How makes/made a good electrician's knife

M

mdsmith

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Jan 7, 2009
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Hey guys, for some reason I've been itching to try out an electricians knife, one of those two bladed jacks with a spear point blade and flat head screw driver. I believe they are also referred to as TL-29s. I'm wondering who made or makes a good quality one. Not looking to spend too much on it, but I do want one that is good condition with good snap and no blade wobble. Any suggestions on what to look for? Thanks.
 
GEC makes one now. It's fantastic.

20131202%20IMG_0233.JPG
 
I would look at the secondary market; Camillus TL-29s are great knives. I got several, even on german fleabay, so it should be no problem getting them in the US. They can be had for really nice prices.

Good hunt!! ;)
 
I have been using my TL-29 I was issued in the air force in 1966. Mine is by Camillus, the screwdriver blade has a lock to prevent accidental closure. it's 47 years young and still going fine.
 
pretty much everyone has made the, I'd check out the secondary market fr old ones to try out the pattern though, they can be pocket hefty.


from left to right: Cas inwalnut, rehandled camillus in stag, schrade walden in ebony and a Empire in ebony

I have not tried the new GEC yet but there is a thread about them here
 
Thanks for the replies. I didn't know that they were made by that many different brands. The only ones I'm familiar with is the ones with the black plastic scales. I'm assuming that those were the ones issued to the military, probably made by Camillus.

That's a cool variation SAK. I wonder what the purpose of that style blade on an electricians knife would be.
 
mdsmith said:
Thanks for the replies. I didn't know that they were made by that many different brands. The only ones I'm familiar with is the ones with the black plastic scales. I'm assuming that those were the ones issued to the military, probably made by Camillus.

That's a cool variation SAK. I wonder what the purpose of that style blade on an electricians knife would be.
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Klien makes one too with a secondary "slitting" blade.....

KlienElectrician_zpse65779d9.jpg
 
Antique malls/flea markets are good places to look. In fact, you're almost guaranteed to find a TL-29, they're so ubiquitous. Whether you'll find a quality one in good condition for a reasonable price is another matter, but that's the fun of the hunt, and you'll never find one if you don't go looking.
 
Klein, Robeson, Case, Camillus, Colonial. I have TL's by all and they're very good knives. It's my favorite pattern. However, they're not terribly easy to find since they're out of production, so look around the bay and flea markets and you'll find them.

My favorite is by Case.

 
CJZ said:
Klein, Robeson, Case, Camillus, Colonial. I have TL's by all and they're very good knives. It's my favorite pattern. However, they're not terribly easy to find since they're out of production, so look around the bay and flea markets and you'll find them.

My favorite is by Case.

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That's a beautiful Case bro.....love the wood!
 
The teeth are for using it as a drywall saw. Actual electricians need to be able to cut holes in drywall for outlets and switch boxes. There's actually a very good video of it being used in that manner on STR's web site.

Here's a link to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRd_at4ZEWo
 
jc57 said:
The teeth are for using it as a drywall saw. Actual electricians need to be able to cut holes in drywall for outlets and switch boxes. There's actually a very good video of it being used in that manner on STR's web site.
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:thumbup:
AHHh drywall saw, now that makes sense. didnt think they looked like a wood saw teeth but as you pointed out, i am no electrician so what do i know :D

thanks for the info!
 
Rsmith_77 said:
:thumbup:
AHHh drywall saw, now that makes sense. didnt think they looked like a wood saw teeth but as you pointed out, i am no electrician so what do i know :D

thanks for the info!
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Me neither, but a few years ago my mother-in-law's house was damaged by a flood and I learned a lot about what is involved in replacing drywall and electrical outlets. :) Trust me, something like that knife would have been real handy. I used a genuine drywall saw but it's a bit rough for detail work.
 
You can get a Camillus TL-29 for $20 or less by shopping, watch, and waiting. Sooner or later (sooner most likely), you'll find one for that price.

TL-29 = Tool, Lineman Number 29 on the Set, Kit, Outfit Component List for the Army's Tool Kit, Lineman's. Current kit is LIN: W43974, Component List: 5180-95-N48.

TL-29%2520Open.JPG
 
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Two of my best friends own a local electric company and I bought them both one of the new GEC's. After using roughly the same pattern from different makers they both said that the GEC is superior. The drywall saw is a feature they really appreciate.
 
This was my first work knife back in the 70's as I helped summers at my Dad's shop....It ended up in my toolbox at home and I still have it..

Camillus

CamillusChannelLockElectrician_zps094b9f21.jpg
 
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