Question About The Classic USAF Pilots Knife Regarding Value

sergemaster · Aug 8, 2011

I have in my collection two Air Force Pilot Survival knives that I picked up but never used during the 1990's. One was made by the now defunct Camillus, and the other I believe by the sheath design, by Ontario.

Question is I am trying to determine their value if any, before I decide introduce one of them back into my fixed blade rotation but here's the snag.

I know that both Ontario and Camillus both used to add to the side of the butt cap, the year it was made and that's where I've run into a brick wall.

The Camillus has no dates at all whatsoever marked on it anywhere except for their logo plus NY near the hilt of the blade. As for the Ontario, that's completely sterile. Not even their logo is stamped anywhere near the hilt of the blade.

So are these one of a kinds, or late manufactures? Plus the million dollar question is CAN I use them or should I put them to the side and pick up either a used Camillus or a new manufacture Ontario?

Cheers,
Serge

sven56 · Aug 9, 2011

You need to provide a photo of the tang stamping of the Camillus. Ontario never made a blade stamped JPSK. If it is an Ontario, it should be marked on the side flat of the pommel...check closely. I'm guess since you didn't mention it that neither sheath is marked on the back? You should get full knife shots also of both knives. Crop off all that excess background and tie down cord.

sergemaster · Aug 10, 2011

Well I looked again very closely on the Ontario, and I did find a date as well as their logo with the date of 5-94. As for the Camillus it has no date on the pommel..

Did Camillus stop dating their Pilot Knives sometimes in the 1990's or could this be a fluke on their part so possibly some worth to collectors?

Cheers,
Serge

corwise · Aug 10, 2011

I'll fully admit to not knowing the specifics of the USAF survival knife. That being said, I remember buying two of them in the 90s as well, and they were only $20 each. You can still pick them up at the BX (although they're probably a few bucks more). What I'm saying is that I doubt they're worth anything more then users. So use them, they're good knives. That being said, if someone knows I'm wrong please pipe up.

Frankki · Aug 10, 2011

I had one by Camillus, got it right after they went belly up. No date on the pommel either. My thought was that it was probably one from a commercial run. Came in the standard cardboard box as well and I don't think issued knives were delivered that way. Both Camillus and Ontario have had the mil contract to produce these over the years. Value probably isn't very high as so many have been made in the standard configuration.

moxie · Aug 10, 2011

Can't imagine they are worth much as collectibles as they are ultra-cheap knives to begin with and virtually worthless as working knives. Cheap junk, in other words. Couldn't give them away in Vietnam. The Air Force was never big on knives. The pilot's orange handle switchblade is even worse. You would have to be nuts to carry it in the pouch provided in the crotch of a flightsuit! The Camillus stainless camp knife's blade is junk. Like trying to sharpen peanut butter. The other tools on it are actually OK. Best of the bunch is the Camillus electrician's knife. Carried one for many years. You can actually put an edge on that knife, but it won't hold it for long. Cutting through one nylon strap will dull it badly. It's long screwdriver blade is what makes the knife useful for opening panels, tightening fasteners, etc. The Air Force has really let us down over the years with low bid junk.

Brules1 · Aug 10, 2011

I have one like the one in the bottom of your picture. I believe I paid $35 for it. Just my opinion, but I think it's probably worth around $50+.
I don't plan to use mine, I have many other knives that would work much better.

sven56 · Aug 10, 2011

sergemaster said:
Well I looked again very closely on the Ontario, and I did find a date as well as their logo with the date of 5-94. As for the Camillus it has no date on the pommel..

Did Camillus stop dating their Pilot Knives sometimes in the 1990's or could this be a fluke on their part so possibly some worth to collectors?

Cheers,
Serge

Camillus stopped contracting them in 1989, I believe. Blade marked examples are either made before early 1967, or post 1989 commercial. How it is marked will help determine which you have, that's why I asked about a picture. Sounds like it might be the latter.
Either one might go for around $30 to $60 on ebay these days, the Camillus likely being more in demand even though it may be commercial. Neither are rare. They really weren't that bad as a field knife, although people tend to love them or hate them. Most who hate them couldn't figure out how to properly sharpen one. Sure, they're not high tech, and the saw is marginally only good for one thing, but they're still way ahead of most eastern bloc military knives.