Quality of old camillus slipjoints,

Texaspridejb

Texaspridejb

Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
523
Hi guys, I was wondering what the general consensus of overall quality of camillus slipjoints, or more specifically the grand daddy Barlow. Thanks in advance.
 
Camillus had several different brands under which their knives were sold. Some were top of the line, like Sword, and others were less expensive, like Camco, Syracuse, Clover, Kent. Overall I'd say the Camillus quality is very strong across the board. Do you have an idea of approximately how old the knife you're looking at is?
 
The stamp is well worn but looks like one that was used in the 60s and 70s. I do find the model listed in a 1972 catalog. I don't see it in a 1965 catalog but that doesn't prove anything on its own. Perhaps a search into when the #9 Daddy Barlow was made with delrin would help narrow it down.

In any case, the quality of the knives from that time is fine in my mind. If it's still in good shape I'd say it's a good knife. Just one man's opinion.
 
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Camillus quality is right up there-it's a terrible shame that Camillus was to close its doors. Sword Brand were just great in quality- but by buying a knife on auction is hard-and it all depends on how the knife was used and looked after, mostly they come from an era where these grand old knives were simply tools.
It's my personal opinion that Camillus are extremely good knives. Even the more cost effective sub brands were made well-but with perhaps cheaper scales etc.
 
I'm a huge fan of Camillus' quality. Hopefully Phil Gibbs will stop by and add his .02. He is probably the best person to ask.
As my friend Mike likes to say "Camillus didn't make junk".
 
Here's a Sword cigar. Bolsters have been cleaned but otherwise in pretty good shape. 4 1/4 closed. It's the only Sword I own, but I wouldn't pass up another if one came my way.

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For what it's worth, the seller of the grand daddy barlow is a member here and a good guy.
 
I have that same knife Mike. one of my grandfather's. I can't be certain because both blades are sharpened to less than an inch. but the frame, shield and stamp are the same. and I have never seen a bad Camillus knife.
 
Here's an old 4-line Camillus "Coke Bottle" Jack with a Saber grind. Nice old knife

Jason



 
Texas: i really dig that main blade, the shape is absolutely perfect and symmetrical. The swedge sets it apart.
 
Camillus produced the 300 series of Buck knives until - I want to say the 80's. At any rate, if you've held an older Buck with the long pulls then you've seen Camillus quality.
 
MarkPinTx said:
I have that same knife Mike. one of my grandfather's. I can't be certain because both blades are sharpened to less than an inch. but the frame, shield and stamp are the same. and I have never seen a bad Camillus knife.
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Nice family treasure. Hard to imagine all of the things that knife has cut over the years.

Jason, real nice one. I love the grinds and pattern. Not sure I've seen any coke bottles with two blades.

Thanks Duncan!
 
I estimate the Big Daddy Barlow to have been made early 70's.
The Delrin handle is held on with plastic studs rather than the earlier handle rivets, and the bolsters appear to be carbon steel.
Congrats, you seem to have gotten a pretty good deal too!
 
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