Camillus 4 Blade Pocket Knife

D

dutyhut

Joined
Sep 12, 2003
Messages
2
I have recently acquired an old Camillus 4 blade pocket knife. It is a bit unusual and I would like to find out more about it. Here are some of the attributes. It has brass insertys in the body of the knife. It has a "helper peg" or "thumb assist" on the screwdriver blade. It is stamped with U.S. Marine Corps as opposed to the U.S.M.C. I have seen on other knives. It is well worn and the blades need some TLC. The lanyard loop has been removed as well. Can anyone add some wisdom to my quest?

Semper Fi!
 
Dutyhut,
WELCOME TO THE FORUMS
If you post this on the Camillus forum I know someone from the factory will answer your questions.
Good Collecting!
JOCKO
 
What you have is called a "demo" knife that was
standard military issue to demolition teams and
other military personel. In civilian life this
knife is called a "camp" knife.

I was issued one in 1966 while I was in the Air
Force in S.E. Asia. I carried is until I wore out
the back spring from use. The Pin you mentioned was
on the early knive such as I had to assit in tear
down & cleaning of the old M-1 rifle which is why
it was dropped from later knives.

As far as I know this knife was made only by
Camillus and should have a year date on the blade
tang to mark when it was made.
 
Thanks for the reply. I got my first one in Vietnam in 1965. It was USMC issue as part of a "Wiremans Kit" and it was that knife and electrician type pliers in a leather sheath. Can't find that combo anywhere.

What about the brass spacers? I found no manufactures marks on the blade or the tang. They may have been ground off, because the blades are well worn. Thanks again for the reply
 
Howdy,

They are usually call Mil-k(or shortened to milk:)) knives or sometimes Demo knives as Tightwad mentioned. He also gave you most of the common information available on the knives.

A few different companies did produce them though(Stevenson, Queen, Camillus, Imperial, Ulster, and Kingston). If the blades are carbon, but the handle is stainless steel, it's pre-58. All stainless, it's post.

Your Knife sounds early, Check with Bernard Levine, a few forums down, or Mr. Trzaska at www.usmilitaryknives.com . He really likes those knives, and know a lot of their history.

:).
 
I went through Army Ranger School in 1971. I quickly gave up the fixed blade Puma I had (didn't need it and especially it's weight and bulk). The most useful item I had and derely cherished was the knife you mention.
 
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