Robeson Cattaraugus Knife Collage

[supratentorial]

The Cattaraugus pen blade does not belong. The original blade was a full length sheep foot (with a notch in the back). Can't see detail clearly in the photos but it looks like the stamps may be "cleaned" right off the two remaining Robeson blades.

It's pretty easy to see this pen blade does not belong in this knife... even clearer if you were to look inside the well (that angle is not shown in the Ebay photos, of course). But could you tell just from looking at the bolsters? It's easy to see they are buffed. But it's difficult to see from the photos that the pin is not original. Better photos or a close examination of the whole knife might be necessary.

Buffing bolsters is a big no no, of course. In addition to removing the original finish, it also makes an authentic knife questionable since it is a finishing step on a parts knife like this knife collage on Ebay. Unfortunately, it seems that some are compelled to buff them anyway. This knife is one example why to avoid it. Another reason might be that you want knives finished by the manufacturer, not by an ebay seller!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123065127217

[supratentorial]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123087270075

Seller updated the description and there's actually a bid on it for $200. Really makes me wonder how someone can know it's a parts knife and still bid $200. My guess is the buyer is going to put a different blade in it and resell it described falsely as real. I have sold real examples of the knife and got about the same amount as this parts knife.

[wlf]

Thanks Jake

[patch1]

I contacted the seller a couple of days ago and let them know that the knife they had for sale was a Robeson with a Catt. blade in it.
They had it listed as a Catt. knife on their first go round. I added some pictures from Lavines to show them and suggested they advertise as a Robeson with the wrong blade which they are now doing.
The knife itself with the proper blade (correct) in it would make a decent radio electricians knife, although repaired.
I believe they are now trying to identify it correctly.

Patch1

[RobesonsRme.com]

The knife is missing its master blade; a semi-curved hawkbill-like wire stripping blade.

Charlie

[supratentorial]

Thank you for the comments, guys

Here's a correct example:

The original blade was a sheepfoot. It's an unusual blade with a notch on the spine.

Here's the parts knife shown again for comparison:

It's unlikely that anyone would find an original blade to swap out on the eBay parts knife. Even if they did, it would still be a parts knife. The work would be done by a faker, not the original manufacturer 100 years ago. It's more likely that a faker will just put a random full size blade. Authentic examples for comparison are uncommon. Hopefully the comparison in this topic will help some folks so they don't get fooled.

[patch1]

If I had the identical knife with broken scales, chipped screw driver, broken alligator wrench, with a good blade, I would purchase the E'bay knife in a heartbeat and have one of the great knife repair people on this site make me a decent knife with the parts. It would be a repaired knife, although made with original parts.
It would the be saved for prosperity.
I would not consider myself a faker.
Thanks for showing that original Robeson. Great knife.

Patch1

[RobesonsRme.com]

The better solution for the OP knife would have been to preserve the tang, with its pattern number and have a skilled repairman, adroit in the use of a TIG welder, put an appropriate sized and contoured sheepfoot blade on it.

Would still be a repaired knife, not factory original, but a proper restoration.

Of course, the problem persists as to what becomes of the knife down the road when the owner or his family disposes of it. Will the facts go with the knife or will it become a knife touted as original to future purchasers?

Such a repair can be done. This old Robeson 632405 had a broken master blade when I got it. A knife repairman, no longer in the business, took an identical Robeson blade from a pen knife I provided and welded it onto the tang of the knife. I don't care what strength magnification one might use, the repair is not discernible.

Photo should expand with two left mouse clicks.

Charlie