WWII – The Cattaraugus 225 Q Commando

The 225-Q has been covered here on THR fairly recently.
But as I cleaning up the collection and recording them, I thought maybe it deserved another look.

The Cattaraugus 225 Q Commando was also known as the Quartermaster knife in WWII, and was in fact the strongest utility knife in general use.
(Although Case made a similar model, the 337-Q)

The 6” blade is nearly 3/16" thick, and would serve quite nicely as a pry-bar for opening crates.
Or the nearly ½” thick checkered steel butt cap as a hammer to nail them back shut again.

They all came with a left-handed sheath, one of the few WWII knives I'm aware of that did.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/Knives/DadsWWIICat1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/Knives/DadsWWIICat2.jpg

WWII magazine adds:
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/Knives/DadsWWIICat3.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/Knives/DadsWWIICat4.jpg

This one was purchased by my dad in a troop ship’s store on the way to the Philippines in 1943.
He carried it through the rest of the war, and made it back alive with it two years later.

When I was about 7 years old, he spent one evening sharpening it razor sharp on an old whet stone to use to butcher a hog the next morning.
That didn’t turn out so well, as his blood slick hand somehow slipped past the guard, and he cut three fingers clear to the bone!

After that, he put it up and let it be until I was old enough to commandeer it for my growing military knife collection.

This is the second sheath it has worn, as the original succumbed to South Pacific jungle rot when I was still a boy.
I bought & sold a few decent 225 Q’s over the years, until I finally got one with a real good sheath I put dads old knife in.
I sold the other one without a sheath on eBay for more than I paid for it.

rc

That is a practical knife for field work.

rc,
What does it weigh? Looks very, very stout. A pry bar with a sharp edge!

Jim

It weighs about 3/4 pound with the sheath.

rc

one of my favorite knives, built like a tank too
mines in decent shape, not as nice as yours
the "standard" rough patch in the middle of the leather handle is less pronounced on yours than mine, mines rather gnarly:)
Gene

I have to confess I sanded the handle a little to get it prepped for some sealer about 40 years ago.

I figured then if I didn't do something to stop it, the jungle rot that got the sheath was going to eat the handle too.

rc

you did good, ive seen some "mint" uncarried:cool: that had presentation glossy leather handles and the guy wanted 150 for it:eek: completely reshaped the handles...:confused:
yours still has the feel, just been cleaned up a bit making it stable
gene

One of the best knives ever made. I "rescued" one from a pile of old knives at a gun show years ago and cleaned it up, tough worker!

I always thought the Quartermaster was a much better knife than the USMC "KaBar".

Maybe probably, but it wasn't in the cards during WWII.

The 225 Q uses about 3 oz more steel per knife then a Ka-Bar / USN MKII.

So it would take almost 94 tons more high-grade steel to make a million 225 Q's then a like number of MKII's.

The War Materials Review Board probably wouldn't have any of that when steel was being used for rifles, bombs, tanks & ships as fast as we could produce it.

rc

heres my 225Q along with some other stuff
gene

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n161/IVAN_666_evil/ww2items2.jpg

Great find and solid knife.

you did good, ive seen some "mint" uncarried:cool: that had presentation glossy leather handles and the guy wanted 150 for it:eek: completely reshaped the handles...:confused:
yours still has the feel, just been cleaned up a bit making it stable
gene
More's the pity. What's the point in owning it if it doesn't have the "signature" washer flaws?
Here's my office plaything with two others around as "kit" knives. Try as I might - this is still the best left hand sheath I've found. It seems they always have one something wrong like the one with the best leather is missing the snap and the one with the best top is worse than this one at the tip.

Anyhow, my dead stone top-o-the-heap favorite WWII service knife. Never broke one, holds a relatively easy to apply edge and pries or pounds as much as any sane man needs. I never looked at my oft broken Kabars ever again after picking one of these out of a barrel at a pawn shop outside Fort Bragg. Now I buy everyone reasonably priced - tune up, re sheath and gift 'em away.

yeah its a tank, i use mine from time to time around the yard. my sheath is not the greatest but ok (serviceable), fortunately there were a few of these made so you can pick them up without breaking the bank, unless ya want the shiny one :cool: that'll set ya back some coin. Funny, when i bought mine off ebay a few years ago the seller had it listed as an old WW2 knife with a wood handle :) still see people list leather handles as wood :)
gene

Fall cleaning shook these out of the woodwork today. The one has a very use smoothed handle and the other has an outstanding example of the weird grinder marks that all these came from the factory with. One left hand and one right hand sheath - probably bought after the war.

Fall cleaning shook these out of the woodwork today. The one has a very use smoothed handle and the other has an outstanding example of the weird grinder marks that all these came from the factory with. One left hand and one right hand sheath - probably bought after the war.
excellent, the smooth one is missing some of the palm swell on the handle, maybe an old attempt to mod it? either way i love the 225q's, been thinking i may pick another one up in the future. Case made a version also slightly different stacked pommel and the handle was ribbed and more finished looking, 337Q i believe
gene

Gotta show picture now! :)

Before cleaning:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus-225Q-Mark.jpg

After cleaning:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus-225Q-Mark-FINAL.jpg

With Kydex sheath I had made for it:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus225QKydex1.jpg

In use, helping with storm cleanup in 2009:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus225QStorm1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus225QStorm2.jpg

Honestly, I've not found a great deal of newer knives that I think are as tough as the 225Q.

Funny, the last picture makes me think of *gasp* batoning in that if one got a case of the epizootics and felt a sudden need to baton something - not only would the knife hold up against wood but another 225Q could be used as the striking object as well.

There, now I have a rational reason to own more than one - well, that may be a rationalization.

Any reason to buy another 225Q is a good one, but no there was no batoning there, just good old swinging away chopping. :)

Any reason to buy another 225Q is a good one, but no there was no batoning there, just good old swinging away chopping. :)
I certainly wasn't accusing you of abusing that old war-horse - it just brought the practice to mind with the observation that those beasties could take it at both ends of the operation.
I think the photos rock. You oughta post a couple using the pommel for its intended purpose, like pounding the nails or staples back into a crate.
A fella's just got to love a knife specifically designed to pry open and hammer closed ammo (among others) crates.

Gotta show picture now! :)

Before cleaning:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus-225Q-Mark.jpg

After cleaning:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus-225Q-Mark-FINAL.jpg

With Kydex sheath I had made for it:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus225QKydex1.jpg

In use, helping with storm cleanup in 2009:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus225QStorm1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m103/Bear_Claw_Chris_Lappe/Knife%20Collection/Production%20Fixed%20Blades/Cattauragus%20225Q/Cattaraugus225QStorm2.jpg

Honestly, I've not found a great deal of newer knives that I think are as tough as the 225Q.
BCCL, ive seen those top two picts before, you on bladeforums? matter of fact its one of the reasons i went and got one... if'n this is who i think it is thanks for posting the picts
regards
gene

Thanks to this post and rc's, I now have a couple of 225Qs that will be gifted, along with a Service Grade Garand, to a couple of special people.

As fortune would have it, I now have a 'beater' 225Q for myself.

salty

WOW some thing else I need to find for my bug out bag.

Stout knives. Thanks to everyone for sharing.

rc, you are trouble. You are an instigator and an enabler, as now there is something new that I must find and acquire.:mad: Just kidding about the trouble part. I always enjoy your posts and replies,:) please keep them coming. If I ever find myself in Eastern Kansas, I would love to have a cup of coffee with you.

Thanks guys. You just got me spending money on knives because they seem awesome, and i can use it for ...

Thanks for helping in your small way to increase my competition in buying one of my favorites and thereby increasing prices.:evil:

Of course, greater enthusiasm following greater awareness might get more out there on the market for me in my continual quest to increase the quality of the ones that I hold. And further, more folk wanting them means more money for my trade-ups.

So... Yeah, Thanks RC!

You are welcome.
Thank ya! Thank ya very much!

I just hope I helped in some small way.
In saving another great old WWII knife from the bench grinder sharpening routine.

So somebody can use / lose it as a dandelion dirt digger in somebody's junque collection in the garage! :D

rc

That and maybe it'll lead to a few more of those left handed sheaths being saved.

I kinda wish I had kept a list of all those WWII knife threads I did a while back for all the new members we seem to be getting hit with lately.

Oh Wait!
I did!

My WWII THR knife threads:
Clickety-Clackers
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=681705

Real or fake Ice Pick Dagger???
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=680692

Build a custom knife for next to nothing!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=681030

The kestrel has landed
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=680780

Le Vengeur De 1870
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=680629

WWII - E.G.W. knives
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682064

WWII Western Knives
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682218

The Broken Lance knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682487

The Little Swinger knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682488

The Plastic Fantastic Fantasy M3
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682330

Sub-hilt 4” Boot or ISWB Knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682595

The Ek® Commando Knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682745

WWII - Giant Jack Knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=682827

Sheath-Lock Prototype
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683087

Khyber 2602 with pins
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683143

WWII - Folding Survival Machete
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683218

WWII – V-44 Survival Knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683355

Piggyback Survival Set
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683495

Phrobis III / Buck M9 Bayonet
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683629

Drop-Point with file work
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683854

MKII Ka-Bars
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683967

MKI Shark Knives
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683973

GI E-Tools
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684225

Marbles Woodcraft
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684264

WWII – U.S. Army M3 Trench Knife / M4 Bayonet
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684079

WWII Philippine Bolo’s
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684373

Chad & Dustys Fighters
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684377

When Pretty Good Knives Were Free
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684527

Coffin Handles
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684530

WWII Woodsman’s Pal
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685014

WWII TL-29
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=684826

WWII Folding Machete
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=683218

WWII and later- A Few Other GI Issue Pocket Knives
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685080

Italian Stiletto’s
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685094

Miniatures:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685116&p=8510287#post8510287

WWII - Theater Knives
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685160

WWI - WWII – M-1917 Bolo
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8511832#post8511832

USN Mk3 MOD O General Purpose Knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685372

DAN-D Belt Buckle Push Dagger
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685435

Gerber MK-I and MK-II’s
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8515613#post8515613

The Giant Humongous Two-handed Scimitar
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685566

WWII – The Cattaraugus 225 Q Commando
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8517226#post8517226

Vietnam era - Puma #6377 White Hunter
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8518517#post8518517

Streamline pocket knife
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685836

Maybe the best Benchmade ever?
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=685880&p=8520937#post8520937

Old Bucks and newer old Bucks
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8521903#post8521903

A Randall & a Blackjack
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=686051


Newbies, Enjoy!! :D


rc

Aye Gawd man!

Compile and publish. Folk make money for less quality all the time.

Thanks RC

I have a 'folder' with that title.

Its about to be enlarged.

Thanks rc. Best to you and yours.

(The 'Sharp Pointy Thing' term was stolen from a Terry Pratchett 'Discworld' work.)

Thanks,

salty

Well it came in the mail today. It has very little if any blade wear as far as I can tell and the handle is tight. The back of the sheath has a man's first and last name written on it. I am going to see if he is the veteran who carried or a person who acquired it after the war. Thanks again guys for prompted more knife purchases.

Pictures or it didn't happen!

rc

here ya go
http://s1124.beta.photobucket.com/user/stanrosen/media/photo_zpsb2dd22f3.jpg.html

Well dang!

All I can see is a red X in a box.

But it looks like a real nice red-X in a box.

rc

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l566/stanrosen/photo_zpsb2dd22f3.jpg
Hopefully this worked
I left you the red X also. Nice guy that I am

OH!

Thats a nice one right there, with a good sheath too!

How much did you have to pay, if I might be so bold as to ask?

rc

With shipping it was about $75.00. I don't recall exactly, it was a no research no patience ebay purchase with point and click paypal.

You done good then!

I don't know exactly what the going rate is now today.

But I paid more then that, more then once, just trading up to better sheaths for my dads old knife.

Anyway, what other new knife could you buy today for $75 bucks that compares to that one historically, or heavy-duty user-ly??

rc

That's how I justify impulsive purchases. I may have done better with research and comparison but that would have required time and effort, plus new knives of the same quality are easily as expensive and they don't come with the built in character and history. I just purchased a Robeson Sure Edge fix blade by chance, I'll be sure to post pictures when it arrives. Thanks again rc for all the inspiration, just don't tell my fiance it's coming out of the wedding fund.

Get her a WWII Camillus USN MK2 for a wedding present.


PS: You might want to dull it a little with a grinder first.
There will be days she shouldn't have a real sharp USN MK2 close at hand.
As you are about to find out shortly after the honeymoon is over.

Naw! I was just joking. :D
Really!

rc

Nice one Stan.
You guys are enablers. I have an Ebay search saved now. Only a matter of time......

Jim

I was actually thinking of giving her a v44 of one manufacturer or another as the price tag is rather large. Good luck on your bidding Jim.