Therefore, if your Camillus knives have these characteristics in their stamp text, they were most probably manufactured between the early 1930s tomid 1940s. Keep the knife in a dry and dark place, 2. I believe youre more interested in dating the vintage ones, though, so the other era guides on that list are best suited to your needs. Fortunately for those needing direction in this arena, Kabar knives have got your back. Did your Camillus knife go to the war? There are a few methods to date a case knife. KA-BAR has a history as a leading military knife producer. Buck Knife Collector's Forum; Camillus Cutlery Collector's Forum; Case Knife Collector's Forum; . From cutting rope to the skinning game, these blades are up for the job. Reply bysteve @ colonial knifeonMarch 23, 2014 at 15:12, this is a Ranger series Brand manufactured by Colonial for over 30 years-A true back bone of the Colonial brand-Colonial has only recently started dating their products with the year of manufacture beginning in 2006, Reply byCharles SampleonMarch 24, 2014 at 15:16. Thank you both so much for the welcome and for the information. If it has one, research the serial number on the blade to find out when it was made. Original WW2 US Navy KABAR MK2? Besides showing you how to date a Camillus knife properly, I also give some tips to avoid falling into the fake vintage Camillus knife scam. Yes, we should collect them, and if they were customized for the Army or Navy then it is definitely worth collecting. The sheath looks correct to me. Camillus versions come in 3 flavors - WW2, VN and post-contract loss versions. Thanks Steve, I really appreciate the informatiion. . This way, you can enjoy your vintage Camillus Kabar knife for many years to come. Numbers 40 to 59 represent the two blade pen knives. It may not display this or other websites correctly. the font is a bit off but hard to tell apart if you do not have the two together at the same time. A good collector will date his knife based on the serial number. The Utica is not a WW2 knife. Check out forums, websites, and other sources related to the knife to get more information and help with dating. Posted by Brad T. on December 10, 2012 at 14:19, Reply byWayne WhittedonDecember 19, 2012 at 17:41. Sharpening a Kabar knife is relatively straightforward. He started importing and selling German-made knives to his U.S. audience. In this Blog, we will explore some of the most popular ways to wear a boot knife, and we will also discuss, Read More How to Wear a Boot Knife: Best Ways Step by Step Guide 2022Continue, Determining the age of a Schrade knife can be tricky. Posted by Don "Cossack Gearhead" Godard on December 9, 2012 at 21:52, Reply byBrad T.onJanuary 4, 2013 at 15:14. While knives made after 1942 will be stamped with serial numbers, collectors often dont know the numerical sequence. camillus, then a short line from the letter A till the letter U, then new york , usa, its a 69 deluxe bone stockman. You have to be careful, so you dont end up losing a lot of money or getting a knife that you wont be able to use. The Camillus Cutlery company also produced: Newton knives; Robeson knives; Kabar knives; New Britain knives; Western knives; Here, youll have a line in both the upper and lower portion of the word CAMILLUS, But, the upper line doesnt reach the full length of the letters of the word CAMILLUS. I was wrong and evidently before his demise Mr. Cole was proven by Mr.Traska as being in error. Today KA-BAR produces not only combat knives, but high quality hunting knives, and all-purpose utility knives. Reply byWayne WhittedonDecember 19, 2012 at 17:55. So that boils down to how to date a Keen Kutter knife? So, match the description of the stamps with your Camillus right away. Charts , pictures anything you have to help members to find out more info on their knifes, Imperial knives was a manufacturer of affordable American folding knives founded in. Knifesee.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Learn about finding the right knife cutting professional for your kitchen needs. The disadvantage of trying to date a Camillus Kabar knife is that there isnt much information available about the manufacturers production history. Curiously enough, my knife does not have the Camillus trademark name stamp anywhere on the knife or the sheath. Camillus made the first batch, 50K in February 1943. The brand started using tang stamps early enough, making it easy to tell the age of a Camillus knife. So, without any further ado, lets get straight into this topic right away! Instead, he sought out a smaller cutlery brand in Camillus and joined the management team. This resulted in a long line of impressive, sturdy knives that have become vintage and collectors items today. A grail knife for me would be a WESTERN L-76. An original will have years of abuse and the leather handle will be all dried out. Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good! Tweet Once you have the right stone, using light pressure and long strokes, sharpen the blade from the base up to the tip. If you see that the text NEW YORK is carved over the U S A text and CAMILLUS is over NEW YORK, its probably been made somewhere between 1946 and 1955. Cracked Ice Celluloid, Reply bySue OldsWidowonDecember 10, 2013 at 12:49. The second step is to look for any markings or brand name stamps on the knife. ENTER PROMO CODE . . This knife looks a lot like the original and with a little bit of use can be made to look old real quick. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Way cool! My apologies. The handle is made of compressed leather washers layered over the tang, or handle extension. When WWI and WWII came along, Adolph shifted the focus of the company to cater to U.S. soldiers and the Allied Forces. Camillus was on contract to make Buck knives from 1968 after Schrade stopped making them. In addition to that, if that object contains any historical value, then your exhilaration wont find any limit. Cutco Corporation later acquired the company in 1996. Knives made by top companies were featured in catalogs that were either internally maintained or sent out to dealers and collectors. This will keep dust, dirt, and other particles from settling on the knife and damaging its finish. Most knives have a date code stamped along the blade. Here are the most common ways to date a Kabar knife. A similar issue occurs when dating the Kinfolks knife, but the chances of that error are slim. The logo can also provide clues as to the age of a Kab ar knife. For all that good, though, some bad actors have learned how to make fake Camillus knives and pass them off as vintage. If you want to remove a patina from your knife, Read More How to Remove Patina From Carbon Steel Knife: 7 Best WaysContinue, Its no secret that a well-maintained knife can perform better and last longer than one that is not taken care of. Is it possible to date it from the tang stamps? These blades are designed for hunting and fishing, offering a large range of features such as gutting hooks, saw teeth, or serrated edges. No matter the reason for wanting to date that blade, these methods will get you an accurate year or an era, at worst. The tang stamp is the easiest way to date and authenticates a Kabar knife. Well, thats why, in this article, Im going to tell you how to date a Carl Schlieper knife. Thanks. by Christian3309 Wed Jan 09, 2019 4:11 am, Post But their popularity and reputation have also made them famous among hobbyists and chefs alike. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums. A serial number can be found at the top of the blade. How Sharp Is a Scalpel? So, when you collect a Ka-Bar knife, dating the knife will create its own identity of historical involvement. on all the metal. There are times when an item becomes old and worn, but consider giving it a second chance before you toss it. Each digit represents a unique aspect of the knife. A knife tells a family story. Q: Where can I find more information on dating a Kabar knife? Actually, it's my itty-bitty Canon SD30 Digital Elph on the macro setting. They are a bit of a secret amongst Schrade sellers and buyers (most don't know the difference between them and the civilian versions; they are QUITE different). The Camillus Cutlery Company was one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States with roots dating back to 1876. This isn't all of them, but it is a well put together. How to Wear a Boot Knife? by Christian3309 Tue Jan 08, 2019 3:33 am, Post These lines identify the year the knife was made and the factory where it was made. After 1988, the Imperial tang stamps were discontinued and replaced by the Schrade name. Where neither is possible, its best to stay away. That's for sure Steve. Clean and sharpen the blade regularly with oil and a sharpening stone, 5. Buying via the links on CutsandCarves could earn us a commission on the sale. [1] In 1995, a version was released with a stainless steel blade, synthetic handle, and synthetic sheath marketed as "The Next Generation". The Camillus blade marked USMC would have been made in 1943-1944. They have earned a reputation as the most durable knives in the world. Same for the leather sheaths. Except for the first two, which are based on information from this forum, the date references are based on Goins Encyclopedia. Camillus was also notorious for sometimes mixing up the tang stamps. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I guess this is an ignorant question. Reply byRon CooperonDecember 19, 2012 at 19:28. Plus, like the previous tang text, it has also a hyphen between the word NEW-YORK. I'll leave it at this, there is some conjecture out there on what these knives might or might not be. By understanding the different types of blades, as well as how to determine the age of your knife, you can make sure that youre getting the best possible knife for your needs. Find Out Here! The buck knife could be an old item your father or, Read More How To Date A Buck Knife? Theres no line over the letters C and S. Kabar knives come in a variety of different styles and designs, so its important to know which one is right for you. This is usually where I first look at when dating knives. Hi everyone. Additionally, many Kabar knives feature a serrated edge which makes them useful for sawing wood or rope. This steel is harder than Japanese steel but softer than German steel. This can help you determine how old your knife is. Tidioute was later taken over & renamed the Union Cutlery Company which continued making the brand until Union eventually adopted it as the company name in 1952. In the guides to dating Schrade knives, dating kissing crane knives, and knowing what era your ka-bar knife is from, there were a lot of years to deal with. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How To Tell How Old A Barlow Knife Is? Finally, the last stamp appeared in 1989 and continued until bankruptcy in 2007. If so please post a Photo of this infamous enigmatic. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. With one exception, these all came from electrician's knives (i.e., TL-29 or signal corp. style knives). How can you date the knife to verify its authenticity? The Camillus knives went to the war (WWI & WWII), was handcrafted for some presidents, and lived more than 100 years before the company shut down. Kabar knives are a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and campers. Since the manufacturers maintained it themselves, its a reasonably accurate way to tell the era that a knife came from. A Comprehensive Guide, Best Kershaw Knife for 2022 EDC Gear for Everyone. Kabar is a trusted brand thats been around for decades. Steve Paolantonio, who is a member here now perhaps could add more to the story. Eventually, this particular company closed on February 28, 2007, and they went out of business because of the lack of proper management. But how would you know the value of a Carl Schlieper knife if you dont know when it was made? The only difference is whether they are stamped USMC or USN-MK2. It's sad because as knives go the Becker designs are about the easiest to produce. How To Date A Case Knife? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Unlike the previous one, there are periods between the letters of the word U.S.A. A Camillus Kabar Knife can be dated by the Camillus tang stamps from 1902 to 2007. Some shady knife enthusiasts might want to get the knife from you at a steal price or in a swap deal for something else. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Vietnam War w/Sheath & stone . I still like the celluloid scales, I wish they still made them! Vietnam Era 1-1967 Camillus Jet Pilot Survival Knife Original Sheath & Stone . From your picture that side of the knife usually has the "CAMILLUS NY" showing on that side of the blade stamped examples. With decades of experience under his belt, Adolph spearheaded the growth and expansion of the Camillus knife company into what we know it as today. I agree still a good deal and somewhat amazing isn't it? These include forums dedicated to collectors and experts discussing vintage knives and websites offering information and resources related to knives. Camillus Kabar knives typically have a series of numbers along with the company name stamped on them. Thanks everyone for your time! That's why he started contributing to this blog: to share all his experience and knowledge so that he can help people who are interested in DIY repair. Kabar knife company was founded in 1924, the year prohibition ended. by Christian3309 Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:23 pm, Return to KA-BAR Knife Collector's Forum, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited. by cbnutt Sat May 18, 2013 3:35 pm, Post There is an illustration titled "Camillus Knives - that went to war!" Camillus started making the JPSKs in 1959. First, its important to use the right sharpening stone as not all stones are suitable for all types of steel. The following web site is dedicated to military knives in general. I've learned to take John Goins' listings with a grain of salt. That is why,, Read More How to Date a Schrade Knife (+ Schrade Knife Collection Tang Stamp Chart)Continue, I have written different guides on how to date different knives to a specific era but this one is different. New info about Boker knife dating available! If you plan on storing your vintage Camillus Kabar knife, its a good idea to disassemble it and wrap the blade in an oiled cloth. You can identify the Camillus Kabar knife in three ways, such as: Adolph Kastor, the founder of the Camillus cutlery company, came to the U.S.A at the age of 14. The post-1976 Kabars have stamps that are both fairly deep and have broader letter segments. In a way, that's what differentiates Imperial who made minor changes in the tang stamp to get you closer in time frame. due to lack of interest in thetraditonal stockmans patterns-production ended in 2000. Terrific information, Posted by Ivars on December 10, 2012 at 5:50, Reply byIvarsonJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:37. The Camillus Cutlery company also produced: Their production capacity was expanded during the second world war when they had to manufacture a lot of high-quality knives to meet the needs of the soldiers shipping off to war. Probably won't happen. Camillus lists this knife as a WW2 Army Air Corps Utility Knife. Sometimes the knife itself is a treasure. 5.25" Bld KABAR US Pilot Survival Knife Ord. Gradually, he founded the Camillus knife company, and the knives from this company were used in WW1 & WW2. Maybe you found a buck knife from the closet that brought you here. So, with the help of these stamps, you can easily date a Camillus Kabar knife. Manage Settings Finally, be sure to clean your vintage Camillus Kabar knife after each use. by tongueriver Mon Mar 05, 2018 12:08 am, Post The knife company was resurrected in 2009, and they continue to use the last tang stamp till today. In 1985, the company became the Imperial Schrade Corporation. Additionally, several online resources can also provide invaluable information regarding determining the age of a Camillus Kabar knife. Did you get one from the chest in the attic? Good catch. Sold KA-BAR brand to Alcas 1996nother post: a great help, Knife Center: Free Shipping and No minimum this weekend. However, that beauty does come with some challenges in telling the exact era that the knife is from. Additionally, it is important to consider any physical indicators such as blade etching and handle materials when evaluating the age of a Camillus Kabar knife. The markings are found on the blade, near the handle. The company manufactured Camillus branded knives and was a prolific contractor for other knife brands up until its last days in 2007 when the company filed for bankruptcy. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe down the blade and handle, and lightly oil it again before storing. Powered by, Badges | Sometimes, it can be next to impossible to see where that knife was made unless you follow the serial number. You should always sharpen both sides of the knife equally, then finish off with a few strokes along the edge. If you own a vintage Camillus Kabar knife, its important to take proper care of it. Mike, Your email address will not be published. Apply a light coating of some type of preservative thin oil etc. How to Sharpen a Kabar Knife? The ricasso is the part of the blade just in front of the guard before you get to the end of the edge. Find out more below. Look for markings or other indicators to help determine your knifes age. Truth be known, I find the M3 knives from WWII the most fascinating and charming of the War knives, but I have never owned the KA-BAR type before. You mustve been excited to see any materialistic object that your grandfather or great-grandfather used. Kabar knives were first used for cutting tanks and armored vehicles in World War II. by Mossdancer Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:14 am, Post Kabar knives are famous in the outdoors community for their durability and quality. By all means gently arrest the problem. The Tang is the metal piece that runs from the back of the blade to its front, and this is where youll find the stamp. This is fantastic!. AAPK's Member Store Program. Additionally, make sure your hands are clean before handling the knife. After that dash-dotted line, you have the inscription CUTLERY Co NEW-YORK. Your email address will not be published. The main advantage of Dated a Camillus Kabar Knife is that it provides an accurate and reliable way of determining the age of your knife. If Camillus couldn't get those right, it makes me question the overall quality of their other offerings back in the early 2000's. If you dont go to knife shows, you might also have some luck with veteran knife collectors in your locale. Reply bySteve HanneronFebruary 1, 2013 at 15:49. These fakes are even made with materials that age fast, tricking you into thinking that the knife has indeed seen a lot of years. Similarly, Ka-Bar Knives, Read More How To Date A Ka-Bar Knife?Continue, My knife stamp looks just like the one at the top of this page: Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase . Heres What You Need to Know. In addition to that, in the word CAMILLUS, both the l and U and S are joined together. These days, Rick is still into fixing things- only now, he's doing it for a living. For example, the previous one has an underline below the word CAMILLUS, but the underline doesnt go below the full length of the letters of the word CAMILLUS. True, those origins are shrouded in a lot of poor occurrences but the knives stayed on to mark those eras and the good work of manufacturers in, Read More How to Tell the Age of a Marbles Knife by Yourself (5 Methods)Continue, If you have a Schrade knife that you maybe find in the attic or was passed down to you by an older person, you might be sitting on a nice collectors item there. Additionally, you should store your knife in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. We appreciate your understanding and hope that you will . $19.09 shipping. I agree. The turning point of his life was when he created a new path for himself when his uncles factory was not going well. If you are an outdoors person, then chances are you have heard of Kabar knives. I have a question though. With the screw on pommel the indications are that it is an early one. Just look at it and you would see the same thing. You dont identify that one. by eveled Sun Mar 04, 2018 8:31 pm, Post If you happen to have, Read More How to Date A Case Kodiak Knife by Yourself (Expert Advice)Continue, Of all the knives that I have ever tried to date, the Kinfolks remain one of the most beautiful. for when the various models came out.like when did the ever popular Classic first come out? You can use light mineral oil for this purpose, which should be applied liberally to the blade and wiped off with a soft cloth. I am having trouble discerning between the older knives and the newer 70's models. There is plenty of helpful resources available online, such as books and websites dedicated to providing detailed information about the different models and eras of Kabar knives. $550.00. Required fields are marked *. The only other way to perhaps get an approximate date is another collector who might be able to say, I bought that knife new in 1960! You can jump to the following sections if youre in a hurry, but I would advise that you dont skip this part. A change was made in June 1960 to weld the pommels to the tang end. A family-owned business from the Columbia River Gorge. Again, a new 3-line stamp was introduced in 1946, and it continued until the mid-1950s. Simply put, youll have, Read More How To Date A Carl Schlieper Knife?Continue, From finding new methods of tempering steel to supplying knives for the troops in war, buck knives have a rich history. Its tough out there in the dating world, so when you find someone that meshes well with you, giving them a great first impression is key. Knowing the age of your knife can also give you a better understanding of its value and how to care for it properly. Camillus knives are one of my most favorites knives to date. Camillus knives were manufactured for 135 years and it would be beyond our ability to provide warranty support on all of these products. Checking the knife markings on Kabar knives can help you naturally date the knives. Looking at the fullness of the blades I would say that it is certainly worth a re-handle and clean up. With proper care, a Kabar knife will last you a lifetime and provide many years of cooking enjoyment. It does, however, have a small "Japan" stamped in the blade at the hilt. A good knife is tailored to fit YOUR needs. on page 186/187 of The Standard Knife Collectors Guide 4th Edn. If I am honest, theyre not the only ones to make this mistake. There seem to be a lot of issued knives from various sources since then. If so, then that can be a little more confusing. Sharpening a Kabar knife is relatively straightforward. So here's a start at that; if you see errors or have other comments, let me know and I will edit as appropriate. Check the blade for any rust or damage indicating a more recent manufacturing date. But how can you be sure that the knife youre buying is a genuine article? $61.00 + $10.85 shipping. Enjoy! So I just got my Kabar! (There are more pictures of it posted under my photos. Following these steps should help you determine the age of your Camillus Kabar knife. Keep in mind that these knives are still known for their antiquity all over the world. Kabar knives often have a serial number stamped on the blade (if they do, its usually near the guard). Reply byCraig HenryonDecember 20, 2012 at 16:31. Do likewise with all the leather using good products. The tang stamp on a Kabar knife is stamped on the top of the blade, near the butt of the knife. You can irreparably damage your blade if you remove the patina carelessly, so follow these steps to do it safely and correctly. [7] Yes, it is a WW2 Kabar 1219C2. 1.1 Look for the knife markings. Thank you so much for dropping in today, you guys are the bees knees! . US However, he began both exporting and selling German knives to his U.S.A customers. Kabar knives have been around since 1927, and with good reason. Additionally, some models were produced by other companies using similar models and designs, making it impossible to pinpoint an exact date for any particular knife. Additionally, seeking out an expert in cutlery or antiques may provide you with additional help in identifying your knife. Kabar knives are widely-known for their high-quality blades, which are hand sharpened using Japanese steel. Follow these steps to date the Ka-bar knife this way: Ka-Bar knife with markings Step 1: Identifying the Markings Look around the knife for markings on the body. Posted by Wayne Whitted on December 19, 2012 at 17:48. Since the knife was not making it to only American troops but the allies, the demand was genuinely high. JavaScript is disabled. Knowing the age of your knife is an important part of collecting, and it can also give you a better understanding of its history. For example, the letters A &S from CAMILLUS, R from CUTLERY, and O from the COMPANY are black. Copyright 2004-2023 allaboutpocketknives.com. by eveled Fri Mar 09, 2018 12:12 pm, Post Oct 23, 2010. The older a knife is, the more valuable it, Read More How To Date A Cattaraugus Knife?Continue, If you happen to find an old Keen Kutter knife, then congratulations, you have one of the most sought-after knives in hand. We shall see if I am full of it or not this time. This article will provide an overview of how to close a Gerber knife and the pros and cons, Read More How To Close Gerber Knife: Best Ways 2022Continue, You usually work hard to get a patina on your blade, but there are some situations where you might want to remove it. But how can you tell if a Kabar knife is older than 20 years old? All You Need to Know About The Symbols, Dots & Stamps. After more than two decades (1897) in this business, importation costs for the knives were getting higher and wiping out Adolphs profits. I have long line (1960 - 1976) knives (69 and 21 patterns) with bone handles that make me shrug. Cracked Ice Celluloid. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This can be particularly helpful for collectors and those interested in the history of Camillus Kabar knives, as it allows you to accurately date your piece and ensure that no two pieces are exactly alike.