. I don't think they're a bust, but could benefit from a good cleaning. The snap action is definitely still there, so there might be some hope for them yet lol. Thanks again for ur responses, they were pretty helpful. Except for that first guy. I mean I took out a loan, quit my job, and left the family, then he tells me NOT to retire yet. Dammit. (And I hope he has a sense of humor!)

First guy here. I do still have some remnants of a sense of humor left and glad you do also.

Ray

Great hok's bought as tools and used as such, the tales the could tell, if only.

Two great survivors, to AAPK.

John