Hand made Camillus

[johnwaynesandw]

Hello all, A lady that works with my wife ran across some knives when her mother passed. She knew I am a knife nut and sent them to me. The knife has sword brand with two swords crossing and hand made under it. Near the bolster it is marked CAMILLUS under lined under that NEW YORK under the U.S.A. Is there any way to date this knife? Does anyone have any info on this knife? I have posted a pic. the link is
http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=camillus0093ad.jpg

Thanks for any info, John

 

[CAMCO]

John,
The model #3 LOK-BACK (medium LOK-BACK) knife was introduced in the mid 1970's. Camillus came out with this knife as well as the model #2 (small LOK-BACK) and model #4 (large LOK-BACK) knives at a time when lock back knives were gaining in popularity.
The early version of the model #3 knife had seperate brass bolsters and linings. This was later changed to a 1 piece bolster/lining. Two tyles of clip blade were offered (regular clip and Turkish clip). A leather pouch was packed with each knife.
The blade had a "Sword Brand" etching indicating that this knife was top of the line (Sword Brand knives were of he highest quality and have been made by Camillus since the early 1900's).
Camillus sold some of the model #3 knives with "Jim Catfish Hunter" etched on the blade and a serial number engraved on the bolster. These were made exclusively for Best Products Co. during the 1980's.

Tom Williams

 

[johnwaynesandw]

Thanks for the help. would it be a good idea to use this knife or should I keep it in the shape it in? I guess what I mean is are they rare or have any collector value? It seems like it would make a good pocket knife.I realy like the blade shape.Thanks John

 

[CAMCO]

John,
By all means use the knife. I personally carried a #3 LOK-BACK knife for many years and found it to be a good all around knife.

Tom Williams

 

[johnwaynesandw]

Tom thanks for all your help. I sharpened it this morn and it became shaveing sharp . Thanks again for your help. John