Question for CAMCO....

Kestrel64

Kestrel64

Joined
Jun 30, 2006
Messages
256
Hello...I was referred to this site through the general discussion forum, I am new to the site here and fairly new to knife collecting. Yesterday I bought an old Camillus American Wildlife series knife and I was wondering if you could tell me what year it was made and anything else pertinent. I did call Camillus, and they were helpful, but couldn't give me any real answers.

The knife is a "texas toothpick" style fishing knife. One blade is stainless and says Camillus, stainless, USA on the bottom stamped in. The words "American Wildlife" run down the blade as well. The other side of the blade has "32" stamped onto it. This blade also has what appears to be a fish scaler blade on the tip. The second blade of the knife has an interesting possibly brass liner lock on it. This blade is a little flexible and appears to possibly be a carbon steel filet knife...it has no markings on it.

The knife itself has silver ends and the middle is "stag" handled. There is an oval with a blue laquer and a silver "bass" on it. The knife is in really good condition and sharpened up very nicely. Anything you could tell me about it would be much appreciated....many thanks!
 
Kestrel, I'm sure Camco will be along to fill in any gaps, but here is what I can offer. I see the knife way back in the 1978 mini-catalog; it being a part of the 'American Wildlife Series'. The little pewter Bass emblem/shield by artist Sid Bell. The catalog goes on to say the blades are stainless steel. I dug out my own issue of this fine knife, I like it as it is the only Texas Toothpick I've ever seen with two full sized blades, and it came in a nice presentation box. The handles are ivory colored delrin. Yes, the second blade is more flexible than the main blade.
Phil
 
Thanks...that gives me a year it is from anyways. Mine didn't have a box...but it is in very fine shape...I cleaned it up nicely last night...a really nice knife IMO. :)
 
The model #32 folding fish knife was part of the American Wildlife series that also included the models #10, #17, #1006 (fixed blade fillet knife) and #11. The flexible blade is a fillet blade. Phil already provided a good description of the model #32.

Sid Bell made the pewter inserts for the American Wildlife knives. Sid Bell also known as "The Alaskan Silversmith" lived in Tully, NY and occasionally visited the Camillus factory.

Tom Williams
 
Thanks much to the both of you...I really like the knife...it is really unusual and has a great feel to it.
 
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