- Joined
- Jan 24, 2005
- Messages
- 2,792
My first knife was an Imperial Kamp King, which I bought when outfitting myself at a Lazarus Scouting Department in Columbus, OH, at age 12. It was identical to the "Official" scout knife, only $1.50 cheaper, and a Scout is thrifty, no? I carried that thing for many years, including military, until ultimately giving it away to a girl I knew who was leaving town and probably would never see again. As things worked out, however, I did run into her years later in Chicago. During our reminiscence, I asked her what had become of my Camp King, and she reported it got "lost" 2 weeks after she received it. I didn't pursue the matter (the knife was truly bunged up, so I was willing to let things go.) A decade later, I reminisced about the knife, which had been a long time companion, to a friend who owned a shop where he bought and sold used items, and went on to other conversations. Several months later, he presented me with a Kamp King in almost perfect condition that he found at a flea market during the course of his travels. I paid him the traditional dollar (a custom of long standing) and wound up with a blast from the past. I treasure and keep it in my vintage but non-usable knife drawer. My friend died a few years ago, and I often think about him in connection with that Kamp King. It was a kindness that I will never forget.
(Whoops! I had intended to post this to another knife. group rather than this one, to which I had already posted a year or so ago. My error. Please forgive.)
(Whoops! I had intended to post this to another knife. group rather than this one, to which I had already posted a year or so ago. My error. Please forgive.)
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