Felt sorry for it so I bought it

The Camillus Cutlery Company was one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States with roots dating back to 1876. 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.
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Meridian_Mike
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Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

I saw this Camillus for sale and I just figured it need a good home and a GOOD CLEANING....
I looked around the net for an image but couldn't find any with jigged bone scales like this one. It is rusted, worn and in a sorry state right now. These are the sellers pics so these are all I have right now.
Anybody got any ideas of the year of manufacture?
It has that "coke bottle" look but the longest blade is at the wrong end .... Isn't it?
Anyway.... What y'all say?
Coke bottle_1.jpg
Coke bottle_2.jpg
Coke bottle_3.jpg
Mike
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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gsmith7158
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by gsmith7158 »

Mike, looks like you've got yourself a first generation Camillus 72. Made from 1946 to 1950. Lotta folks around here liking those little babies. Looks to be well worn but it will make a great user. Here's one of mine.
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Greg

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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks so much for that reply Greg.
Yep, I sorta felt like it was older but I wasn't sure. I just saw it was in need of a good clean-up and bought it.
I have a soft spot for the older "rode hard and put up wet" knives.....LOL.

Mike
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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jerryd6818
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by jerryd6818 »

Mike, haven't seen your face much this year. Good to see you're still suckin air.

It is a first generation Camillus 72, made in 1946 or maybe just after the first of the year in 1947. They changed the blade compliment in the spring of '47.
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks Jerry.....
Yep, still breathing for a while longer.
Thanks for the date on this old boy.
I'll post a pic after I get it cleaned up.
Mike
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by LanG »

Meridian_Mike wrote: I have a soft spot for the older "rode hard and put up wet" knives.....LOL.

Mike
I have that same soft spot. The wear is proof that it has done the job over the years. Great piece!
Lan
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by TripleF »

Knice score bud!

Search ebay for Camillus Whittler bone.....completed listings....you'll find some!
SCOTT
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Yep, good suggestion Scott. I see there is a Boy Scout version of this knife. Sweet!

Thanks for the comments everyone!
Mike
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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rea1eye
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by rea1eye »

Great looking knife. Looking forward to seeing the before/after pics.

Bob
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carrmillus
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by carrmillus »

......great old knife, mike, my #2 favorite pattern!!!........ ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu:: ...................
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by deltaboy »

Cool old knife!
Keep Near the Cross.
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Well, it was sad but I tried to help it's feelings by cleaning it up. The PO had used a grinder on it or something like that..... TERRIBLE!!
Anyway.... Here she is...feeling a little better.
I couldn't do too much work on the blade. There wasn't a lot of steel left.
clean up.JPG
Mike
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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carrmillus
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by carrmillus »

..........great clean-up job on that one , mike!!.....doesn't look like the same knife!!!........... ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu:: ............
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks! I went as far as I felt comfortable. It was a mess so I didn't want to do any more damage that was already done.....LOL.
I'm proud to have it in my collection!

Mike
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by americanedgetech »

You should be proud sir! That ugly duck, is now a beautiful old knife.
I love them just like that! ::nod::
Ken Mc.

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I need a pile side scale. THX!
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Meridian_Mike
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Re: Felt sorry for it so I bought it

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks Ken!
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
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