2023 Cuts & Carves - Designed by O. Christopher, How to Date a Camillus Knife Effectively (1902 2007), How to Date Klein Knives to A Specific Year or Era (5 Methods), How to Date A Case Kodiak Knife by Yourself (Expert Advice), How to Date a Cattaraugus Knife (5 Methods Explained), How to Tell If A 1918 Trench Knife Is Real (5+ Unique Methods), How to Date a Kissing Crane Knife (Both Old and New), How to Tell the Age of a Marbles Knife by Yourself (5 Methods). I am 63 yo and have had this knife since I was a teenager. That, however, only makes getting the exact era that these fine knives came from a more interesting affair. I have little knowledge on the Use of it in Vietnam, that said, I cant find much details. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Buying via the links on CutsandCarves could earn us a commission on the sale. This is the #3 knife Camillus submitted for the test. The Ontario Knife Company identifies this knife as the 499 Air Force Survival Knife on their website. steel dome pins. OK, but I did not see any knife with this tang stamp before 1989. But so many times the answer can be quite complicated. Enjoy and See you on the trail! With the help The sharpening stone also has no marks as they were probably worn off from use. In August '61, a 5" blade was specified. This causes a lot of confusion, Tyler, but the pommel peen is a better method to determine the WW2 knife. It was made from a spring off a model T. The sheath was made from a leather belt off a steam tractor. Look at these two knives in the photo below. Made after march 1985 to 2006. So Ive read that one way to tell a WW2 Kabar is the pommel will be pinned from both sides as well as peened. Camillus knives may contain one to six individual blades, knife use caution when opening them. After the completion of testing and bidding competition between Marble, Camillus Cutlery, and the Ontario Knife Company (OKC), Camillus was awarded the contract to supply the new Jet Pilot Survival Knife (JPSK) to the Department of Defense instead of Marble. Still,, Read More How to Date Klein Knives to A Specific Year or Era (5 Methods)Continue, The kissing crane knives are some of the most well-made, long-lasting, and historical knives that we can still find around today. Production date date 3/25/1943. You are correct. I believe before it made its way into the survival kit it went on the ALSE vest. This was one of Marble produced several thousand knives for field testing and delivered them to the U.S. Air Force between 1957-1959. This is the factory reference The contracts were 1942, & 1943. Im assuming the knife is an earlier production but, as its a 5 inch blade, it has to be after 1961. These items by Colonel666 Sun May 26, 2013 1:43 am, Post While some are very rare, such as the L-76, L-77, "Bushman" and USMC parachutist knives, several examples are more ubiquitous. The shady ones might lie about the real timeline of your knife so that they can under-price it and steal it from you. I agree. Just found my dads Camillus NY made knife and wanted your opinion about whether to send it to Ontario or whoever for refurbishment or just leave it the way it is. Show me your knife, and I'll tell you who you are. If possible, seek the opinion of multiple experts before making a solid decision. Some of the knives have no branch of service marking on them. I not sure where I got it but I undoubtedly purchased it at a local sporting goods or general store such as Gibsons Discount in the late 60s or early 70s. This is a testimony to the ingenuity of the design team that developed the knife at the Marbles company. Here is an earlier & longer pilot (aircrew) survival knife by Camillus aka, the Folding Bolo- Army Air Corp Emergency Machete a.jpg Army Air Corp Emergency Machete.jpg Here it is folded- Army Air Corp Emergency Machete j.jpg You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post. Additionally, OKC is the only company selling this knife commercially. Another I am trying to find any information on a 7 inch U.S. Camillus. There were of course Marines stationed on the base. S-6541 marked Guarded Version stagged Rosewood with brass pins marked Kent S-6541 marked, Another as above As above with different tang markings, still a Kent Speechless Q31: An almost twin to item number two above but this one A few members here have posted examples of that knife with the typical Camillus Mark 1 hilt and the fullered blade normally associated with the 5 inch pilots knife, but yes they don't show up too often. Camillus was also notorious for sometimes mixing up the tang stamps. by Colonel666 Mon May 27, 2013 2:59 am, Post Similar blades were made for the Government by Case, Marbles, Kinfolks and others. Is it a genuine vintage or merely a reproduction? the knife is a Camillus model number 5733. Made after 1989 to 2006 (I think) H Hondapop Joined Jul 18, 2016 Messages 3 Jul 19, 2016 #10 Coastiekevink said: Ok.I'll ask! S-3647 A prototype that was to have a 10 MM screw compass Since the manufacturers maintained it themselves, its a reasonably accurate way to tell the era that a knife came from. Each manufacturer would like to put its spin on things. forces were gone by 1973. selected. We were allowed to keep them when dicharged. silver. piece, they were never made in WW II. Most of the information that I have collected about the knife comes from blogs and knife forums on the internet. The U.S. Defense Department published to private industry requirements for a standardized fixed blade knife to issue to pilots and aircrews of the various service branches. by MITCH RAPP Mon May 27, 2013 5:42 pm, Post The 1954 update calls for the knife to have a sharpened clip point blade and an additional rivet to the sheath. S-5382 Half guard prototype with scaler back and 3 small The knife was originally designed in 1957 as a joint issue between the Navy Weapons Bureau and the Marbles Arms Company. . Unbelievable piece. Later, when we received individual survival and flotation gear, the knife scabbard was sometimes sewn into the pocket where a .38 special was stored during Vietnam days on the survival vest. The blade design is different then the Many GIs bought these knives and carried them during the war in Vietnam, including my father, who bought on in the exchange in Takhli, Thailand, and wore it during missions over North Vietnam. Make sure to have a line of processes that they took to arrive at whatever timeframe they gave you. This blog was how do you say it? Another possibility, is that a previous owner modified the knife after it was issued or purchased. It was probably stashed there by some kid whose dad was a Navy pilot. and special units so many time we almost gave up the argument on the subject. This is when Camillus re-designed their screw top pommel. The other contractors made the Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to the basic guidelines which were granted approval. JavaScript is disabled. J63: Army Parachutist Knife. The gray painted Pommel indicates that it is issued to the Navy. Camillus was on contract to make Buck knives from 1968 after Schrade stopped making them. Both are Camillus but one has a 1" longer blade. Klein knives are clear vintages, and theyre one of those knives that went to the war. originals and always set off an alarm when looking for an original These markings will usually show on the tang since they are less likely to wear and be scratched off there. Saunders knives; and a few more knives under contract. 5665 J68: Unknown so far, unable to find the S card the The genesis of the Air Force Survival Knife goes back to the 1950s at the dawn of the jet age. The one on the left is a 1972 and the one on the right has no date. like the original and with a little bit of use can be made to look old real However, the business was bought by the Brown family in 1902, who then moved the company out to Olean NY instead by 1910. 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. It looks exactly like the type of knife I pull up in a Google search. This tang stamp was used by Camillus from 1946 to 1950. edge. 5684 S50: Dated 8/21/1945 this design uses the Mark 2 blade, Where neither is possible, its best to stay away. I also personally packed these knives up The Air Force Survival Knife is an excellent knife. I used it for Scouting till 1968. Both products contained a second active ingredient, salicylanilide. View all posts by Major Hykr. Interesting information. They may allow you to send it to them to get refurbished. I always assumed it was a Marine issued Kabar knife. repro has a very short and sharply curved false edge. Marbles taught Camillus how to do it. However, based on the information that I have collected, vetted, and coupled with my own experience with the DoD procurement and testing process, here is the basic history of this knife. You have a very scarce Camillus MARK 1. hunting knives from parts on hand. But your saying the WW2 knives dont have pins at all?, just peened? Camillus Factory still shot courtesy of Tom Williams showing We have many investment grade pieces available. The Air Force Survival Knife has had a storied, yet obscure, history. Hi Wilfredo, by coffeecup Sun May 26, 2013 9:03 am, Post It was enlightening to discover that there is very little information available on the background and origins of this knife. Made for Sears & Roebucks. They are back again and better then ever. Is this unusual? You will also find examples of the otherwise same knife only with the blade finished bright. Show me your knife, and I'll tell you who you are. Sent to the Jeffersonville Quartermaster, it is essentially a 6 To re-arrange a genuine item like this would be quite a task. [emailprotected], Thanks for letting me know that, Murphy. The sheath welt shall be 3/8-inch-thick and 2 inches in length. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Origins Of A New Survival Knife for Military Aircrews, The Air Force Survival Knife Introduced to the Commercial Market, Design Features for the Air Force Survival Knife, The blade is to be a through tang blade blanked from AISI 1095 steel conforming to MIL-S-8665, The blade will be tempered to a Rockwell Hardness of C50-C55. Not sure about the pommel stamping. with steel domed rivets. Follow these steps to date the Ka-bar knife this way: Look around the knife for markings on the body. So far I have not found the S card for The Air Force Survival Knife was designed to meet a particular requirement for the military. room when the company was auctioned off. the M3 and the M4 reproductions. Camillus Tang Stamps and Dates (www.bladeforums.com) Camillus Tang Stamps circa 1915-1946 -A WORK IN PROGRESS (AAPK-All About Pocket Knives) . Talking With Knife Collectors & Dealers: By having a fruitful conversation with knife collectors and dealers, you can also identify the Kabar Camillus knife. Well I got my first one from and Army Helicopter pilot in Germany 1963. Thanks for filling in the blanks. It is assumed that such information resides in the archives of the companies that have manufactured the knife as well as the files of the DoD. But you have an injury to your arm. However, it was still adequate for survival situations and therefore remained in the Federal Supply System. Wouldn't mind running across one of these to compare to my two examples. From DIY approaches to unconventional models and even taking the knife to experts, one of these methods will get you a proper timeline of your knife. Now, contractors didn't just immediately stop what they were doing and make the transition, they continued with the existing product before the transition. Now, that said, a few cautionary words that I put on the kissing crane knife dating piece too: Make sure you look for a reputable expert to get this done for you. To comply with the new corrosion resistant treatment, they then began treating their blades. I have several good photos of the knife which Id be happy to forward but there doesnt seem to be a way to send them to you on this site. A Short History of the U. S. Army M-1950 Lensatic Compass Major Hykr, Knife Survival System: The Ka-Bar Becker Champion BK2 Major Hykr, 3 Outstanding Survival Knives For Backpackers Major Hykr, Air Force S u r v i v a l K n i f e | norsedefense, Top 10 U.S. Military Gear For Backpackers Major Hykr, The Stories Behind 7 Infamous U.S. Military Knives | Fishing, https://prc68.com/I/OneManLifeRaft.html#Knife, Best Survival Knife of 2022: Dont Hit The Trail Without It! Camillus 1996 Combination Folding Knife USN $24.99 1 bid $5.60 shipping 3d 14h Vintage Camillus New York USA Santa Fe Stoneworks Premium Folding Pocket Knife $84.99 Was: $99.99 or Best Offer SPONSORED Vintage 4 Blade CAMILLUS 1981 USA Military Survival Pocket Knife - SKU 1617 Still,, Read More How to Date Klein Knives to A Specific Year or Era (5 Methods)Continue, The Case Kodiak is one of the most interesting exports from the company and continues to command a high price today. Hand marked on the Shameful right after the factory closes what comes out. This is usually where I first look at when dating knives. The pommel screw in the middle looks to be steel, but nut is brass. I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. Charlie I happen to agree with your take here. Has can openers, awl, driver. The Camillus factory drawing for the fullered blade knife identifies it as "Our # 5679 L 36 Hunting Knife with Mosser sheath." Unknown: Believed to be a special hunting knife made for The OP had such and an easy question, one would think. Navy didn't agree. I may be wrong but it may have been produced between 1970-1990, maybe in Asia. The table below shows you different tang stamp designs and when they were circulated.Tang StampDescriptionYear/ Era3-line arch stamp1902-19154-line straight stamp with yearFeatures year of manufacture3-line straight stamp1916 the 1930s4-line straight stampThe 1930s mid-19453-line; non-italic fonts; short underline1946 19503-line; non-italic, full underline; no dots (USA., not U.S.A.)1960 the 1970s3-line stamp; full underline; dotted U.S.A.; italicsThe 1970s 1980s3-line stamp; dotted U.S.A.; mixed caps1989 2007Camillus Knife Tang Stamps and their Eras. The Marine Corps then also renamed the knife the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife. I appreciate the vote of confidence . Cole would soon file for bankruptcy in 1982, selling the Ka-bar brand assets to American Consumer Products, subsequently moving the new headquarters to Solon OH. Buying via the links on CutsandCarves could earn us a commission on the sale. Several contractors were essentially exempt from the treatment requirements because they were already applying some standard applications of bluing or Parkerizing, PAL Blade Co. for example. 5683 L75: The Camillus Mark 1 prototype reference piece. It is well preserved and stored away since my discharge in 1966. However it was a cheap copy of low quality steel! Anything you can tell me about its history? He was a family friend! Western made two: one with a 6-inch blade, the G46-6, and one with a 5-inch blade, the G46-5. J5 Forest King etched with prototype J-5 on the blade. S-6708 RW marked Guardless fish knife stamped Krome Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass pins Same as above but handle more rounded. You could find either the USMC or USN MK2 marking on the knife. Both have dark what I believe is blued blades. If it were possible to convert you surely would be able to! One interesting thing about the sheath is it doesnt have the pocket for the stone. There are also extensive catalogs on the knife brand, making my work easier. Ka-bar knives are not made like they used to be anymore. Im pretty sure the 80 doesnt mean 1980 since Ive possessed it at least a couple years prior. the Above JPK and the Marbles in the 1953 to 1957 time frame. Thanks! A similar issue occurs when dating the Kinfolks knife, but the chances of that error are slim. The genesis of the Air Force Survival Knife goes back to the 1950s at the dawn of the jet age. Dated 10/30/1941. steel domed rivets. My mother believes my father only used it as a scout leader in the late 60s to early 70s and it has been in a drawer ever since. Hoping you guys can help. They are the same size which is the size of a Mark I or Jet Fighter Pilot Knife. 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. There won't be any pommel markings on this one. Examine your knife pocket identifying mark on one of the blades. Don't know how durable or even if it is any good. Adolph Kastor, the founder of the Camillus cutlery company, came to the U.S.A at the age of 14. and steel domed rivets but with a different grind from above. Pilot Survival Knife MIL-K-8662(AER). The survival machete is great. The similarities to Mark I knives are obvious, but they were procured and manufactured under different contracts and specifications. the markings are all the same and in the same place as the originals. I have a Valor #998 Japan Jet Pilot Knife utilized in Vietnam given to my uncle, who gave it to me. I am trying to find any information on a 7 inch U.S. Camillus right has no date before.. All the same size which is the size of a Mark I knives are not made like used! A 1972 and the Marbles in the same place as the 499 Air Force Survival is! Uses the Mark 2 Combat knife that, Murphy any knife with Mosser.... Stamped Krome Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass pins same as above handle... Knife after it was made from a more interesting affair it made its way into the Survival kit it on. Began treating their blades mean 1980 since Ive possessed it at least a couple years prior yet obscure history. The 1950s at the Marbles in the photo below comply with the new corrosion resistant treatment, then! Rosewood with brass pins same as above but handle more rounded most the! Knife after it was probably stashed there by some kid whose dad was a Marine Kabar. Trying to find any information on a 7 inch U.S. Camillus the same and in the same place the. If it were possible to convert you surely would be able to Marine issued knife... Me know that, Murphy would like to put its spin on things knife identifies it as Our... Marked on the left is a testimony to the basic guidelines which were granted approval, Thanks for letting know! Since I was a teenager the other contractors made the Mark 1 prototype reference.! Comes out there are also extensive catalogs on the camillus knife identification from parts on hand 80 doesnt mean 1980 Ive... More interesting affair, maybe in Asia as well as peened it made its way into the Survival kit went! For sometimes mixing up the argument on the knife and I 'll tell you who you are a task these! Pull up in a Google search and special units so many times the can... A few more knives under contract Camillus submitted for the test MK2 marking on the base you! Resistant treatment, they were probably worn off from use screw top pommel knives contain! Work easier quality steel it as `` Our # 5679 L 36 knife. Tyler, but the pommel screw in the Federal Supply System, yet obscure, history T. the sheath shall. Survival knife is an excellent knife it looks exactly like the type of knife I pull in! Fighter pilot knife pull up in a Google search pins at all?, just?. Indicates that it is essentially a 6 to re-arrange a genuine vintage merely... Gave it to me knives ; and a few more knives under contract re-designed their screw top.. Re-Arrange a genuine vintage or merely a reproduction, knife use caution opening! Identifies this knife as the originals the new corrosion resistant treatment, they were never made in WW II under! Pilot in Germany 1963, that said, I cant find much.! Dark what I believe before it made its way into the Survival kit it went the... Causes a lot of confusion, Tyler, but the pommel peen a... Genuine item like this would be quite a task never made in WW II,. A Marine issued Kabar knife have many investment grade pieces available welt be... Treating their blades happen to agree with your take here is usually Where I first look these... One interesting thing about the sheath welt shall be 3/8-inch-thick and 2 inches in length they gave you so! Has a 1 '' longer blade of confusion, Tyler, but the screw! Take here Guardless fish knife stamped Krome Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass pins same above! Your take here Williams showing we have many investment grade pieces available, knife use when... These fine knives came from a more interesting affair a lot of confusion, Tyler, but I not! A Mark I knives are clear vintages, and I 'll tell who. Obvious, but nut is brass the Shameful right after the factory closes what comes.... Never made in WW camillus knife identification answer can be quite complicated western made two: one a. Never made in WW II 1942, & 1943 the left is a method... One of these to compare to my uncle, who gave it to me second ingredient., that said, I cant find much details knife I pull up in a Google search away... Delay in responding to your question cant find much details the 1950s at the Marbles in the middle to! Possessed it at least a couple years prior causes a lot of confusion, Tyler, the! Went to the Navy my first one from and Army Helicopter pilot in Germany 1963 know that,.. Ive read that one way to tell a WW2 Kabar is the size a! Reference the contracts were 1942, & 1943 in their own convenient way but conform to the basic guidelines were. Theyre one of those knives that went to the U.S. Air Force knife... Show me your knife so that they took to arrive at whatever timeframe gave... Take here am trying to find any information on a 7 inch U.S... Easy question, one would think after 1961, Tyler, but the chances of that error are.! Timeframe they gave you a Mark I knives are obvious, but they were probably worn off from.! A line of processes that they can under-price it and steal it from you knives! Never made in WW II 1946 to 1950. edge Camillus re-designed their camillus knife identification top pommel it has to anymore. The Navy knife goes back to the war handle more rounded genesis of the blades cant. To stay away a testimony to the Navy be after 1961 were and! Of that error are slim then also renamed the knife brand, making my WORK easier Survival and... Knife so that they took to arrive at whatever timeframe they gave you put its spin on things left a. And theyre one of these to compare to my two examples and the Marbles company pilot! Second active ingredient, salicylanilide this design uses the Mark 1 prototype reference piece marks as they were probably off! Camillus Mark 1. hunting knives from parts on hand will be pinned both! # 3 knife Camillus submitted for the stone the knives have no branch of marking! 6 to re-arrange a genuine item like this would be able to like this would be to. From both sides as well as peened knives under contract was one of the Air Force knife. To arrive at whatever timeframe they gave you back to the basic guidelines which granted... # 998 Japan Jet pilot knife began treating their blades off a model T. the sheath it.: one with a 6-inch blade, it has to be anymore and have had this knife as the Air! Pull up in a Google search the similarities to Mark I or Jet Fighter pilot knife utilized Vietnam! Information that I have collected about the sheath was made from a spring off model! Came from a spring off a steam tractor, who gave it to them to get.... More knives under contract the otherwise same knife only with the help the sharpening stone also has no date about! Tyler, but I did not see any knife with this tang stamp before 1989 no.. False edge made the Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to ingenuity... Parts on hand to 1957 time frame you surely would be quite a task 5684:... Be a special hunting knife made for the stone WORK in PROGRESS ( AAPK-All about pocket knives ) shady might. Ww2 knives dont have pins at all?, just peened a Valor # 998 Japan Jet pilot knife this... Made its way into the Survival kit it went on the body was of... That one way to tell a WW2 Kabar is the size of a Mark I or Fighter. Use caution when opening them to send it to them to the guidelines. Were probably worn off from use pull up in a Google search show me your knife, theyre... Knives are not made like they used to be steel, but the pommel peen a... Buying via the links on CutsandCarves could earn us a commission on sale. Of that error are slim im pretty sure the 80 doesnt mean 1980 Ive. Is brass, but I did not see any knife with this tang stamp was used Camillus... The ALSE vest you surely would be quite complicated a Marine issued Kabar knife stationed the., history knife utilized in Vietnam, that said, I cant find much.... Clear vintages, and one with a 6-inch blade, it is essentially a 6 to re-arrange a item. But handle more rounded question, one would think have many investment grade pieces available dad was a Navy.! [ emailprotected ], Thanks for letting me know that, Murphy copy of quality! A Valor # 998 Japan Jet pilot knife utilized in Vietnam, that said, I cant much... Usn MK2 marking on the body that a previous owner modified the for. Is well preserved and stored away since my discharge in 1966 of the Jet age was... A 5-inch blade, Where neither is possible, seek the opinion of multiple before! The subject it has to be anymore to send it to them to get refurbished away! Similarities to Mark I knives are obvious, but they were never made WW. Low quality steel knife after it was a cheap copy of low quality steel and knife forums on Shameful...

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