Traditionals in Camillus NY...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

Joined
Aug 4, 2013
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So, right across the street from the defunct Camillus knife factory, there is a knife shop started up by a person(s) that used to work at the knife factory. I think it's been there for a couple/few years now, but yesterday was my first time visiting it, (my living less than 10 miles away). Anyhow, most of everything in this little shop is dedicated as a Camillus knife museum, (items not being for sale, but rather for your visual enjoyment). As for what is for sale, not a whole lot, but what I felt to be a shame, was that much of the "for sale" items have been "restored". I don't mean like fixed because they were broken... I mean "restored" by being buffed to more than new condition. It seems the nice gent can't help himself from placing his old factory skills onto his merchandise. Almost all of his "for sale" knives have this bling dilemma to them. Many of the blade's markings had the distortion that often comes with heavy polishing. For users, okay, because they seem nice enough... But, if collecting is the goal, most will feel this place will not be a good source for buying specimens. Still, nice visuals, and a nice enough experience if one is nearby the location.

Btw, when I asked him about a particular Camillus Hawkbill, and if it was the original factory finish, (it looking too blingy), he said... "Well, I don"t know, I do restore a lot of the knives".
 
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I visited that shop in May of this year and came away with the same impression. The knives for sale were all polished up nice and it was pretty obvious they had been buffed. It would probably put a serious collector into shock.
I did pick up a couple of knives, one as a birthday gift for my techie son and the other out of nostalgia. The gift knife was modded by the fellow, the little Rimfire Classic I suspect was put to a buffing wheel.
What I did find really interesting is that he has an area of the shop dedicated to a little Camillus Cutlery Museum. He has on display a collection owned by an individual that wanted a place to store it and show it off. What a treasure trove it is! I took a few picks I'll post here. Definitely worth a look if you are in the area. Coincidentally it's 10 miles from my home also.
I won't mention the name as he does sell online, although I don't think he has a website.
Here's what I purchased.
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Here's a couple of pics of the display area.
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There's an event sponsored by the Camillus Collector Club coming up in August. I wish I could attend but we'll be in Santa Fe, NM.

Upcoming Event
Camillus Collector Show & Sale
Free Admission!!
A day dedicated to Camillus Cutlery knives, history, employees and collectors
Bring Items to Buy/Sell/Trade
Call 315-320-4122 for Vendor Table Information
Camillus Fire Department
Saturday, August 11th 2018
9:00am—3:00pm
5801 Newport Rd, Camillus, NY 13031
 
You know, with this man having the skills he learned at the Camillus factory, he could have judiciously done a less aggressive cleaning/light polishing and kept the knives looking factory original. But, his buffing is aggressive enough to have distorted stamped in markings, rounded edges/corners, caused overly mirror like finish surfaces, and distorted some of the bolsters.
I find it kind'a surprising/perplexing that a man such as this, having been in the knife world so long, failed to realize he was doing more harm than good with his "restoring".
Although it was the first time I had went to his shop, I did witness these things on the knives he displayed during the past couple of gun shows I attended, (where he had set up tables for his merchandise).
Yup, it's not like they all just look brand new, but that they look even more buffed and shiny than they ever would have looked from the factory. A very nice guy, but someone should hide this poor man's buffing equipment, for his own good, lol! ;)

And, a friend of mine and myself are aiming to attend that knife show on Aug 11th :)
Too bad you'll be out of town! :(
 
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Hiding that buffing wheel might be a good idea!
Yeah, I was bummed when I realized that I'd be away August 11 and would miss the event. The GEC Rendezvous is also going on the 9th through the 11th.
I think S street soldier , who lives in the area, was thinking about going to the Camillus event too. I'll miss the chance to meet him there too.
 
I know there is a Fall Gun Show mid September, but I will be down in NYC attending my daughter's wedding. I was tempted to ask her if she could change her wedding date so that I could attend the show, but then realized that may be asking too much, lol! ;)
 
Peregrin said:
Hiding that buffing wheel might be a good idea!
Yeah, I was bummed when I realized that I'd be away August 11 and would miss the event. The GEC Rendezvous is also going on the 9th through the 11th.
I think S street soldier , who lives in the area, was thinking about going to the Camillus event too. I'll miss the chance to meet him there too.
Click to expand...
As it stands now, I still plan on attending. I may be going out of town, but won’t know for sure until early next week.

John
 
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