Military Pocket Knife

D

Deere Man

Joined
Oct 1, 2008
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190
Hi all. I just picked up a Camillus military pocket knife (aka demo knife). The blade is marked 1981 and the scale is stamped US. I only paid $15 so I figured it would at least make a good user. It looks pretty unused. Anyone have any info on these knifes? I've read they're pretty tough. Any opinions? Thanks.
 
Growing up my dad always seemed to keep a few of these laying around. They are just bullet proof. I have used and abused these knives through the years and I never had one fail on me. I still have one from the 70's that I carried as a boy. When I am feeling nostalgic I will put it my pocket for a little carry time. They used to be my goto knives when I was needed to tackle a rough job that was going put some dings on my cutting tool. I just have the one now which has become a cherished momento from my childhood.
 
any pics ?
great knife, been looking for one for some time ...i guess the vic soldier will have to do , its basicaly the same design, except the steel used in handle , as oposed to the aluminium
 
bot one 5-6 yrs ago in a junk store for a dollar ,i think. just got it out and playing with it. damn, this is a GOOD knife. heavy duty as you would expect from the military. very tight and good snap. mine says CAMMILUS 1996. looks new, never used. blade fairly sharp. think i'll carry it today. paul
 
There are a number of them listed on e-bay, the closing price depends on the year stamp. Earliest dates and those from the 'Vietnam' era get higher prices.

I agree with the comments made but I understand that the backsprings can break so it is wise not to half open one tool and then open the opposite tool as this puts extra stress on the backspring. I have a few of these knives but don't use them enough to stress them.

I notice that there are now Chinese copies appearing but I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.
 
I have a 1981 US model. I think people like to find one for their last year in. I really need a 1983. I look once and a while on the bay.
 
I have one dated 1968, it was my first knife in the scouts when I was a kid. I also have one dated 2006, its in new condition and I keep it put up just for my memories of my youth.
 
You can still them brand new. Here is one sold as an Ontario product, but stamped Camillus 1980 (as pictured).
 
gbuskirk said:
You can still them brand new. Here is one sold as an Ontario product, but stamped Camillus 1980 (as pictured).
Click to expand...
At that link they are also selling the knife model made by and tang stamp marked "ONTARIO USA", as the box says 'Proudly manufactured in the USA."

The Ontario knife appears to meet all the existing MIL K-818 specifications but has a different feel and heft than the Camillus knives - and others of the same pattern. It is not quite as light as the Chinese versions, but seems somehow not as esthetically pleasing as Camillus, Queen, Schrade, Kingston, Stevenson, Imperial, Ulster, and Utica. Perhaps the metal of the handles is of a different composition or possible the edges of the stamped parts are sharper/rougher as if not tumbled.

Does anyone know if there is still a government/military contract for this knife that is now being supplied by Ontario?
 
I believe that Ontario picked it when they bought a bunch of stuff from Camillus. They may be manufacturing them for the military, but I would guess the Military has all they need for the next hundred years or so ;)
 
Any truth the rumor that Camillus made all these knives under contract for the other manufacturers? Since they did so many contract knives I would guess it is possible.
 
timsclips said:
Any truth the rumor that Camillus made all these knives under contract for the other manufacturers? Since they did so many contract knives I would guess it is possible.
Click to expand...

Tom Williams (CAMCO) can answer this better, but until he gets here I will answer part of it.

Remember that Imperial, Kingston, Ulster & Schrade all merged at the end of WWII, about 1946 or 1947, depending on who you read. Later Albert Baer purchased Camillus so he eventually owned/controlled all these brand names.

With that in mind it is not surprising to find that these companies made knives for one another. The only ones I have proof that Camillus made, is that in 1982 they did make some for Schrade for the Army.
Here is a copy of a S-card Tom sent me on that particular order.

It would not surprise me to find that Camillus made them for several other companies as well. Tom can probably confirm that.

Dale
 

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  • S-card -US Army K-818 Schrade.jpg
    S-card -US Army K-818 Schrade.jpg
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If I recall, at one point, government orders (contracts) were split between "Small Business" & "Large Business".
Camillus got the small; Schrade got the large; Camillus made them all! :D
 
Picked up two knives at an estate sale yesterday. One of which is this Camillus DEMO. According to the family of the sale, the old fellow that passed away was a Marine of WW2. The timing of this page coming up couldn't have been better. I at first identified the knife as a Kingston, but was lacking the inscription on the bail, otherwise it matched up. The picture of the "can opener" stamp however confirmed it to be the same as mine. A Camillus! It's a good solid knife and I'm proud to be the new owner. :thumbup:
 
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