US WW2 knife CATARAUGUS Commando 225Q

US WW2 combat dagger, beautiful marking CATARAUGUS 225Q, blade in perfect condition, no play in the handle, soft brown leather scabbard, functional pressure, Very little used, beautiful overall patina. 

The leather washer grip is complete, in good condition, and free of play. Although unsightly, the marks on the grip are original, made at the factory to improve grip.

When you find a Cattaraugus with a smooth grip, it is because it was sanded after manufacture by its owner.

Manufactured for the US Government, the Cattaraugus 225Q knife was purchased by the US Army under seven successive contracts between January 1942 and January 1944.

The letter Q after 225 was requested by the Quartermaster Corps, which at the time wanted to standardize a 6-inch blade knife for the entire US Army, something that was never done.

The Cattaraugus 225Q was known for its durability and was reputed to be indestructible. It was the military knife of World War II that used the most steel in its manufacture, three times more than an M3, and its pommel was intended to be able to serve as a hammer.

Contrary to some information, the Cattaraugus 225Q was not sold to the US Navy, only to the US Army. It was used in all theatres of operations, both in Europe and in the Pacific, and even by the D-Day paratroopers in Normandy.