Phil Gibbs -- Question

J

jerryd6818

Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
219
I'm hoping you can shed some light on this knife. As you can see, the small clip is much smaller than the standard small clip Camillus used over the life of the #72. Unlike other #72s the small clip is paired with the main and the coping blade is at the bottom of the knife by it’s self.

I’ve been speculating it may have been an end of days knife (if so what the heck is with that tiny clip blade and the switch of position?). My other speculation is that it was put together out of parts acquired at the auction, after the close of business. Or maybe was is something that was put together by the supervisors during the strike? Too many questions. Not enough answers.

I have a couple of these (one has a Stanley SL-6 main blade with Stanley ground off and Camillus etched on) and have seen several others with this blade configuration on eBay. Any help you can give me that will bring light on the situation will be appreciated.

This was Wallace Rockwell's response to my question:

"Hello Jerry,
Camillus did change the pen clip at some point. Not sure the reason for it but I speculate some salesman thought the smaller blade would increase sales. If Tom Williams was here he would know the answer.
Wallace"

Camillus_72_Backwards_blades.JPG
 
I sent Phil a PM to make him aware of this thread.

He'd definitely be the one to ask.
 
Thanks Frank. Tom would have also been one to ask (unless I'm mistaken, his mother is still alive) but unfortunately, as you know, Tom is no longer with us.
 
Frank is the Mod here, I am speaking only as forum member. But, I would take the whole thread to the Collectors forum and ask it in the Camillus section. You will likely get a quicker Phil response there....300
 
I'd considered that, but I was hoping I could get Phil to visit us. He's fun to listen to.
 
I looked for something to do with Camillus (I know how fussy you folks are with your P's & Q's) but couldn't find it. Please move the thread if that's what suits you.


Edit: Okay, I just went searching again and can't find anything that looks like or is labeled Collector Forum. Could someone please provide me with a link.
Thanks.
 
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I see no need to move the thread. But, it can easily enough be moved if you'd like it elsewhere. If you would like us to move it, leave a Visitor Message for Gary or me.
 
Sorry, but I can not give you a definitive answer on this! :o

As best as I can determine from the photo, this knife is late Camillus production, all work being done at the Factory.

My guess would be that it was a "close to the end" effort to consume existing parts. The parts inventory at Camillus was absurdly large, except in most cases, never enough to make a complete knife! Substitution of parts at least allowed some of these old parts could be used.

Most of the folding knife parts left at the auction were scrapped to the best of my knowledge. (Sad but true). Those that did get any discovered later that nothing useful could be built from them! I have seen quite a few knives that were assembled, but unfinished at the end, being sold on after the auction, in varying stages of amateur finishing. :p

By the way, Camillus referred to the "small clip" as a "Pen Clip".
 
Just FYI along the late works line. After the Camillus auction a few weeks passed and we had a few apparently home grown Bucks start showing up for sale. But, 'someone' thought that one of the Camillus guys got the parts at the auction and put them together at home. They were made so well and some even came in Buck boxes, and I said I would call them regular Camillus contract Bucks. Same parts and who knows same guy making them they were Camillus Bucks. I can't remember who 'someone' was. Maybe just me. 300Bucks
 
The guy who ran the Camillus Custom Shop sells Camillus knives on ebay. He states that he has assembled these knives in his home workshop from Camillus parts. Many have exotic handle material like sheep horn, LS Carbon Fiber, brightly colored G10 etc. I have bought quite a few of his knives and every one is assembled and finished to a level usually associated with full Custom knives. And, every blade is razor sharp.
To a collector these are not a 'true' Camillus, but for anyone who loves superb knives they are a real treat.
kj
 
Good stuff for sure kootenay!
Wallace Rockwell's knives are superb, built by him in his shop. Anyone wanting true Camillus Custom Quality should get one while they still can! Without his help, none of my ideas would have amounted to anything!!!
 
I have a couple of Camillus 72s that Wallace rehandled for me, one in Gold Lip Pearl and the other in pre-ban Elephant Ivory. His work is just superb. They are both outstanding works of art.
 
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