A friend that I have known since the late 1970's recently sent me a package. These two knives were inside. He has apparently been buying knives he likes when he finds the right deal and decided to share these with me. I had not heard of either knife until now. In the small amount of research I have done, I have learned that they are both WWII vintage knives that were possibly military issue.

The Cattaraugus 225Q is commonly called the Quartermaster Knife, but there is little evidence that it was issued to the Quartermaster Corps. I have found a number of photos showing WWII soldiers carrying them. It has a very stout blade and is clearly a more heavy duty knife than the PAL RH36. The 225Q has a great heft and feel to it.

The PAL RH36 is a much lighter knife and I doubt it could hold up to hard use as well as the 225Q. It is still a very good knife and it seems to have a good reputation.

Anyway, my friend is having heart surgery next week and the outlook is good. I hope to visit with him in a month or so and talk more about these interesting knives.