For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation... Romans 1:16
"I have written your story and made it sound easy,but you and I know that it wasn't." - Harvey Platts
"A man ain't whipped until he quits and I'll never give you that pleasure." - Burt Lancaster as Robert Stroud in The Bird Man of Alcatraz
How did you hear about iKnifeCollector?
No
Do you currently subscribe to any knife publication (offline)
Yes
How long have you collected knives?
21- 25 years
Favorite Kind of Knives
C. Platts & Sons Gowanda, N.Y. , C. Platts & Sons Eldred, PA.
C. Platts' Sons Eldred, PA. , Platts Bros. Eldred, PA.
Eldred Cutlery Co. Eldred, PA. Platts Bros. Andover, N.Y.
Platts Bros. N.Y. New York , Platts Bros. Union, N.Y.
Platts Northfield CT, Clay Cutlery Co. Andover, N.Y. , Clay Andover, N.Y. USA
About Me
I was born and raised in the Southern Tier of New York State, Alfred,NY. There, in Alfred, I was the pastor of Word of Faith Fellowship Church for five years. I have a wife,four daughters and three(soon to be four) grandchildren. We moved to Mt. Vernon,OH in 1989 where I am the physical security professional at a nearby liberal arts college.
Interests
For over 20 years I have conducted research on the Platts family knife makers, the A.J. Jordan Cutlery Co. and the Clay Cutlery Co. I'm pleased to have written three articles for Knife World.
Additionally, I've conducted the most extensive research ever done on Glidden Pottery of Alfred,NY.
I am a martial artist holding the rank of Shodan in Okinawa Goju Ryu and the rank of San Kyu in Okinawa Matsubayashi Ryu. I also practice Matayoshi Ryu Kobudo.
Since childhood I've been a magician and escape artist and performed professionally in the 70's. I'm currently vice prsident of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 7 Columbus, OH.
Longtime member of the Board of Advisers for Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide.
Other Hobbies
Watchmaker - taught by Claire Graham Certified Master Watchmaker and 1949 graduate of Bowman Technical School.
Enjoy collecting vintage magic apparatus, old padlocks and restraints.
Recently began collecting stamp engraved and jeweled vintage bait casting reels.
Playing my Mussehl and Westphal Musical Saw.
Comment Wall (4 comments)
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Hi David, I noticed that you are a collector of C. Platts and Sons, I thought you might be able to help me ID what I just bought, its a C Platts and sons, Gowanda N.Y. sunfish, newish looking in the 1970"s Case style, greenbone scales, 2 blades with a long narrow oval shield no name on shield,no other marks or printing. Sure would appreciate any help in ID'ing this Contact me at Iknife, Carl Newton. PS Have severalShakespeare, Flueger & others jeweled and stamp engraved.
Merry Christmas from Eldred, PA. The old Platts building is just a paved parking lot now since the fire of 1995. I was there that night video taping the fire. I would have been much worse of a fire if the second story of the building hadn't been removed and made into a one story building. I have a copy of your story about the forgotten cutleries of Eldred. I am currently researching for a book about the history of Eldred. I have two Eldred Cutlery jack knives in my collection, as well as Platts of Eldred too. My photo of the Eldred Cutlery shows the two different types stamped on the blades. Do you know which one is older than the other?
It's great to "see" you now David. Can't wait to read your post. I'm behind here but will be catching up. Thanks and look forward to your participation. Plus, we have a great chance now to bring some of these newer collectors along to appreciate the history a little bit. :)
Hey David,
Glad you joined us here. Thanks.
It should be fun. Love to have you start a Group on Platts or Antique Knife Lovers, or whatever.
Congrats on becoming a Charter Member.
Scott
Comment Wall (4 comments)
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Join iKnife Collector
Hello David,
Merry Christmas from Eldred, PA. The old Platts building is just a paved parking lot now since the fire of 1995. I was there that night video taping the fire. I would have been much worse of a fire if the second story of the building hadn't been removed and made into a one story building. I have a copy of your story about the forgotten cutleries of Eldred. I am currently researching for a book about the history of Eldred. I have two Eldred Cutlery jack knives in my collection, as well as Platts of Eldred too. My photo of the Eldred Cutlery shows the two different types stamped on the blades. Do you know which one is older than the other?
Regards,
Joel
In MemoriamScott King said…
In MemoriamScott King said…
Glad you joined us here. Thanks.
It should be fun. Love to have you start a Group on Platts or Antique Knife Lovers, or whatever.
Congrats on becoming a Charter Member.
Scott