4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

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.
Post Reply
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

After some time researching and collecting Camillus have gotten into the older ones especially . Would like to see if any interest in showing off your 4 liners . The dates that have been scribbled down over the years may not be absolute or even close . It’s a good place to start .
There appears to be the older period of 1919/20 to 1941 when all blades got stamped
Then the next period of 1941 to 1945/46 . Again this is Camillus and only based on notes from info gathered here, elsewhere and conversations .If you have any info ,great . Or just want to share some pics of your stuff . Any Condition ,as long as there’s a 4 line stamp .
Would like to include the “ Sword Brand “ as long as it has a 4 line somewhere. I have a few of those that will show at some point. Some have both secondary blades stamped .Some have pile side of main stamped only . And there’s a few other combos we’re liable to see .
It may also be nice to have one spot or thread here for the 4 lines. The short line thread that G Dog started has been a great thread. And a nice spot to share those. So let’s see what you all have in 4 liners . ::tu::
Attachments
2C97AEB7-8A38-44C3-B472-3AD27F99337B.jpeg
F351629D-08D9-497A-BBD2-9CA81054858F.jpeg
92D7B56B-B886-48C5-B7CF-B648B365901D.jpeg
50968AB4-8665-49A1-B76B-EE8CAD8D9A39.jpeg
EC341A66-EB0F-41A2-94FA-0214C1BC5C5B.jpeg
9511AE64-E20D-4039-B261-36884DCBDDB9.jpeg
A807BD1F-AC3F-4013-BDB5-9AF230DC0B43.jpeg
E01F6F7E-29D7-433C-A2B2-3C0B25430BAE.jpeg
JP
doglegg
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 21637
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:35 am
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by doglegg »

What a great group JP. Love the various old Camillus stamps. I encourage your research. ::tu:: ::tu::
User avatar
OLDE CUTLER
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5031
Joined: Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:11 pm
Location: South Dakota

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

I only have these 2, a TL-29 and an Air Service knife. The TL-29 is original, the Air Service Knife had the black composition handles that were crumbling away, so I rehandled it with Culpepper Richmond amber bone. Both are marked on the main only.
IMG_4597.JPG
IMG_4598.JPG
IMG_4599.JPG
IMG_4600.JPG
"Sometimes even the blind chicken finds corn"
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

OLDE CUTLER wrote: Tue Jan 04, 2022 2:06 am I only have these 2, a TL-29 and an Air Service knife. The TL-29 is original, the Air Service Knife had the black composition handles that were crumbling away, so I rehandled it with Culpepper Richmond amber bone. Both are marked on the main only.
IMG_4597.JPG
IMG_4598.JPG
IMG_4599.JPG
IMG_4600.JPG
Nice Looking Culpepper Bone on that Air Corp piece ::tu:: ::tu::
The TL 29 is a tough old knife ,you have a nice one there . They are hard to see the USA Behind the liner lock and have confused them a time or two with 3 liners . Thanks for posting those .
Here’s 5 more different pieces for today . 2 Whittlers 1 with only main stamped the other with main stamped With Sword brand and both secondary blades have the 4 line . So is the Main stamped only the later one ,do believe so .
Then the lock back with Sword brand and 4 line . Is this early stamp or late ? I have an idea based on the knife and will share later . If you know the dates on this ,as Sword brand and Camillus had different dates ,please share . Would like to confirm or get accurate dates .
And 2 TIP TOP Barlows . These are a little easier to date because of the TIP TOP on the bolsters . What are the dates for these . Note the clip blade has the number 2011 on back and the wore out Spear doesn’t have anything on pile side .
Also am surprised no one has said anything about the 1919 /20 date for the years of introducing the 4 line. There’s some books and info that say as early as 1906 and 1909 . Any body care to throw anything out here regarding that ?
Attachments
616A5E01-2A1F-4D78-826D-36B196065E9A.jpeg
2B72D345-D724-492F-A4F3-9ED3AF0E545E.jpeg
ECE21874-4EA6-49DE-B1F4-40AD4CF97AAD.jpeg
19017335-D4CC-4B4B-87B1-416DBD4D5EC0.jpeg
063FA30A-BF38-43FB-878C-6E142C90537E.jpeg
9E6D0AE6-AF57-4CB3-8002-9BCD331E45C3.jpeg
DBD34BCC-7877-4334-99E1-B1D8EBA44E5F.jpeg
JP
User avatar
tongueriver
Posts: 7099
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:01 pm

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by tongueriver »

I am fond of this one.
C pearl3.jpg
C pearl4.jpg
C pearl6.jpg
And this one.
cam1.jpg
cam5.jpg
cam6.jpg
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

tongueriver wrote: Wed Jan 05, 2022 1:10 am I am fond of this one.
C pearl3.jpgC pearl4.jpgC pearl6.jpg
And this one.
cam1.jpgcam5.jpgcam6.jpg
Nice pearl on those ::tu:: ::tu::
JP
User avatar
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5236
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Waukonda »

Great old knives, gentleman!
JP, very nice collection.
OC, I too, love that bone, what a dandy!
Cal, that is a real beauty!

I will post a few.....eventually 8)
Ike
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

Waukonda wrote: Wed Jan 05, 2022 5:30 pm Great old knives, gentleman!
JP, very nice collection.
OC, I too, love that bone, what a dandy!
Cal, that is a real beauty!

I will post a few.....eventually 8)
Thank you Sir ::handshake::
Good seeing you ,and look forward to seeing your pics . Seems to me you have a few old Camillus knives . No pressure ::nod::
JP
User avatar
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5236
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Waukonda »

Here are a couple that I had handy....

Cattle knife 3 5/8", all blades stamped with 4 line, main has a difficult to read "Dakota" etch

Lockback 4 5/8", 4 line on tang, faint Sword Brand etch on blade
Attachments
20220105_164241.jpg
20220105_164104.jpg
20220105_164519.jpg
20220105_164717.jpg
20220105_162930.jpg
20220105_163628.jpg
20220105_162707.jpg
Ike
beresman
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 545
Joined: Fri Jul 24, 2020 7:19 pm
Location: Ohio
Contact:

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by beresman »

All of the old 4-line Camilluses (Camilli?) I have came to me with broken or no handles. Two I have re-handled, and the other three are in line. One is a Sword brand, hence the photo of the pile side)

Apologies for the poor photos.
Attachments
IMG_2650.jpeg
IMG_2651.jpeg
IMG_2652.jpeg
IMG_2653.jpeg
IMG_2654.jpeg
IMG_2655.jpeg
Brent
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

Waukonda wrote: Wed Jan 05, 2022 10:57 pm Here are a couple that I had handy....

Cattle knife 3 5/8", all blades stamped with 4 line, main has a difficult to read "Dakota" etch

Lockback 4 5/8", 4 line on tang, faint Sword Brand etch on blade
Oh Ike , those are just down right gorgeous pieces . The Dakota etch Cattle knife ::nod:: ::nod::
The Sword brand etch lock back . ::nod:: ::nod::
Now I won’t sleep till midnight !
Thanks my Friend, ::handshake::
JP
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

beresman wrote: Wed Jan 05, 2022 11:28 pm All of the old 4-line Camilluses (Camilli?) I have came to me with broken or no handles. Two I have re-handled, and the other three are in line. One is a Sword brand, hence the photo of the pile side)

Apologies for the poor photos.
Good to see those old pieces getting saved . Some good steel in the older stuff
What’s the handle material you put on that Sword Brand ? Looking good on it
Show off the others again when you get them dressed up and ready to go .
Appreciate you sharing your pics and time . ::handshake::
JP
User avatar
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5236
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Waukonda »

Here are a couple more, jacks with some beautiful bone (imo).

The top one has 4 line stamp on secondary and Sword Brand on the spear.

The 2nd knife pictured is a bit of a conversation piece, some may argue it doesn't belong in this thread. It is a second, and has had the stamps ground off. Looking at the tang on the secondary, you can see the letters c and a and U S A below that, remnants of the 4 line stamp. The main blade has the top 2 lines ground off and New York showing for the 3rd line, the 3 line stamp.

The knife has great bone, great snap, and is a good looker. The only obvious departure from the norm, other than missing tang stamps, are 2 extra pins on pile side.
Attachments
20220106_141337.jpg
20220106_141628.jpg
20220106_141525.jpg
20220106_141722.jpg
20220106_141842.jpg
20220106_142353.jpg
20220106_142429.jpg
Ike
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

Waukonda wrote: Thu Jan 06, 2022 8:45 pm Here are a couple more, jacks with some beautiful bone (imo).

The top one has 4 line stamp on secondary and Sword Brand on the spear.

The 2nd knife pictured is a bit of a conversation piece, some may argue it doesn't belong in this thread. It is a second, and has had the stamps ground off. Looking at the tang on the secondary, you can see the letters c and a and U S A below that, remnants of the 4 line stamp. The main blade has the top 2 lines ground off and New York showing for the 3rd line, the 3 line stamp.

The knife has great bone, great snap, and is a good looker. The only obvious departure from the norm, other than missing tang stamps, are 2 extra pins on pile side.
Ike , thank you for showing us those 2 and for the info.
That top knife is a BEAUTY . Haven’t seen that Shield on a Sword Brand of that period . And the Bone just tops it off .
The 2 nd knife is none to shabby either . Really appreciate you posting these as this is why would like to see more folks show there stuff . This is the first time seeing “Seconds” from this time period . So a first you could say . Went thru the same thing with a short line and wasn’t sure what to do with it . Wonder how Camillus got rid of there Seconds ? The extra pins are definitely something that makes you go “ Hmmmm” . Maybe the Cutler had a hard time getting the covers to lay tight to Scales . Any case very interesting.
Thank you for showing those IKE .
So where’s the rest of the old 4 liners . Let’s see em ,there’s a bunch out there
If anyone has any info they want to share ,here in pm or however ,about this period or pics of the factory,employees,etc. please do share
Part of the reason for doing this is to get the pics and info in a spot that folks coming along later can enjoy this thread and learn . Just the other night was talking with a fella and he said the 4 line started in 1902 ? And he’s got a knife to show . Is this true not sure,even doubtful ,but it’s the kind of thing that keeps me going . And will pursue it to the fullest and if pertinent will post it.
JP
doglegg
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 21637
Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:35 am
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by doglegg »

Waukonda wrote: Thu Jan 06, 2022 8:45 pm Here are a couple more, jacks with some beautiful bone (imo).

The top one has 4 line stamp on secondary and Sword Brand on the spear.

The 2nd knife pictured is a bit of a conversation piece, some may argue it doesn't belong in this thread. It is a second, and has had the stamps ground off. Looking at the tang on the secondary, you can see the letters c and a and U S A below that, remnants of the 4 line stamp. The main blade has the top 2 lines ground off and New York showing for the 3rd line, the 3 line stamp.

The knife has great bone, great snap, and is a good looker. The only obvious departure from the norm, other than missing tang stamps, are 2 extra pins on pile side.
Ike, two sweet knives.
User avatar
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5236
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Waukonda »

2 more 4 liners, both Sword Brand.

The Junior Scout has only the main stamped, Sword Brand on front, and 4 line stamp on pile side. There is also an etch on the main, "SCOUT KNIFE".

The jack has a 4 line stamp on the tang of each blade, and a faint "Sword Brand" etch on the main.
Attachments
20220107_145536.jpg
20220107_145710.jpg
20220107_145842.jpg
20220107_145858.jpg
20220107_150007.jpg
20220107_145232.jpg
20220107_145416.jpg
20220107_145433.jpg
Ike
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 12889
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Some REAL BEAUTIES are being posted! ::tu:: ::tu::
Keep it going. ::tu:: ::tu::
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
User avatar
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5236
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Waukonda »

New_Windsor_NY wrote: Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:23 pm Some REAL BEAUTIES are being posted! ::tu:: ::tu::
Keep it going. ::tu:: ::tu::
Thanks, Skip, but I am pretty much out of ammo. I think the only other 4 line I have, are 3 Ebony that I recently posted in another thread of this forum.
Ike
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

Waukonda wrote: Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:56 pm
New_Windsor_NY wrote: Fri Jan 07, 2022 9:23 pm Some REAL BEAUTIES are being posted! ::tu:: ::tu::
Keep it going. ::tu:: ::tu::
Thanks, Skip, but I am pretty much out of ammo. I think the only other 4 line I have, are 3 Ebony that I recently posted in another thread of this forum.
Ike those are REAL BEAUTIES as Skip mentioned .
What a knife show ,there’s stuff here would’ve not seen otherwise .
Have only a couple left myself Ike ,and post those Ebonies here if you don’t mind .
Today will post this old Navy Rope knife and a little 2 blade . The Rope knife is just a standard issue ,WW2 period I believe . Some of the older ones had some of the best Stag and Bones . Maybe someday will get one it’s on the list .The 2 blade is stamped 4 line on both blades and gets wicked sharp and will bite.
Thanks for a great show and a little BS to All here who shared . Hope some of the other folks get involved . Going back over the 22 pages here ,which takes awhile there’s a lot of pieces out there that could go here .
Attachments
4CE748A7-6A73-444B-9485-7FA68784DBC6.jpeg
F039EC7F-8D17-4676-A400-6843C8E17ADE.jpeg
E043CD5B-B5AC-4BF7-BF0D-09E8EC88AB6C.jpeg
JP
User avatar
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5236
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Waukonda »

Ripster wrote: Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:35 pm [quote=Waukonda post_id=977526 time=1641592568


Today will post this old Navy Rope knife and a little 2 blade . The Rope knife is just a standard issue ,WW2 period I believe . Some of the older ones had some of the best Stag and Bones .
AHAA!!! You just reminded me that I have another! This is one of a group of Navy knives that I have. I have always used the terms WW1 knife and Navy knife interchangebly for these. However, the accepted dates for 4 line production begin a few years after the end of WW1.
Attachments
20220107_172232.jpg
20220107_172308.jpg
20220107_172250.jpg
Ike
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

Waukonda wrote: Fri Jan 07, 2022 11:33 pm
Ripster wrote: Fri Jan 07, 2022 10:35 pm [quote=Waukonda post_id=977526 time=1641592568


Today will post this old Navy Rope knife and a little 2 blade . The Rope knife is just a standard issue ,WW2 period I believe . Some of the older ones had some of the best Stag and Bones .
AHAA!!! You just reminded me that I have another! This is one of a group of Navy knives that I have. I have always used the terms WW1 knife and Navy knife interchangebly for these. However, the accepted dates for 4 line production begin a few years after the end of WW1.
Another Dandy ::tu:: ::tu::
Thanks IKE . Need to hang around you at some knife shows ::nod:: NICE Knives you’ve been sharing
You bring up a good point with WW1 and Navy knives. So if 1919 / 20 ,or some say 1930? , is acceptable dates for 4 liners to appear then the 4 liners weren’t in the First World War . Don’t know why that didn’t dawn on me before ! Slow learner . Learning and sharing , appreciate it Ike
JP
User avatar
Ripster
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 4621
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:37 pm
Location: Eau Claire ,wi.USA

Re: 4 LINERS all blades stamped / Main only stamped

Post by Ripster »

Here’s a 4 line Sword Brand with the STREAMLINE etched main blade . Believe there are 2 different size models of these . Am currently working on getting one of these already rehandled ,with good snap on blades and no wobble with 20 percent loss on main . Not Sure if we can come to terms with the Seller .
Believe Mike redid did one and posted it thought it looked pretty darn good . Think Joe or one of the guys has one that’s not gassing and in great condition .
For now all I can show you is this one that’s on pause for now . ::hmm:: . Not to sure which way to go ,could weld up the worn tang and pin hole and rebuild this piece ,not sure yet . Have all winter .

Been a great show ,wonder when some of the dressed up pearl pieces will arrive to the dance . Cal has shown some dandies . Seems to me there’s a couple of Pearl Whittlers out there . ::shrug::
All ribbing aside.
Thanks All ::handshake::
Attachments
00CB3E43-1E17-4B16-A9C1-2B6421A0F957.jpeg
F074C91D-5EDF-46B5-8F06-4755DB9FE743.jpeg
JP
Post Reply

Return to “Camillus Cutlery Collector's Forum”