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Cattaraugus Cutlery Co.

Just paid a recent (month ago) visit to the old Cattaraugus Cutlery Co. It was something to stand there with my favorite Catt and know that it was made right there long ago.

Also visited the American Museum of Cutlery in Cattaraugus, NY. A very interesting visit.

Also visited Cutco and KaBar Cutlery in Olean, NY.

I enjoy the history of the old Cutlery Companies. Wish I could have seen the Camillus Cutlery before it burned down.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on June 30, 2013 at 22:04

Seems like only yesterday that I posted this news: http://www.iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/camillus-factory-burns

Its so sad to lose the history of the building and the location. Fire has destroyed many old cutlery company buildings. So glad you enjoy the history, because its there for the taking.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on June 30, 2013 at 23:55

Great picture Ken! I'm downloading it and keeping it!

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on July 1, 2013 at 17:38

Oh, it's a shame that the old building is going to ruin. You would think, someone would keep it from disaster. Maybe, a rich, importer?

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 1, 2013 at 17:39

Steve, thanks for the Camillus fire pics, So sad.

Steve Hanner said:

Seems like only yesterday that I posted this news: http://www.iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/camillus-factory-burns

Its so sad to lose the history of the building and the location. Fire has destroyed many old cutlery company buildings. So glad you enjoy the history, because its there for the taking.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on July 2, 2013 at 17:13

Don't you think that would make a great knife museum?

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 2, 2013 at 19:30

Craig, that is an excellent suggestion. Some of the building was falling in, but seemed like it could be renovated. The museum in Cattaraugus is so small with very little expansion room. Little Valley is about 8 miles away - what a great museum that would make. I hate to see old buildings deteriorate. Its so sad.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on July 2, 2013 at 19:33

I LOVE old buildings! Maybe that's because I'm old? LOL! I love the history they represent. And old buildings are like a time machine.....to see into the past.

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Permalink Reply by Derek Smith on July 2, 2013 at 21:16

Hello Ken,

Yes, it's a shame to see the old Catt building falling apart. More than a few folks have thought

of the museum idea. A couple from Little Valley who now live in Texas bought the place a good while back, but have run into

all kinds of snags. For one thing, it's a big environmental problem. Back in the day the factory dumped manufacturing

solvents out on the ground. Now the EPA is trying to clean it up. It's no small endeavor. It would take a massive amount of money to clean up the situation from what I hear.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A Losicco on July 3, 2013 at 7:48

Yes what Derek said is sadly true. When I went into the building last year it was heartbreaking but I will go back like I do each year till it is not there anymore. Hoping to get back in it this fall sometime. Here are some pictures that Donna took while we were there last year.

Attachments:

IMG_6480.JPG, 2.7 MB
IMG_6482.JPG, 3.3 MB
IMG_6484.JPG, 3.7 MB

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 3, 2013 at 8:22

Michael, Do you live near there? I had heard some guys went in there awhile back and found some blanks. Even though its falling down, I can still feel that hustle and bustle of a vibrant Cutlery going on. I think JB Champlin can be very proud of his legacy and work there in Little Valley. Thanks for the pics.

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Permalink Reply by Michael A Losicco on July 3, 2013 at 8:27

Yes Ken that was me that found the blanks and we are having knives made with the Rosewood handles on them, our website is attached. We will be offering a whittler next and should have them by Sept 15th. I live 4 hours away from the factory.

http://www.jbfchamplin.com/

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on July 3, 2013 at 14:30

The EPA should let someone take care of the building, while their cleaning up. Government Red Tape can slow things down so much that the old building will fall apart. A Museum,Yes, how about a few knife makers in part of the building. Seems a shame the way things are going now.