"Old Knives"

[herder]

Been absent from this favorite thread for too long to comment on so many incredible knives that have been shown, but what a great showing from all!!!

Here is a knife that is fairly spectacular for a variety of reasons. First, always a treat to find an example which has been tucked away and unused for a great length of time. This model dates to the WWII era and was found with the original box as a wonderful bonus. Camillus made this example for Sears probably within a year or two after WWII. Not only does it have nickel silver liners, but there is beautiful jimping running down the center of the backspring. By 1947, Sears had advertised their knives with brass liners so this model would predate that time which makes sense since brass was in short supply following the war. Camillus doesn't always get the credit they deserve in making knives on par with the best American companies, and this particular camper model has a fit and finish that would rival the same era Case or Remington made knives. Newer Sears knives had jigged synthetic handles, but this earlier one has quality jigged bone handles and a nice oval nickel silver shield. The punch blade has a neat spiral cut on the back side with the words "Spiral Punch" stamped in the blade tang. The main blade stamp reads "High Carbon Steel U.S.A." and the "CRAFSTMAN STA-SHARP" blade etch is crisp and clear.
Campbellclanman has posted several fantastic Sears and Camillus made knives, and this model just follows suit.

 

[veitsi_poika]

Been absent from this favorite thread for too long to comment on so many incredible knives that have been shown, but what a great showing from all!!!

Here is a knife that is fairly spectacular for a variety of reasons. First, always a treat to find an example which has been tucked away and unused for a great length of time. This model dates to the WWII era and was found with the original box as a wonderful bonus. Camillus made this example for Sears probably within a year or two after WWII. Not only does it have nickel silver liners, but there is beautiful jimping running down the center of the backspring. By 1947, Sears had advertised their knives with brass liners so this model would predate that time which makes sense since brass was in short supply following the war. Camillus doesn't always get the credit they deserve in making knives on par with the best American companies, and this particular camper model has a fit and finish that would rival the same era Case or Remington made knives. Newer Sears knives had jigged synthetic handles, but this earlier one has quality jigged bone handles and a nice oval nickel silver shield. The punch blade has a neat spiral cut on the back side with the words "Spiral Punch" stamped in the blade tang. The main blade stamp reads "High Carbon Steel U.S.A." and the "CRAFSTMAN STA-SHARP" blade etch is crisp and clear.
Campbellclanman has posted several fantastic Sears and Camillus made knives, and this model just follows suit.

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[Luger1952]

Herder, gorgeous specimen

 

[waynorth]

Been absent from this favorite thread for too long to comment on so many incredible knives that have been shown, but what a great showing from all!!!

Here is a knife that is fairly spectacular for a variety of reasons. First, always a treat to find an example which has been tucked away and unused for a great length of time. This model dates to the WWII era and was found with the original box as a wonderful bonus. Camillus made this example for Sears probably within a year or two after WWII. Not only does it have nickel silver liners, but there is beautiful jimping running down the center of the backspring. By 1947, Sears had advertised their knives with brass liners so this model would predate that time which makes sense since brass was in short supply following the war. Camillus doesn't always get the credit they deserve in making knives on par with the best American companies, and this particular camper model has a fit and finish that would rival the same era Case or Remington made knives. Newer Sears knives had jigged synthetic handles, but this earlier one has quality jigged bone handles and a nice oval nickel silver shield. The punch blade has a neat spiral cut on the back side with the words "Spiral Punch" stamped in the blade tang. The main blade stamp reads "High Carbon Steel U.S.A." and the "CRAFSTMAN STA-SHARP" blade etch is crisp and clear.
Campbellclanman has posted several fantastic Sears and Camillus made knives, and this model just follows suit.

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A true Beauty, herder!! What a find!! I am so envious!!
Duncan will be along to comment, as soon as he comes out of his swoon over that one!!

 

[paulhilborn]

Been absent from this favorite thread for too long to comment on so many incredible knives that have been shown, but what a great showing from all!!!

Here is a knife that is fairly spectacular for a variety of reasons. First, always a treat to find an example which has been tucked away and unused for a great length of time. This model dates to the WWII era and was found with the original box as a wonderful bonus. Camillus made this example for Sears probably within a year or two after WWII. Not only does it have nickel silver liners, but there is beautiful jimping running down the center of the backspring. By 1947, Sears had advertised their knives with brass liners so this model would predate that time which makes sense since brass was in short supply following the war. Camillus doesn't always get the credit they deserve in making knives on par with the best American companies, and this particular camper model has a fit and finish that would rival the same era Case or Remington made knives. Newer Sears knives had jigged synthetic handles, but this earlier one has quality jigged bone handles and a nice oval nickel silver shield. The punch blade has a neat spiral cut on the back side with the words "Spiral Punch" stamped in the blade tang. The main blade stamp reads "High Carbon Steel U.S.A." and the "CRAFSTMAN STA-SHARP" blade etch is crisp and clear.
Campbellclanman has posted several fantastic Sears and Camillus made knives, and this model just follows suit.

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WOW!!! very nice herder

 

[btb01]

Been absent from this favorite thread for too long to comment on so many incredible knives that have been shown, but what a great showing from all!!!

Here is a knife that is fairly spectacular for a variety of reasons. First, always a treat to find an example which has been tucked away and unused for a great length of time. This model dates to the WWII era and was found with the original box as a wonderful bonus. Camillus made this example for Sears probably within a year or two after WWII. Not only does it have nickel silver liners, but there is beautiful jimping running down the center of the backspring. By 1947, Sears had advertised their knives with brass liners so this model would predate that time which makes sense since brass was in short supply following the war. Camillus doesn't always get the credit they deserve in making knives on par with the best American companies, and this particular camper model has a fit and finish that would rival the same era Case or Remington made knives. Newer Sears knives had jigged synthetic handles, but this earlier one has quality jigged bone handles and a nice oval nickel silver shield. The punch blade has a neat spiral cut on the back side with the words "Spiral Punch" stamped in the blade tang. The main blade stamp reads "High Carbon Steel U.S.A." and the "CRAFSTMAN STA-SHARP" blade etch is crisp and clear.
Campbellclanman has posted several fantastic Sears and Camillus made knives, and this model just follows suit.

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That one is too cool!

I don't find my way into this thread too often. I do have a handful of older knives, some handed down, some received as gifts, some purchased, but it's not something I regularly seek out (mostly because I often don't know what I'm looking for, what I'm looking at or how not to get ripped off).

But herder's Craftsman knife reminded me of this old(ish) knife that I have, so I thought I'd post a photo. It's not as old as the knife herder shared, nor as interesting (and it certainly isn't as pristine ), but it belonged to my maternal grandfather, who gave it to me back when I was a kid.

I don't actually know for certain that this is a Camillus-made Craftsman-branded knife (the only stamp is the MADE IN USA on the main blade), but that seemed to be the consensus when I've asked about it before, and it would make sense -- I'm pretty sure my grandpa bought just about every tool, appliance, etc. that he ever owned at Sears. Any blade etch it may have had is long gone, but there's still plenty of life left in these blades, and I've sharpened, carried and used it (probably abused it some when I was a kid, too, but it's held up pretty well).

 

[veitsi_poika]

That one is too cool!

I don't find my way into this thread too often. I do have a handful of older knives, some handed down, some received as gifts, some purchased, but it's not something I regularly seek out (mostly because I often don't know what I'm looking for, what I'm looking at or how not to get ripped off).

But herder's Craftsman knife reminded me of this old(ish) knife that I have, so I thought I'd post a photo. It's not as old as the knife herder shared, nor as interesting (and it certainly isn't as pristine ), but it belonged to my maternal grandfather, who gave it to me back when I was a kid.

I don't actually know for certain that this is a Camillus-made Craftsman-branded knife (the only stamp is the MADE IN USA on the main blade), but that seemed to be the consensus when I've asked about it before, and it would make sense -- I'm pretty sure my grandpa bought just about every tool, appliance, etc. that he ever owned at Sears. Any blade etch it may have had is long gone, but there's still plenty of life left in these blades, and I've sharpened, carried and used it (probably abused it some when I was a kid, too, but it's held up pretty well).

Nice one Barrett! Yeah it would either be Schrade or Camillus and it looks like the bolster pins are visible (on the right) so Camillus appears to be the right call. The shield looks similar to a Sword Brand stockman I used to have too.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Oh Charlie you are so right- Swoon!!!
What a Treasure Herder! It just doesn't get any better than that! What a Gorgeous example, I just love that Bone and the Colouring of it as well- and as you say the quality of the Knife is outstanding.
So good to see you posting my friend!

Barret- what a treasure to have Grandads Knife! your right matey- that has at least a lifetime left in it! , I spent a huge amount of time looking at exactly those Knives from Sears - the stockman I spent several nights going down the wrong roads, I went down the roads of Schrade, Camillus and Schrade Imperial, in each of these companies I found near exacts - so so close , Bolster pins were at time eliminated with the Swindle key construction with Schrade - but in some models of Schrade they were Bolster Pinned, often the shape or should I say the slight variance of shapes between the Speys Blade on these I thought I found the secret - but Camillus changed the style or line of the Spine of their Spey- Camillus have a definite bull-nosed type of Spey - but then brought out another - so they had two, where as Schrade's Spey had a definite drop halfway along the Spine similar like yours, then I looked at length, Schrade, Camillus had many of theirs at 3 7/8ths, where my models I was studying were exactly 4 inches- and in catalogs they don't just take guesses at length - they are 100% bang on with their size description, so I was left with the thinking - but not a 100% sure that MANY of these Stockman @ 4 inches were Schrade Imperial, although some were Camillus and Schrade of course.

The Ulster, Schrade and Imperial were all under one umbrella along of course with Ulster, consolidated by the famous Albert Baer , I think I might be correct in thinking that Imperial were made form the Older Schrade tooling? so there were such identical knives with different stamping- or perhaps having the exact knife in every way- apart from one Blade having such a slight difference, or as Sears did swapped around the position of the Blades in some cases - just darned interesting - but a dangerous Rabbit Warren to enter!
Remembering that these Knives were SFO's for Sears so they has sometimes very slight differences- or quite a lot depending on the Knife - and of course these knives with these changes are not in your Cutlers Catalog- as they are Sears.

Some of this may be correct and some quite possibly incorrect, but I think I am on the right Track, this is something I intend to pursue, I dont think anyone could ever have as much knowledge of this as our good friend Michael ( Codger).
I hope that codger is doing well during these dangerous times with Covid lurking around every corner.

 

[waynorth]

Oh Charlie you are so right- Swoon!!!

I thought it might tick the right boxes for you!!

 

[Augie]

Been absent from this favorite thread for too long to comment on so many incredible knives that have been shown, but what a great showing from all!!!

Here is a knife that is fairly spectacular for a variety of reasons. First, always a treat to find an example which has been tucked away and unused for a great length of time. This model dates to the WWII era and was found with the original box as a wonderful bonus. Camillus made this example for Sears probably within a year or two after WWII. Not only does it have nickel silver liners, but there is beautiful jimping running down the center of the backspring. By 1947, Sears had advertised their knives with brass liners so this model would predate that time which makes sense since brass was in short supply following the war. Camillus doesn't always get the credit they deserve in making knives on par with the best American companies, and this particular camper model has a fit and finish that would rival the same era Case or Remington made knives. Newer Sears knives had jigged synthetic handles, but this earlier one has quality jigged bone handles and a nice oval nickel silver shield. The punch blade has a neat spiral cut on the back side with the words "Spiral Punch" stamped in the blade tang. The main blade stamp reads "High Carbon Steel U.S.A." and the "CRAFSTMAN STA-SHARP" blade etch is crisp and clear.
Campbellclanman has posted several fantastic Sears and Camillus made knives, and this model just follows suit.

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Absolutely wonderful Herder, second Sta-Sharp I have seen with box, I'm going to post mine again so they can be on the same page, the boxes are different.

 

[Augie]

Picked up another Ulster ebony dogleg jack, this one is smaller than the first one I got a couple years ago.

 

[waynorth]

Great Craftsman, and nice Doglegs John!!

 

[Augie]

Great Craftsman, and nice Doglegs John!!

Thank you Charlie

 

[Campbellclanman]

Yes Augie’s was a great score also. I have in the way a Mint Craftsman that I have had at Paul’s house. This is as new other than some staining on one side of the Spey, looking forward to see this one also!

Yet another very nice addition Augie. Beautiful Old Ebony housing a great Old Knife in wonderful condition.

 

[paulhilborn]

Yes Augie’s was a great score also. I have in the way a Mint Craftsman that I have had at Paul’s house. This is as new other than some staining on one side of the Spey, looking forward to see this one also!

Yet another very nice addition Augie. Beautiful Old Ebony housing a great Old Knife in wonderful condition.

Ummmm, ahhhhh, Duncan, my very good friend and brother, ummmmmm, that MINT, stellar and magnificent Cattle knife, may not have made it into the package that I mailed out the other day

 

[Campbellclanman]

Then this is War, this is all I have to say ( In Chief Indian Voice/ accent)

 

[veitsi_poika]

Oh Charlie you are so right- Swoon!!!
What a Treasure Herder! It just doesn't get any better than that! What a Gorgeous example, I just love that Bone and the Colouring of it as well- and as you say the quality of the Knife is outstanding.
So good to see you posting my friend!

Barret- what a treasure to have Grandads Knife! your right matey- that has at least a lifetime left in it! , I spent a huge amount of time looking at exactly those Knives from Sears - the stockman I spent several nights going down the wrong roads, I went down the roads of Schrade, Camillus and Schrade Imperial, in each of these companies I found near exacts - so so close , Bolster pins were at time eliminated with the Swindle key construction with Schrade - but in some models of Schrade they were Bolster Pinned, often the shape or should I say the slight variance of shapes between the Speys Blade on these I thought I found the secret - but Camillus changed the style or line of the Spine of their Spey- Camillus have a definite bull-nosed type of Spey - but then brought out another - so they had two, where as Schrade's Spey had a definite drop halfway along the Spine similar like yours, then I looked at length, Schrade, Camillus had many of theirs at 3 7/8ths, where my models I was studying were exactly 4 inches- and in catalogs they don't just take guesses at length - they are 100% bang on with their size description, so I was left with the thinking - but not a 100% sure that MANY of these Stockman @ 4 inches were Schrade Imperial, although some were Camillus and Schrade of course.

The Ulster, Schrade and Imperial were all under one umbrella along of course with Ulster, consolidated by the famous Albert Baer , I think I might be correct in thinking that Imperial were made form the Older Schrade tooling? so there were such identical knives with different stamping- or perhaps having the exact knife in every way- apart from one Blade having such a slight difference, or as Sears did swapped around the position of the Blades in some cases - just darned interesting - but a dangerous Rabbit Warren to enter!
Remembering that these Knives were SFO's for Sears so they has sometimes very slight differences- or quite a lot depending on the Knife - and of course these knives with these changes are not in your Cutlers Catalog- as they are Sears.

Some of this may be correct and some quite possibly incorrect, but I think I am on the right Track, this is something I intend to pursue, I dont think anyone could ever have as much knowledge of this as our good friend Michael ( Codger).
I hope that codger is doing well during these dangerous times with Covid lurking around every corner.

Very true Duncan, it's always hard to say for sure... I was going by the Camillus shield and that I've seen the Made in USA stamp more on Camillus blades than Schrades. At one point, knives for Sears were being made by Ulster, Schrade and Camillus when they were all under the same ownership The covers on Barrett's knife actually look most similar to Ulsters jigged delrin/bonite but it's not an exact match; I actually haven't seen anything like his scales. I have a Craftsman 9470 stockman which Codger confirmed was an Ulster made model in the early to mid-60's. The jigged delrin has a peachseed look

Often times I think they used whatever parts were available like this model below that has the Schrade Staglon covers / Uncle Henry shield but also has exposed bolster pins and the blades look similar to other Ulster smalls I have. Who knows, but it's always fun to discuss though!

 

[Campbellclanman]

Kev Cool knife- They really are, here's on like your Jack but a Stockman, Camillus made the Indian Stag series in the 70's and the Stockmans, or Jacks had Slanted Bolsters- BUT Bolsters that ran the same way- as in both sides angeling to the left, where as yours are mirror effect slanting in from left and Right - which I think may have been a request from Sears - or an offer by Camillus to Sears, as Camillus did use this Sheild and Staglon as well?
Having the Craftsman etch on the Blade and the Sears Craftsman on the Tang did open it up soley to Ulster, Schrade and Camillus.
Interesting eh! also you are right with the using of everything and all- Hey I am guessing I probably would have too!

Heres my one..

But this one has different Shileds on each side which is rather cool...

 

[veitsi_poika]

Kev Cool knife- They really are, here's on like your Jack but a Stockman, Camillus made the Indian Stag series in the 70's and the Stockmans, or Jacks had Slanted Bolsters- BUT Bolsters that ran the same way- as in both sides angeling to the left, where as yours are mirror effect slanting in from left and Right - which I think may have been a request from Sears - or an offer by Camillus to Sears, as Camillus did use this Sheild and Staglon as well?
Having the Craftsman etch on the Blade and the Sears Craftsman on the Tang did open it up soley to Ulster, Schrade and Camillus.
Interesting eh! also you are right with the using of everything and all- Hey I am guessing I probably would have too!

Heres my one..

But this one has different Shileds on each side which is rather cool...

No parts go to waste!

 

[rockman0]

This little NYK belongs in this thread. 3 1/4" closed. It's my stag Saturday carry today.