Anyone own the Ontario made 4 blade US military knife?

J

Jaymo

Joined
Jan 17, 2009
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I'm talking about the stainless steel scaled scout pattern that Camillus and Schrade used to make.
If so, how good are they? I'm thinking about getting one to carry at work, since my 1967 Camillus would be so hard/expensive to replace.
 
I recently acquired one (Camillus) for a work-carry knife. In a nutshell, it's built pretty bombproof. You'd really have to go a long way to mess one up. I think it can take a lot of work/abuse. Construction is strong, all tools have strong snap and nothing wiggles or has any play in it. I like the main blade, its wider than a Vic Farmer blade and sharpened up pretty well, though the edge wasn't too bad out of the box. The standard screwdriver is much longer than the one on my Farmer, kind of like the old electrician's knives. The awl was ground to a razor tip and it actually cut me pretty good when it snapped shut on a finger. :o
Then there's that long bail. I don't know what to think of it. It's mostly in the way when not folded back along the handle. Not sure why it has to be that long. Not a show-stopper.
The finish is, well, pretty sad. Handle slabs out of the box were pretty darn rough around the edges and almost dead sharp from being stamped. I ended up knocking the edge off the handles with a 3M Scotchbrite wheel so it didn't wear my pants pocket out. And I gave the handles a satin finish on a buffing wheel just in attempt to make it less of a toolbox tool and more of a pocket knife.
In the end, you'll get what you intended: An unpretty workhorse that won't make you cry if it gets lost.
 
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Thanks...I would say to watch for a KaBar or Camillus on ebay...they ofyen go cheaper than 32 buck...I have seen 70's knives go for 20 on there.
 
I don't have an Ontario, I have a Camillus, a 2006 knife. However, they appear to be made the same, and yes, they are bullet proof tanks. They do have a reputation for having bad back springs. Apparently the Back springs are made from the same steel as the rest of the knife, and have a tendency to break. However, I read somewhere that they had fixed this problem. The bale is rather cumbersome, but I kind've like it. It is a secure lanyard holder that won't break on you. It is a poorly finished knife, but it was originally made for soldiers to take out into the field, so it was meant for rough work. It's stainless steel body is built to take a beating, and all the tools are pretty hardy. The steel, at least on the Camillus, is ok at best. It holds it's edge ok, but that's it. However, if it's just a work knife, then a strop on your jeans during the day, and a small touch up on a stone or diamond every few days should be plenty. Some folks don't like this knife, and would rather have a Wenger SI, but me personally, I like the "Demo" knife. It is heavy and big and poorly finished, and ready for some get down and dirty type work. I agree, though, at $65, it's a bit pricey. I got mine for $30, and STILL thought it was a bit pricey. Check the bay and look for a better deal.
 
I have a few of the older Camillus and Schrade versions of this knife. I hate to mess up one that isn't being made anymore. I like the bail handle because it's easy to carry using a carabiner on a belt loop on my pants.
 
I presume for Ontario read Queen

I used a Camillus in the Israeli army (Rescue Unit) for many years of service.

It was attached to my belt with a long lanyard and sat in my side cargo pocket, so the large bail was good.
The can opener opened too many cans of proccessed meat!!
The blade cut this 'stuff' and more importantly all sorts of ropes and canvas.

And excellent knife for hard work.

But the back spring broke, and I kept the broke part of the spring in place, so the screwdriver still worked.

Will I replace with a new one from the link above or with a Victorinox Alox Farmer or Pioneer?
Most likely with a SAK!
 
I own SAK's such as the Farmer, Cadet, Pioneer, etc. I also have 1 half dozen out so scout/camp type folders but when I carry that type of knife (normally in a small leather belt knife pouch) it is my Camillus that gets the nod the majority of the time. The Ontario version is probably just as well made as the older originals but they just don't have the same soul.

demo1a.jpg
 
I handled two of the Ontario versions last fall at a shop, both were horrible. Main blade backspring was no to bad, but the others were so bad you could barely open the tools.

Fit was pretty rough also.
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
I handled two of the Ontario versions last fall at a shop, both were horrible. Main blade backspring was no to bad, but the others were so bad you could barely open the tools.

Fit was pretty rough also.
Click to expand...

Thanks
Now I know I will replace my broken Demo with a Victorinox Alox Farmer or Pioneer
 
I very recently purchased a WW2 issue Camillus. The knife is in excellent condition and built like a Sherman tank! I also have a 1972 issue Camillus, however the 1945 issue is hands above in overall quality. Dale H.
 
like much military issue they are ugly as dirt. all things military are function driven. for that purpose they work great. i believe the only military items with beauty are our jet fighters.
 
The MSRP of $65.99 kind of made me smile.. what do you suppose the military pays for them when they buy in bulk? Five bucks maybe? :D

I've got a Camillus one, mostly because it's a classic design, and it's stamped with my birth year. Not the greatest of build quality however.
 
I have a number of these demo knives dating from late 40s through to 2000+. Although I haven't had a backspring break this has been reported is several older posts. As far as the size of the bail I read once that it allowed the knife to be dangled in a pan of boiling water to sterilise it after preparing food . Can any vets confirm this?
 
Frankki said:
The MSRP of $65.99 kind of made me smile.. what do you suppose the military pays for them when they buy in bulk? Five bucks maybe? :D
Click to expand...
Nah, that $65 sticker is the "official" price, like a $400 hammer or a $350 toilet seat. Just gotta have it on record for the budget committees.
 
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