Old Camillus slipjoints

steve1701d

steve1701d

Joined
Dec 21, 2000
Messages
684
I recently bought a couple of great old Camillus slipjoints, a model 14 medium-sized serpentine jack and a model 72 whittler. They both have jigged plastic handles, nickle-silver bolsters, and carbon steel blades. After a little Brasso, and some oil on the hinges, they are in great shape. They are very sturdy and take a wicked sharp edge!
What I was wondering about is when did Camillus stop making this version of these models. They were at the same booth at an antique store and were tagged "1940's Camillus knife". I only paid around $17.00 for one and $21.00 for the other, roughly the same as new. I know it's going to be hard to pinpoint the exact age of these, but I wouldn't mind having a window to estimate the age of them. I'm not worried about the value, as they are going to be users.
I don't know if the model 14 is still made, but if not I would recommend bringing it back! It's a nice little knife.
 
Steve, Glad to see there are others here at the forums that know a good
knife when they see one. Camillus does make excellent slipjoint knives.
There's one in my pocket everyday.

Just wish slipjoint fans had a place here at the forums tho. I've got some
neat stuff to share.
 
Not sure about the 14 but the 72 was made up until 2000 or '01. They were made for many years. Maybe Tom Williams will stop by with the answer about the 14.
 
I've got an old Camillus Boy Scout knife I enjot carrying. It is a pattern that I think is called a "Carpenter's Whittler."

Like yours, it is very solid, with great blade action, and takes a super keen edge. I also love the beautiful patina an old carbon steel blade acquires. In my opinion, no mirror polished stainless blade compares.
 
Thanks, all! I don't know what it is about old, well-built knives (and tools, too), but I really like-em. I just added a Camillus model 41 pen knife today. I've bought all the old Camillus knives this antique store has. It's made me inclined to get some newer Camillus models to complement my older ones! I just wish they offered more in carbon steel. And I agree with you, Tightwad. A slipjoint forum would be nice. :D
 
If their from the 40's, the mark should read:

Camillus
Cutlery Co
Camillus NY
USA

Post WWII, the mark is:

Camillus
New York
USA

Either way They'll always be great knives:).
 
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