59 and have never needed a tactical

[TsarBomba]

A misnomer if there ever was one. Wasn't a demo knife. The thing is all steel.

Purportedly it stands for "demolition", as in the tools of engineers who dealt with demolition and explosives. I think that's an old soldier's tale, however, since the knife was in such wide use throughout the services. Of course, over the years, sometimes the tales become the "truth".

They sure are built like tanks. I have three intact Camilluses from 1974 through 2003 in my collection as well as a Queen from '86, an Imperial likely from the '80s, a Kingston (?) possibly from the '70s with the "U.S. MARINE CORPS" stamping instead of just "U.S.", and a MIB Ontario that is probably no older than 2000 or so. My main user is the 2003 Camillus, shaving sharp and tools in perfect condition. I believe they are all stainless except for the springs on the Kingston, which have patinated rather nicely.

Now I'm inspired to go round 'em up and take some pics once I get home today. This thread could use some more slippie pr0n, I think. :thumbup:

 

[jackknife]

Excellent post Carl, as usual A couple of years back, all the old criminal records from the London Old Bailey were put online, and there was no shortage of murders and nefarious deeds detailed. I was surprised to learn that "knife crime" was virtually unknown though, people bludgeoned each other with all manner of instruments, but knives seem to have been almost never used.

Actually Jack, that does not surprise me that much. I have an idea that those old guys back then knew what tool worked best for what use. A criminal going out on a nefarious mission wanted a weapon that was both effective and quiet. A club of somekind is it. Stabbing someone is a noisy affair and not immediate, no matter what they show on TV. Blunt force trauma always was best. Just read true history. In the old days of the Royal Navy, wooden ships and iron men, the belaying pin was a favored weapon of the common seaman. They had boarding pikes, cutlass's, but I read in a book on the history of the British Navy during the Napoleon war era, that the regular sailor would overwhelmingly prefer a nice oak belying pin in boarding actions. Then there was what was called "Cutting out" expeditions. They would take a longboat with rags wrapped around the oars for quiet, and approach a French ship at anchor. A select few would shinny up the anchor cable with ship made blackjacks. That was a length of canvas tube sewn up with grapeshot and sand inside. It would be used to take out any enemy sailors on watch by stealth. Maybe the origin of the term sandbagging. Dropping some with no commotion.

Much later, when Sir Robert Peel was putting together the very first real metropolitan police force, he was going to issue them a short sword for arms. This was before repeating firearms so some kind of weapon was needed. One of Roberts recruits was an ex-royal navy man, and he told Sir Robert of the effectiveness of the belaying pin. How a blow was immediately effective in ending a fight. Sir Robert then made the decision to go with a short club. I believe the Bobbies still carry a stick of some sort. I remember my time in London seeing the uniformed Bobby on patrol with a short ash billy club, or cosh and they called it.

 

[kamagong]

I like knives of all sorts. So much that I would never tell another person what he does or doesn't need, or even want.

 

[TsarBomba]

Actually Jack, that does not surprise me that much. I have an idea that those old guys back then knew what tool worked best for what use. A criminal going out on a nefarious mission wanted a weapon that was both effective and quiet. A club of somekind is it. Stabbing someone is a noisy affair and not immediate, no matter what they show on TV. Blunt force trauma always was best. Just read true history. In the old days of the Royal Navy, wooden ships and iron men, the belaying pin was a favored weapon of the common seaman. They had boarding pikes, cutlass's, but I read in a book on the history of the British Navy during the Napoleon war era, that the regular sailor would overwhelmingly prefer a nice oak belying pin in boarding actions. Then there was what was called "Cutting out" expeditions. They would take a longboat with rags wrapped around the oars for quiet, and approach a French ship at anchor. A select few would shinny up the anchor cable with ship made blackjacks. That was a length of canvas tube sewn up with grapeshot and sand inside. It would be used to take out any enemy sailors on watch by stealth. Maybe the origin of the term sandbagging. Dropping some with no commotion.

Much later, when Sir Robert Peel was putting together the very first real metropolitan police force, he was going to issue them a short sword for arms. This was before repeating firearms so some kind of weapon was needed. One of Roberts recruits was an ex-royal navy man, and he told Sir Robert of the effectiveness of the belaying pin. How a blow was immediately effective in ending a fight. Sir Robert then made the decision to go with a short club. I believe the Bobbies still carry a stick of some sort. I remember my time in London seeing the uniformed Bobby on patrol with a short ash billy club, or cosh and they called it.

Ruffians!

Thank goodness the good people of A. Wright & Son ensure international distribution of their fine products! I'm not sure I could survive such a rough and tumble nation!

 

[Jack Black]

Actually Jack, that does not surprise me that much. I have an idea that those old guys back then knew what tool worked best for what use. A criminal going out on a nefarious mission wanted a weapon that was both effective and quiet. A club of somekind is it. Stabbing someone is a noisy affair and not immediate, no matter what they show on TV. Blunt force trauma always was best. Just read true history. In the old days of the Royal Navy, wooden ships and iron men, the belaying pin was a favored weapon of the common seaman. They had boarding pikes, cutlass's, but I read in a book on the history of the British Navy during the Napoleon war era, that the regular sailor would overwhelmingly prefer a nice oak belying pin in boarding actions. Then there was what was called "Cutting out" expeditions. They would take a longboat with rags wrapped around the oars for quiet, and approach a French ship at anchor. A select few would shinny up the anchor cable with ship made blackjacks. That was a length of canvas tube sewn up with grapeshot and sand inside. It would be used to take out any enemy sailors on watch by stealth. Maybe the origin of the term sandbagging. Dropping some with no commotion.

Much later, when Sir Robert Peel was putting together the very first real metropolitan police force, he was going to issue them a short sword for arms. This was before repeating firearms so some kind of weapon was needed. One of Roberts recruits was an ex-royal navy man, and he told Sir Robert of the effectiveness of the belaying pin. How a blow was immediately effective in ending a fight. Sir Robert then made the decision to go with a short club. I believe the Bobbies still carry a stick of some sort. I remember my time in London seeing the uniformed Bobby on patrol with a short ash billy club, or cosh and they called it.

Absolutely fascinating Carl :thumbup: I remember the first time I handled a Victorian policeman's truncheon in an antiques shop, thinking 'Crikey, I wouldn't like to get hit over the head with that!'

 

[Jack Black]

Ruffians!

Thank goodness the good people of A. Wright & Son ensure international distribution of their fine products! I'm not sure I could survive such a rough and tumble nation!

:thumbup:

 

[pmew]

Much later, when Sir Robert Peel was putting together the very first real metropolitan police force, he was going to issue them a short sword for arms. This was before repeating firearms so some kind of weapon was needed. One of Roberts recruits was an ex-royal navy man, and he told Sir Robert of the effectiveness of the belaying pin. How a blow was immediately effective in ending a fight. Sir Robert then made the decision to go with a short club. I believe the Bobbies still carry a stick of some sort. I remember my time in London seeing the uniformed Bobby on patrol with a short ash billy club, or cosh and they called it.

Carl, UK cops now get issued extendable batons or asps depending on which force you represent along with (in Scotland) PAVA pepper spray. Some cops used to carry a 4 or 6 D-cell Maglite..... and a torch or flashlight to see with.


- Paul

 

[TsarBomba]

I started worrying a little bit when they made a big deal of announcing in the local section of the paper that county deputies were being issued "tactical monkey's fists" (is there such a thing as a non-tactical monkey fist? ) shortly after one of those "he said, they said" scenarios played out locally and ended up with two hospitalized civilians and ostensibly a battered officer. If I'm ever pulled over by one of our black-and-whites you can be sure I'll be as immobile as a statue until the LEO is thoroughly satisfied that I'm not a threat.

 

[stabman]

Carl, UK cops now get issued extendable batons or asps depending on which force you represent along with (in Scotland) PAVA pepper spray. Some cops used to carry a 4 or 6 D-cell Maglite..... and a torch or flashlight to see with.


- Paul

They should go with a nice sap as opposed to the ASP.
Hits harder, and has a more traditional look.

 

[alewn]

I've pointed a gun at a man 6x in my life, but never have brandished a knife. If a knife's all I'd had, of course, the knife would have been in hand/visible. But, unless you're a felon, why not have a gun? A DECENT pistol is at least 10x better for defense than a knife.

 

[Jack Black]

Carl, UK cops now get issued extendable batons or asps depending on which force you represent along with (in Scotland) PAVA pepper spray. Some cops used to carry a 4 or 6 D-cell Maglite..... and a torch or flashlight to see with.l

Did you ever get issued with the trousers with the truncheon pocket Paul?

I'm told some MPs used to fill the Mags with concrete!

They should go with a nice sap as opposed to the ASP.
Hits harder, and has a more traditional look.

I agree Stabby, much classier :thumbup:

 

[pmew]

Did you ever get issued with the trousers with the truncheon pocket Paul?

Haha! No, straight forward pleated uniform blacks for us up North. Some of the boys buy those cargo type ones with pockets everywhere but they've never really done it for me. I feel like we should be smart when on duty - sharp creases and polished boots and whatnot.

I'm told some MPs used to fill the Mags with concrete!

Allegedly, some of the Maglite wielders would only have half the number of batteries in them - same principle as a liquid centred baseball bat I suppose...

I agree Stabby, much classier :thumbup:

Personally, the old fashioned two foot of English oak would suit me fine. The only knife I ever and always carry on duty is a case peanut. Does everything I ask of it


- Paul

 

[Jack Black]

Haha! No, straight forward pleated uniform blacks for us up North. Some of the boys buy those cargo type ones with pockets everywhere but they've never really done it for me. I feel like we should be smart when on duty - sharp creases and polished boots and whatnot.

Yes, it's a shame the smartness has been lost I have a pair of the old trews (though I'd be too fat to get in them these days)!

 

[screened porch]

Excellent post Carl, as usual A couple of years back, all the old criminal records from the London Old Bailey were put online, and there was no shortage of murders and nefarious deeds detailed. I was surprised to learn that "knife crime" was virtually unknown though, people bludgeoned each other with all manner of instruments, but knives seem to have been almost never used.

Robert Graves wrote that in WWI, the Germans preferred the Bowie knife for it's silence, while the English inclined to the cosh. (Goodbye to All That).

 

[screened porch]

I'm told some MPs used to fill the Mags with concrete!

Members of Parliament?

 

[jackknife]

Absolutely fascinating Carl :thumbup: I remember the first time I handled a Victorian policeman's truncheon in an antiques shop, thinking 'Crikey, I wouldn't like to get hit over the head with that!'

Thank you, Jack!!!

Truncheon, that's the word I couldn't think of. My memories of the well dressed Bobby, with his crisp uniform and a nice wood traditional truncheon. There's some traditions that should be respected. But I'm a bit disappointed with Paul's telling us that the ASP is now the issue kit. I'm sure it may work, but just not the same panache. Besides, yoou can't do the Bumper Morgan spin with an ASP!

Is there any vestige of traditional pocket knife carry left in the U.K.? I think it would be a shame if not, with the rich history of great gentleman's lobster patterns from Sheffield. Those ones pictured by Smiling knife always gave me a thrill to see. Knife blades, button hooks, pipe reamer spikes, scissors. Not to mention the exquisite pearl they had. If anyone invests a time machine before I die, I want to go back to Sheffield in 1890, and buy a steamer trunk full of them and come back. Have a mind blowing giveaway here on the forums.

 

[stabman]

Is there any vestige of traditional pocket knife carry left in the U.K.?

I think there is.
When I was getting ready to head to France, I of course looked into knife laws. Some of what I read was on a British knife forum, which of course led to reading more of what was written in general.
Traditional (non-locking) folders seem to be the preferred thing, as the cops won't haul you in for carrying one.

 

[JHG57]

I have all kind's of knives, tactical, slip joint, fixed blade but 90% of the time I carry an electricians knife.

 

[stormylntz]

I have, to avoid a confrontation and I'm 46. I was walking down the road for exercise and I live on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. A guy walks out of the woods, long beard and no shirt with a golf club. I'm no mental giant, but i didn't figure he wanted to play golf anyway he was clearly on drugs and started mentioning one of my neighbors name and saying she was his girlfriend and she had kicked him out and crying and just rambling on and on and he started swinging the golf club like a baseball bat and saying to me to come on. I reached down and had a green old school bucklite and pulled it out and kind of backed up , he then said he was just messing with me.
This was a few years back and the old green bucklite was kind of the tactical knife of it's day with the army drab color.
I prefer a traditional slip joint, but I do at least carry something that locks because you just never know and I go to alot of places that I can have a knife , but not a gun such as campgrounds. And you just don't ever know. I mean that poor kid was eaten by a gator at Disney World of all places and I'm in the middle of more remote places than that. I wouldn't forgive myself if some critter grabbed my kid and I didn't at least have a knife that locked, or fix blade................but my slipjoint is my main knife.

But do this day, I believe just him seeing the larger blade was enough to avoid a confrontation.

Agree!

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[leghog]

Purportedly it stands for "demolition", as in the tools of engineers who dealt with demolition and explosives. I think that's an old soldier's tale,....

Exactly. Not a demo knife.