Camillus Electrictian Knife

T

Talon5326

Joined
Oct 3, 2016
Messages
12
Hey, guys.
So here's the story, I was cleaning out an old couch and found a Camillus Electricians in one of the cushions.
It's blades aren't rusted but they are dirty. Figure some sandpaper could restore both.
The springs are strong but the plain edge blade has some side to side blade play.
I've been looking for a traditional knife for awhile now so this feels like a sign.
I'm really interested in restoring this knife so any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
I would not rush in with sandpaper on the blade. Wipe it with a cloth and some mineral oil and wait for further instructions from someone more knowledgeable than I. Better yet, post a pic and see what suggestions you get.
 
S45ABsI


https://imgur.com/a/1UO0n

https://imgur.com/a/U9oEI

https://imgur.com/a/nrtTE

https://imgur.com/a/osuze
 
Talon5326 said:
Hey, guys.
So here's the story, I was cleaning out an old couch and found a Camillus Electricians in one of the cushions.
It's blades aren't rusted but they are dirty. Figure some sandpaper could restore both.
The springs are strong but the plain edge blade has some side to side blade play.
I've been looking for a traditional knife for awhile now so this feels like a sign.
I'm really interested in restoring this knife so any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Use some flitz or semichrome it will clean it up to its original shine just takes some elbow grease
 
You can tighten up the lateral play by squeezing in a padded vise and giving a light tap to the pin ends. Maybe slip a razor blade into the joint to keep from getting it too tight.
But don't take my word for it. I'm always cutting myself to pieces.
 
I recently got a Camillus Electrican at a flea market in similar condition. Light work with fine emory and Simichrome brought the blades back (except for a few deep pits). Some oil in the joints to smooth out the opening/closing did the trick. A bit of very fine steel wool over the wood scales, wash and then some paste wax. The knife is a good old worker. I'm not going to use it as I'm basically a collector. But it is in good shape and glad to have it in my collection.

Rich
 
Nice find! :thumbsup: Looks like one of the several that I'd lost many years ago in the earlier days of my electrical working career. I've looked in many places, but it seems that when they got lost they stayed lost...likely above hung ceilings, and on top of beams in various facilities. :( Luckily back then they were easily (and cheaply) replaced at the next supply house visit. :cool:
 
when I get an old knife that needs some work, this is what I like to do
.Clean with hot water and soap and use an old toothbrush
.. get it mostly dry by tapping against a clean rag.
...chase the water away from the spine and joints by spraying liberally with WD 40 and work the joints open and closed about ten times.
....soak the whole thing in mineral oil for a few hours, some like to do this as an overnighter. work the joints again.
..... wipe off with a nice rag and then work the exposed metal with a metal cleaner like semi chrome or mothers mag wheel cleaner, even the spine with blades half open, it's elbow grease time.
.....I like to finish off lightly with green scotchbrite all over for a nice satin look. leave any stubborn staining as it is the story of the knife.
mineral oil all over once again.
others may do it differently of course
 
Baught a Klein tools TL-29 with the brown handles for a dollar at a tool trade and sale and man was that a handy knife to have around, good sharp blade and a prying/screw driver/scraper blade. And the person I got it from had cleaned it up on a buffing wheel. Of course I say was a good knife because I was working on my front brakes a few months back, used it for something, and instead of putting back into my pocket I stood up so my friend could go up under there. I remember almost setting on the battery terminal and thinking "that won't end well!" Don't remember what happened to after that. Enjoy that knife of yours, it sure is a user.
 
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I have one, just cleaned mine up with flitz, a little 3 in 1 oil, blade sharpen and mine wasn't loose, but I have a similar traditional that is, going to try that vise trick to tighten it up right now.
 
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