Early Camillus 301.

[JD Mandrell]

Just got this one in the mail today, 71-74???? Camillus contract. STRONG snap on all 3 blades, and none appear to have ever been sharpened. Looks like it might have been stored where it was allowed to bounce around, a few small scuffs, but nothing to bad.

These are shots from the Ebay auction, I was curious about the line in the "301" in that last shot, that it might be a bad scratch or maybe had been buffed to hard, but it wiped right off when I took it out of the package.

 

[Rudderjt]

Nice grab. I was probably looking at it, too. I'm glad a Buckaroo got it. I have several of the early 301's. This one looks to be late 70's. I have one just like it that I bought off eBay, still in the box and with the original sales ticket dated 1979. It lacks the 3 brass pins that would date it early 70's. At least that's from what I know about them. Looks to have pocket wear from jangling around with car keys and pocket change, but the blades look very good. I have several like it that I'm sure were carried, but if they were ever used, it doesn't show. Some of the experts here might be able to shed a little more light on it, but I think you're pretty close to knowing what ya got.

Jack

 

[Rudderjt]

I don't remember bidding on a 301 lately, but I hope I did't bid against you. I usually look to see if I recognize any of the "handles" of those bidding on knives that I might be interested in, but sometimes I forget. Old age, you know?

 

[WilltheBarb]

In my nomenclature I would call this a first generation Cami, third version (MADE IN, 301 on back of tang on main blade, no scale pins). I would place it closer to 1972 than 1968. Nice score.

 

[JD Mandrell]

I don't remember bidding on a 301 lately, but I hope I did't bid against you. I usually look to see if I recognize any of the "handles" of those bidding on knives that I might be interested in, but sometimes I forget. Old age, you know?

You didn't, I almost bid against you though, that Schrade made 301 about 2 weeks ago. In the last minute, I checked the "Ebay/Bladeforums" list and saw you were the highest bidder, so I backed off. I try to check it so I don't snipe a fellow BF'er but I think I have by mistake to.

 

[Rudderjt]

Yeah, I "won" that one. Nice knife, except it isn't a 301, as advertised, but a 303. That was OK, though, as I didn't have one of them either. It was the first Schrade contract knife I've had my hands on. Very subtle differences, and hard to notice except when it, Camilus, and a Buck made are layed side by side.

I watch a lot, bid on a few, actually buy one now and then. I do try to look and see who else is interested, but sometimes, right at the last minute, things happen pretty fast.

Jack