Camillus Autos

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billc

Joined
Jan 9, 1999
Messages
32
Did Camillus ever make an auto knife for the civilian market (pre '57)? Any military knives other than the MC-1?

I've seen MC-1 knives made by Schrade and Logan-Smyth too, does Camillus still make them (ie, do they still have a contract with the gov't to make them)? How many Camillus MC-1's were made?

Thanks... Bill
 
billc,

Yes, Camillus did make quite a few autos prior to 1957. Most were small pocket knives (I think, I'll do a little research & post again if I find anything interesting).

Camillus does still produce the MC-1 currently for the government. How many? Over the years, ALOT!

Hope this helps.

 
buzz riley

The MC-1 is the orange handles switch blade with shroud cutting hook blade as a second blade(not auto).
I believe they are carried with the hook blade open in flight suits.
Is this correct Ghostsix? TIA
 
They are carried in a special knife pocket located on the inside of the left thigh.A cord is attached to the bail.They are worn closed.They are also in survival vests and life rafts.Paras and para riggers have them,as well as air crewmen.I always thought that the shrould line cutter should have the spring blade.I have heard that that was the original idea,but they just went with the mistake.It`s the one that you will need in a hurry.We wear FB`s in a leg rig.
I`ve never seen a Logan-Smyth example.For jumping,I prefer to wear the FB on the outside of my rt.calf.Some cockpits will not allow this while flying and,you have to wear it on the inside of your left calf.(Everyone in the service is rt. handed and rt. eyed).
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[This message has been edited by ghostsix (edited 10 April 1999).]

[This message has been edited by ghostsix (edited 10 April 1999).]
 
You would not want the old autos that I have seen.$1.95 at the time and not worth it. I do,unaccountedly have a few.

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One of my 1950`s Camillus switchblades has rather gaudy,painted metal scales with a Calif.clip blade and a button with sliding safety below it.It`s pretty loose now and the spring is weak.I seem to save everything.The AF FB aircrew knife that I brought back from RVN is made by Camillus.I do not recall seeing another contractor for that.My Dad`s USN MK2 was made by Camillus,as was my USMC "KA-BAR"I know that Ka-Bar made them,and that`s what they are called but,mine are made by Camillus.Isn`t that interesting?My USA and USMC boy scout knives are made by Camillius,(one is a Shrade).I just took a quick look.I wonder how many Camillus knives I own now?My demo knife was made by Imperial but,I bet that Camillus made them as well.I wonder if Phil could come up with a list of just GI knives made by Camillus?I wonder what exotics exist?Now I have piqued my own curiosity.

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The MC-1 is not made backwards. It was specifically designed that way. If somehow while flying the life raft in the survival kit were to become inflated the knife was then to be put to use. The sole purpose of the auto clip blade was to puncture an inflated raft while in the cockpit, thats it. For actual cutting chores in a survival situation the fixed blade survival knife is to be used not the MC-1. A sping loaded hook blade was made by Schrade in 1968 and tested by the military. It was not adopted. The hook blade should be carried in an open position on the left inner thigh, that was the original thought. It is also why they are very round, so as not to poke the flyer.
Frank Trzaska
 
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