Old Multitool

copper460 · **on:** November 19, 2020, 01:01:17 AM

Hello all,

I've had this old tool for over 30 years. Any ideas on the make? I see no markings. Bummer the knife was broken when my grandmother gave it to me. Thought I would share.

enki_ck · **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2020, 02:21:07 AM

I'd say Cattaraugus, you can find more info on it here...

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,1403.msg15314.html#msg15314

gregozedobe · **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2020, 02:22:12 AM

That old thing has certainly had a hard life. Are there any discernible markings on the tang of either blade ? That might help identify it.

copper460 · **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2020, 06:41:02 PM

Thank you. I believe that you both are right. The picture of the Cattaraugus matches perfectly. And I do see some text on the blade. Will have to do some CSI level stuff to get it to reveal itself.

But I will post again after some cleaning.

Next question: How horrible would it be for me to disassemble, restore and make a new blade? Of course I would never try to pass it off as the original blade. But I enjoy restoring old tools and equipment. Thank you again.

copper460 · **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2020, 07:44:22 AM

Hi enki_ck & gregozedobe,

Thank you both for the help. It is indeed: Cattaraugus Cutlery Little Valley NY

gregozedobe · **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2020, 05:53:34 PM

Quote from: copper460 on November 19, 2020, 06:41:02 PM

Next question: How horrible would it be for me to disassemble, restore and make a new blade? Of course I would never try to pass it off as the original blade. But I enjoy restoring old tools and equipment. Thank you again.

I'd be very much inclined to clean it and leave it at that.

IMO if you replace the blade it will lose a lot of its authenticity/genuineness, I'd rather see it in it's hard used condition (a good clean-up is fine). Once you replace components it is no longer 100% the original tool, which would be a pity for something that old. I'm assuming you aren't intending to use it regularly as an EDC. But it's your tool, so do whatever you feel is appropriate.

Sterg · **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2020, 06:29:38 PM

Douse it in CLP and put it on a shelf.

enki_ck · **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2020, 06:39:00 PM

Quote from: gregozedobe on November 21, 2020, 05:53:34 PM

I'd be very much inclined to clean it and leave it at that.

IMO if you replace the blade it will lose a lot of its authenticity/genuineness, I'd rather see it in it's hard used condition (a good clean-up is fine). Once you replace components it is no longer 100% the original tool, which would be a pity for something that old. I'm assuming you aren't intending to use it regularly as an EDC. But it's your tool, so do whatever you feel is appropriate.

I'm with gregozedobe on this one. Leave it as is. It will be a nice collection piece and a conversation starter. If you try to take it apart, chances are something else might break, or you wouldn't be able to put it back together, you'd need new pins, the backsprings might break, ... there's a lot of things that might go wrong and you'd be sorry afterwards.

Aloha · **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2020, 06:44:16 PM

I made the personal mistake of bringing old tools to their new glory and regretted it. I now just clean remove dirt/debris/ and anything that will long term damaging. Its a survivor and looks pretty awesome in that condition.

copper460 · **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2020, 04:52:28 AM

First, let me say thank you for your feedback. But I have good news and bad news. Or just bad news. Before I saw all of your suggestions, I may have disassembled it.

Now for the slightly better news...I broke nothing. At this point we will have to see how it goes. I'm still a little torn on whether to replace the broken blade. For the purist I can see the drawbacks.