Question for Phil re: Demo Knife

[Jumbi]

A friend of mine was telling me that while assigned as an officer in the 82nd AB he was issued a "Demolition" knife, or "Demo" as they referred to it. Although he kept his after leaving the service he has since lost it and would like to replace it. Have info suggesting the knife is a Camillus. Need to know the model, price, etc. Can you help?
Thanking you in advance.

 

[bruce]

I would also like to know what a "Demo" knife is. I have seen the term in print before but not a description of picture. I wonder if it is different than the standard steel sided Army pocket knife I issued to my troops for their tool boxes?

 

[ghostsix]

It has a spear point and a locking screwdriver blade.Mine is made by Imperial.It has black plastic scales.
And, I`m glad that you brought it up, because it had some white crystiline junk on the scales.I havn`t blown anything up in a few years.
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[This message has been edited by ghostsix (edited 06 April 1999).]

 

[Phil Gibbs]

Jumbi & bruce,

I don't think Camillus produced a "Demo" knife, but I could be wrong!! I'll look into it & post if I find anything out.

ghostsix,

I have seen those Imperials before, but did not know they were for "Demo" work. What classifies them as Demo, or is it a caes of "using what your given"?
I am sure I could find some stuff for you to blow up if it will help your cutlery maintenance!

 

[trz]

The real "demo" knife from the early 1960's is such a rare bird you may never find one for sale. If you do be prepared to pay over $2000.00 for it. It was made for the Special Forces during Vietnam. It was made from non-magnetic and non sparking materials, not steel. The copper blade dulled very quickly. It was never approved for issue.
The knife commonly refered to as the "demo" knife today is nothing more then the all stainless steel U.S. marked 4 bladed scout type utility knife. Properly known as the mil-k-818c. These knives are issued in demolition kits hence the name. The knife with two blades one of which is a locking screwdriver is actually a TL-29. Is is a Signal Corps / electrician knife hence the TL, Tool, Lineman, number 29. It is not a demo knife, although it could be used for one the blades make an improper size hole for the blasting cap. The original demo knife and the mil-k-818c using the awl blade do a nice job of cap setting.
As for the original question, the knife you are probably looking for is made currently by Camillus with the model number of 1706 I believe. Around $15.00 should buy you a brand new one. The main cutting blades have been dated since 1957. If your friend is looking for a specific date the prices could go considerably higher.

Frank Trzaska