Van Camp Knives

[Beag1eGal]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there is a way to date Van Camp knives?
I have 2. One with the circle Van Camp stamp and Indianapolis under it.
The other is Van Camp in a straight line no Indianapolis on tang.
I have also seen some that are stamped Vanco.
I believe I have read that they were all contract knives and that Van Camp quit carrying knives about 1960.
If anyone can add to this, or correct me, I would appreciate it.

[Joe Dirt]

^ times 2.

Joe

[peanut740]

Goins shows several different stamps.Says they they carried knives from 1888-1960.Van Camp didn't make knives and I have seen examples made by several different manufactures.I have a sunfish Van Camp stamped made by New York knife Co.It is also etched Capitol.

[Beag1eGal]

Here's a few pictures of my Van Camp knife
Is it a Warncliff Pattern? Or Sleeveboard?

[RobesonsRme.com]

Welcome to AAPK, BTW.

Your photos are out of focus. If you're using an auto-focus camera, wait for the image to sharpen before taking a picture. Or, figure out a way to stabilize the camera. At my age, that's my biggest problem.

They don't make tripods for cell phones, I don't think, so I steady my hands or arms against an immovable surface.

I cannot see the master blade of your knife. The overall shape of your knife is of the "Wharncliff" type, but the master blade has to be a true Wharncliff for the knife to be one.

Pretty knife with a very collectible name.

Charlie Noyes

[tjmurphy]

Looks to be a Serpentine pattern and blade appears to have a long pull. I may be wrong about this but, I don't recall seeing a Wharncliff blade with a long pull.

[Beag1eGal]

Sorry about the pictures. I'm trying!! LOL
My great Uncle worked for Robeson Knives when they were in Perry, NY!

[tjmurphy]

Did a little quick research and Schrade does indeed call that a Wharncliff pattern, even without the Wharncliff blade. Seems the "serpentine" tag can be applied to any patter with an "S" curve to the frame. Says the Schrade 766 is a Wharncliff with clip master and pen secondary. Here is a Schrade 766 "Wharncliff" that I have. So then, the Van Camp in the OP is indeed a Wharncliff pattern. Thanks a lot, I learned something today. And, BTW, welcome to AAPK

[Beag1eGal]

Thank you! That is a great looking Schrade! Perhaps my Van Camp was made by Schrade as well. I know many companies did contract work through the years.
Any thoughts on a knife I have that is stamped Indiana Cutlery?
About all I can find is that is was only around for a year or so, OR they only did knives for that long.

[tjmurphy]

As per Goins: "INDIANA CUTLERY CO. INC. c. 1931-1933 This company was incorporated on October 2, 1931. They seem to have been a final effort for the Wabash Cutlery to remain in business.

Wabash Cutlery had been in business since 1921. In 1931, the name was changed to Indiana Cutlery Company. This name was used until 1933, when the name reverted bo Wabash Cutlery Company. They were at 811 22nd Street, Terre Haute, Indiana under both names."