Camillus Boy Scout knives

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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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

I forgot about these two. The first knife technically isn't a "scout" knife. The second knife pictured, yes.
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by ThePointyEnd »

I’m reading up on the different styles and length of cap lifter/driver. How well do they work for Phillips screws?
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

ThePointyEnd wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 7:04 pm I’m reading up on the different styles and length of cap lifter/driver. How well do they work for Phillips screws?
I personally never tried to use it on phillip screws.
Maybe someone will come along who has and will share the experience.
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by ThePointyEnd »

Thanks! I understand that Phillips came later than the flat head screws, but it seems like some of the styles might just work in a pinch. I see at least 3 different lengths of cap lifter and the longer styles seem to have a more narrow head.

The victorinox cap lifter is a small flathead but doubles as a phillips
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

ThePointyEnd wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 7:22 pm Thanks! I understand that Phillips came later than the flat head screws, but it seems like some of the styles might just work in a pinch. I see at least 3 different lengths of cap lifter and the longer styles seem to have a more narrow head.

The victorinox cap lifter is a small flathead but doubles as a phillips
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:viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12874
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by ThePointyEnd »

Oh wow much thanks I didn’t know there’s a giant thread there! My lunch just got considerably longer ::woot::
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by philco »

ThePointyEnd wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 7:04 pm I’m reading up on the different styles and length of cap lifter/driver. How well do they work for Phillips screws?
Not well at all.
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by ThePointyEnd »

That is bummer I was hoping the longer more slender cap lifter patterns would fit
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Mumbleypeg »

Both Ulster and Imperial made scout/utility patterns having cap lifters and a Phillips screwdriver. You can frequently find them available on eBay, reasonably priced if you look a little. i don’t have a picture handy but you’ll undoubtedly find some in the All Scout Knives thread.

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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by ThePointyEnd »

I see thanks for the pointers! Inline screwdrivers too those are going to be useful.

Did camillus ever make any scout knives for imperial
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Vit_213 »

ThePointyEnd wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 11:25 pm Did camillus ever make any scout knives for imperial
Since the 80s, almost all BSA Imperial and Ulster knives have been made by Camillus.
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Vit_213 »

New_Windsor_NY wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 7:35 pm You might enjoy reading this topic. Click here (it's safe, it's AAPK)
:viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12874
I saw this topic, but I'm afraid to post something there, because I have quite a few BSA and GSA knives from different manufacturers and it will be difficult for me to stop :mrgreen: .
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Mumbleypeg »

Vit_213 wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2020 10:10 pm
New_Windsor_NY wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 7:35 pm You might enjoy reading this topic. Click here (it's safe, it's AAPK)
:viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12874
I saw this topic, but I'm afraid to post something there, because I have quite a few BSA and GSA knives from different manufacturers and it will be difficult for me to stop :mrgreen: .
Come on Vit - that’s what it’s there for. :lol: Don’t be bashful. Show what you’ve got. ::tu::

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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

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philco wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 8:12 pm
ThePointyEnd wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2020 7:04 pm I’m reading up on the different styles and length of cap lifter/driver. How well do they work for Phillips screws?
Not well at all.
I do have one 1980s Cub Scout that fits the common #2 Phillips screw quite well. But, I think it's just random due to manufacture variation. As, a 1990s budget variant (the one that had smooth Delrin handles with no bolsters, and stainless blades) does not fit a Phillips screw at all. Same maker, basically the same pattern, just one is made cheaper.
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by ThePointyEnd »

I just gotta try this so here are my humble examples on some common household phillips screws. This particular cub scouts cap lifter fits surprisingly well
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Vit_213 »

Five #1885 knives - five tang stamps (on the first a short line) :) .
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by bestgear »

Vit_213 wrote: Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:01 pmFive #1885 knives - five tang stamps (on the first a short line)
Fine looking line-up Vit and great to have the #1885 tang stamps documented. Thanks, Tom
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by doglegg »

Cool line up Vit. Enjoyed the tang stamp parade. ::tu:: ::tu::
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Vit_213 »

I found one more 'nothing special' :mrgreen:
Mini Double Lockback #BSA902
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Last production of Camillus Cutlery - 2006 ::tear::
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Vit_213 »

Camillus 2005 National Scout Jamboree Knife
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by TripleF »

Amazing collection and history!!!! ::tu::
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by cody6268 »

Vit_213 wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2020 11:53 pm I found one more 'nothing special' :mrgreen:
Mini Double Lockback #BSA902bsa902.jpg
Last production of Camillus Cutlery - 2006 ::tear::
I have always seen those in catalogs, just not in the flesh. I do own a plain non-BSA 902, which I got here.

Apparently, it sold well enough for a Chinese clone of it to be made (with stainless handles and "Official Knife" etch). The 902 is my dream EDC knife, small but two locking blades that are enough for more, or less any cutting task. The serrated blade sure packs a punch!
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by Vit_213 »

Considering Camillus' problems in 2006, I think that very few of these knives were made.
A few days ago I asked Phil Gibbs about the legality of the Chinese 902 clone. He replied - "Double lock back patent expired some time ago. Now anyone can do it." :x
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

Post by carrmillus »

...I have to ask at least once a year........anybody get a1st. gen with the compass in the handle????................ ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu:: ............................
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Re: Camillus Boy Scout knives

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I have one Boy Scout knife with the compass in the handle, but it is in terrible condition and requires thorough cleaning :( . I still do not have enough determination to start doing this :oops: . And besides, this is not Camillus :roll: .
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