Restoring a Cattaraugus 225Q Knife from WWII

I picked up this WWII vintage Cattaraugus 225Q knife on a local auction for $14. Let's restore it to its former glory.

[@dougtaylor8735]

Wes, I have my Dad’s knife from WWII. It is still in good shape and has the original sheath. It may only be worth $20, but to me it’s priceless and I plan to pass it down to my grandson as a reminder of the greatest generation. Thanks for this video.

[@spudth]

Worth a lot more than $20. I just read a great comment on the Ka-bar company story video. Guy was in Nam during the war working to recover his shot down helicopter in a river. He had a rope on him and was swept under the helicopter by the current. Before he drowned he pulled his knife from his hip, cut himself free and survived. Said that Ka-Bar knife will be buried with him.

[@williamkowalchik572]

Me too. My dad carried it in Africa then in to Europe. Has his name and serial number on the sheath.

[@tedholvey2271]

Nice job Wes, beautiful knife, if that knife could talk! It's about the history. My dad was a Marine in WW II, growing up he always had a pocket knife in his pocket, his whole life. Almost every boy or grown man carried a pocket knife from that generation. I keep a Leatherman close by.

[@robertthorn9560]

Collector value are increasing substantially, hold on to it!

[@pickletreewoodcraft7858]

Nice! It’s refreshing to see someone redo something their not satisfied with rather then messing with it until it’s worse and also making practical decisions based on the item, compared to the countless videos where people shine shit or try to make an heir loom out of a utilitarian product! Looking forward to see more, thanks for the content!

[@imdeplorable2241]

I absolutely agree. 💯

[@giorgiobaroni2750]

❤❤

[@SugarMapleForge]

Finally restoration videos where the maker actually talks though the process. We need more of this on KZbin! Nice work

[@claytonno2571]

It seems to be a problem of content creators thinking everything need to be a type of "asmr" when it really has no reason to be. Its like a virus that has crept into many genres.

[@trajtemberg]

Finally someone that doesn't give in to the epoxi trend.

[@larrypostma2866]

Right! Why waste the leather if you plan on turning it into a hard plastic handle anyway.

[@frank-t6857]

Natural leather has way better grip than epoxy and looks so much better

[@H.D.R.74]

Pero de todas formas, arruino un cuchillo original! 🤦‍♂🤣🤣🤣

[@stevesyncox9893]

Stacked leather needs no epoxy.... I did one of these too.

[@hat8415]

So much more rewarding than fixing a ford , gm or mopar huh.

[@marklammas2465]

Excellent handle. One functional workaday military knife successfully restored to peaceful modern usage. As a first restoration video, I think that's pretty damn decent.

[@1999Valkyrie]

Wes...GREAT job!! I'm a self-confessed knife junkie too. Just a quick tip here...get two thin strips of rubber (can be very thin and still work) and put them between your blade and the Lansky clamp. The rubber will protect your blade from any scratches while sharpening.

[@jamesweaver9636]

I watched a lot of restoration videos on KZbin and the majority were hacks. You my friend have talent and did this knife justice. Love both your channels…some of the best on KZbin. Btw, think you would like the firearms channel, Anvil with Mr. Mark Novak. You remind me a lot of his style..do it right or don’t do it. Keep them coming please.

[@TristramSavage]

Gotta love Anvil!

[@the_bishop]

The end result turned out great. Being patient and willing to re-do something you're not happy with really pays off.

[@fyrpiper]

The way I do my stacked leather handles...get a long 1/4-20 carriage bolt and a couple large fender washers and nut. Cut your leather disc's, punch center holes in them then soak in water. Stack the disc's onto the bolt with washers on each end and crank down as tight as you can. Sit it somewhere to dry for several days. Then remove from bolt and use as normal. This method takes a lot of guesswork out, as the disc's are already as compressed as they can be. It also reduces any issues of handle shrinking in the future and handle loosening. I usually finish by melting beeswax into the leather until it won't accept more, then buff.

[@jeremyboyd5759]

One of the best looking leather stacked handles I’ve seen. Great work

[@aeromedic5824]

I find this inspiring in a couple of ways. Not being afraid to redo something because it isn't right. It's easy to just say "good enough", but it takes dedication to make it just right. It's also inspiring to see someone who isn't ashamed of his vices and in fact, finds creative ways to make them work positively.......

[@ryankeeler7665]

Lol,I see what you did there.

[@stevedingman474]

My father brought one of these home from Korea , I never found out how he got it but rumor was a Master Sargent from Iowa was going home from a bullet thru his love handle his second wound and dad and his tank hunter picked him up from the battlefield and drove him straight too the field hospital. Not sure if he was Jim Foot or my dads friend was Jim Foot but anyways that’s how I heard he received a WWII knife in Korea . I received it on dads passing . I loved it it would chop about anything stayed sharp and it had its original sheath . But I kept it in my garage on my work bench and well someone stole it . I was crushed so now I am searching for one that was as close to dads and make a new one ! I can’t find one and I can’t remember the makers name but it’s a much better knife then the one here . Maybe when I retire I’ll spend some time looking for that knife so I can remake it ! And pass it on too my son or make a few and pass them too all dads mine male children .? Lol reason too stay in the shed longer lol😅

[@travisrulason3863]

I always learn something when I watch you work... thanks for the great content Wes

[@wallyarent6548]

One of those and an old tool box full of bayonets has been laying around our shop,for at least 60 years Now I have to dig them out and look Thank you for great video

[@c.b.giornesto4581]

i like to see motivated people take something old and restore it. well done.

[@RestorationVideo]

*_I have watched many of this kind videos but honestly this one was more perfect and in detail_*

[@robertkavich7426]

225Q knife , very nice , just down then road from me . They also made K Bar knifes for the military during WWII , The other big maker of military knifes was Ontario Knife , , Olean NY . They still make knifes for the military . I have several among my collection. They also own CUTCO knife , They make IMO one of the best set of Kitchen knifes , life guarantee and free sharpening all you pay is postage .great video , knife looks great , stay safe be well Bob k

[@chrismaverick9828]

Some things are genuinely collectable, extremely rare, and should be restored to their virtually perfect condition to be shown off or wall-hung. Those things are NOT as much a connection to history (or family in such cases) as an item which is lovingly maintained through regular use and then restored once or twice in order to continue being used. That you decided to restore this for your own use is a fantastic connection to the history of such a knife.

[@ericd2791]

Reminds me of my grandfather’s knife. His was from ww2 to. He also had a ww1 as well both I have now. I hurt with the ww1 one great knife.

[@timgruver5932]

I’ve got my Dad’s he carried in WWII. It’s probably 90% clean with the original sheath.

[@richardguse3410]

I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and the fact you will use your knife. I don't have any military knives. However, I do have a "Boy Scouts of Canada" knife made in England that my father had for many years before he joined the RCMP on his 21st birthday, which happened to be the day (Sept. 1939) Canada declared war on Germany. I still use the knife and the construction is very similar to yours. I've only made a new sheath.

[@outdoorsaddiction1085]

WOW….You absolutely brought that blade back to life….amazing job bro!

[@hughbryant1326]

A really thorough and fine restoration. I enjoyed watching. UK.

[@patdawson3902]

Hi Wes, I am from Cattaraugus, New York . Graduated in 1983 and remember the factory. It is now just a museum at the top of Main Street. Thank you for sharing. My family has been there for about 200 + years.

[@Republic_ofTexas]

After seeing this I got a Romanian surplus combat Knife and got her all fixed up. Thanks for the inspiration :)

[@jah0524]

I have one of these knives with the original sheath. I found it in my 93 year old father-in-law's garage. The knife is in near perfect condition. I removed some of the rust from the pommel and guard, otherwise it is shiny and sharp.

[@williamberry509]

My dad had one most of his life. When he passed my oldest brother got it. It is to me the perfect camp/hunting knive. It hold an edge well. In my youth we used it for everything. If I could I would have one for every car or truck I own. I learned to use it young and it just a great knive

[@williamberry509]

Left this off. My dad got his as a boy as a boy scout kit knife. Great way to get rid of surplus blades

[@paulsilva3346]

00:26, I think that knife looks just great as it is right now. As I look at the knife it tells a story many stories in fact

[@francislahey7981]

"The Bridge on the River Kwai." How very clever of you. Fantastic video! I enjoyed very much. Now, on to the next one.

[@alexmoreau8921]

Nice! Always like second channels, I feel like I learn about a whole side of the person I couldnt have imagined before

[@tmurray1972]

Outstanding referb job. I’ve found with my Lansky the angles actually come out 4deg less than what’s stamped into the fixture. I measured my angles on a optical comparator at work, I sharpened on the 20deg slot, it actually measured 16deg. Something to keep in mind.

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

The angle is totally dependant on the width of the blade and the position you clamp it in.

[@PappyHolliday]

You did it the way it should be done. I think you could put in a museum now if you wanted to. Great work.

[@5T3V3N-ns9gg]

Beautiful finished product. Simple, yet functional sheath, and a usable edge on the blade. Overall a very good restoration. I can understand being irritated by having to redo the handle, but that's natural. Sometimes we have to try again. Good work.

[@Don26skillet]

Cool project! Thanks for sharing your other passions with us.

[@JMassengill]

Beautiful work

[@robco6997]

Great job Wes, looking forward your future projects.

[@walterpchrysler9446]

Wow!!! Beautiful knife, loved the finished knife. Amazing start to finish results. Grew up in Western NY, nice seeing something from my home town area. You would pronounce the word Catt-a-raw-gus. Drop the u and replace it with a w(for pronunciation purposes). Great video, love the second channel

[@florissantdave]

Very cool. Love your workshop, your skills and your values. I look forward to the next project.

[@RickSolid1]

Loved it Wes. Well done

[@blindmelonlemonjello]

Absolutely beautiful outcome!

[@poet__anderson]

Could watch these all day, thanks for making another channel for this stuff Wes!

[@stormchaser8605]

Hell yeah Wes! Thanks for the project and filming the process. So glad for this second channel

[@cardinalpoints2839]

Excellent work, thanks for taking the time to film and share.

[@johnhorwath5629]

Great video and amazing work Wes! Thank you for sharing!!

[@nolonlindataylor1689]

Wes, Thank you for another of your outstanding videos! You have amazing skills.

[@garycolwell8513]

You are an absolute legend! So many skills.

[@renem6441]

Great work the knife looks good!! Thanks for sharing

[@thetinkeringold-timer6934]

Love your videos. That was fun. Thanks for taking the time.

[@paulcooper2897]

That turned out awesome! Beautiful colors in the grip! Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[@kentmckean6795]

Great video! Very nice restoration.

[@kongchingpow]

Excellent job, Wes! Always loved your other channel, and now i get to see the attention to detail you have always shown, expressed for pleasure instead of duty! :)

[@redshirt219]

Excellent video, Wes. Love both channels.

[@phillipjones3342]

That turned out fantastic thank you Wes.

[@axcs0119]

You a man of many talents, nice job

[@leebryant5443]

Thank you for a great video Wes. You did a great job

[@ubertalldude]

More Wes content! This seems like a therapeutic retreat from all the mechanical repair. Great work! The knife looks good and will serve a good life.

[@DocOnHoliday86]

Great work restoring and the video was fun to watch.

[@apex-td5th]

Nicely done Wes.

[@JesStricker]

Nice work Wes. Turned out amazing!

[@gerryclark2063]

Thanks for the content, proving the creative and mechanical side is available from our favorite problem solving mechanic!

[@ngmtk7t]

Nicely done! And good to see you branching out though it doesn’t surprise me, especially after that welder. Can’t wait for more!

[@MadMax0318]

Wonderful job my friend, truly a work of art, congrats.

[@MI_Prepper]

What a GREAT blade and restoration!

[@skeezixzx9r]

Outstanding work, sir! You are truly a man of many talents.

[@user-br2bf1hl6n]

Very interesting Wes. I learned several things by watching. Thanks for taking the time to share. Deb

[@IITrevorII]

Great video Wes, excited to see this channel grow.

[@philliptennis3537]

Very impressive Wes! Great job!

[@rambler2885]

Beautiful and the sheath is a work of art

[@barryhunt5357]

Great job! It turned out very nice.

[@RonMurakami]

It looks like you are having fun , thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@curtkopp19]

I like the variety of projects Wes. Keep ‘em coming.

[@jimwhite5964]

Nicely done…as with all the tasks you take on! Thanks…really enjoy your videos.

[@btj1844]

Great new channel Wes!! Love all of your content, keep it going.

[@coltsjason]

Great Job wes love restoring old knives and guns

[@johncook1608]

Nice work Wes! I'm loving your new channel.

[@dposer10]

Good job Wes! You always amaze me with your bag of skills!

[@ManInTheWoods76]

The first handle failed because the water expanded washers, drying shrunk them. Fantastic job fixing the issue. Excellent end product. I'd trust it in the field.

[@waynebrown1609]

Turned out beautifully

[@virtuestreams2616]

Wes, this was an excellent video-WOW!

[@Beltfed45]

That was so cool. That knife turned out fantastic! Great work!

[@mikespivey1015]

Beautiful work 👏

[@dblphotography]

Nicely done Wes. I really like how the second handle turned out.

[@SP-rv2fb]

Beautiful and hats off to the dedication. Redoing it was the best. ❤️

[@McGreyling]

What a wonderful restoration. You have restored it and retained all of the character of the knife. I loved the video.

[@richardphelan8414]

You do continue to amaze me with your skills Wes ,the knife turned out awesome and the background information just completes the transformation ,great Video Keep them coming .

[@mikedemarco6826]

Awesome job. Thank you for sharing

[@handyman5455]

Beautiful job. You are a man with many talents.

[@DBruno]

Very cool Wes. Thanks for the second channel!

[@bhinkle530]

Nice work. Thanks for a entertaining build, warts and all. Keep up the good work.

[@nickslistm246]

Very nicely done.

[@CAPNMAC82]

Outstanding renovation

[@andyjkotalik]

Very cool. Did a great job restore it.

[@drummerdude476]

Man, I was not expecting you to go all in on that knife, especially given your attitude towards it being a not-so-stellar knife beforehand haha. Amazing, amazing work, super inspiring.

[@richardvirchow3390]

You did an excellent job of restoration of that knife..! Congratulations!!

[@davidyates748]

I did not expect the quality job you did on the sheath, including the sewing work! Absolutely top class work Wes.

[@stephenyoud6125]

Excellent and yes, onto the next project !!

[@TheDrGoody]

I love when "to make it right, you need to do it twice"! Happy to have just found the second channel. Well done, Wes!!

[@mrbakerskatz]

Thanks for sharing , please continue to share !🙏👍

[@alandawson2813]

Wes you are a man of many talents.

[@victorthomas6782]

I love these videos! Im not a mechanic, but I can’t stop watching your videos. This, however, is right up my alley. Personal projects that are “gathering dust”. I love it.