All About Pocket Knives

I know we most all like to collect the old knives, the older the better.................................. but why?

Oh, I know, they are pretty, they are old, they have great steel, etc.
But why not carry them and use them like they were intended to be used?

I have long been a fan of carrying old knives, I mean whats the point of collecting them if you don't use them?
I don't mean to use $500 museum pieces, but there are plenty of knives 70 to 100 years old that are in good usable condition and are relative inexpensive, even compared to the import knives of today.


This is a Sword Brand Camillus 4 line tang stamp, so it was made in 1946 or before.
Cost with shipping from ebay: less than $20. I will tell you what, this is scary sharp and it is one bad cuttin' machine!


Here is a new one that came a couple days ago- It is a 3 line tang stamp; CAMILLUS/CUTLERY CO./CAMILLUS N.Y.
Tom Williams said Camillus dropped the word CUTLERY from the tang stamps in 1946.
I figure this knife was most likely made in the 1920s or 1930s.
Cost with shipping, $26.25 and it is joining the other jack in my pocket tomorrow!
I will let you know how it preforms in a few days. I can't wait to see how it cuts!


If you have any old Camillus knives you EDC, post us a picture and tell us why you carry it, what you like about it and tell us how it cuts.

Dale -- I think I'm in love with that bottom one. Sigh.

.........dale, i carry one of my 4 line split-backspring camillus whittlers every day, and once in a while i'll put my 4 line sufish in a belt sheath and carry it........i just don't feel right without one on me!!!............ ...................

Sweet knives, excellect finds, Dale.

-John

Dale that Cigar Jack is sweet! I'll bet it performs well.

This one takes a good edge, has all the tools I need and I like a bone handled knife

These are still relatively inexpensive and plentiful, so why not use it up?

That's a very solid looking knife Dimitri!

I've been carrying my "spoon knife" lately. It works well in the role of my larger folding knife, but is large enough that I should probably check and see if it is legal to carry "concealed" in my pocket.

Now that's my kinda knife Dimitri!!

Thank You Perry and Scott !

Dale, bought this one today in a pawnshop - the guy had it marked for $14.95 plus tax - I offered him $10 out-the-door and he took my offer. It was pretty dirty, I've cleaned it up (wiped the crud off) and oiled the joints - not going to polish it though - it will go into to my pocket for EDC use in the morning. It has great snap, a great edge (which it took quickly and easily), and at 3-1/2" OAL it is a very nice size for pocket carry - missing some blade steel, but plenty enough left to be a user. OH

Man I loves me some boney Jacks

I don't have any Camillus that old yet (gunshow this weekend, keep your fingers crossed). But I do have some other oldies, and yes I pack them. I had rather pack an honest to goodness good old knife than a new knife any day.

Colonel26 wrote:But I do have some other oldies, and yes I pack them. I had rather pack an honest to goodness good old knife than a new knife any day.

There are a few modern knives that will compete with the edge retention of the older knives, but very few that have the character imparted by 40 years or more of riding in a pocket!

True. I'm a weirdo I know. But a knife that is perfect, too new, no scuffs, pits, or marks on the blade just doesn't have the same soul that the oldies have. Matter of fact, they don't cut good until the blade gets good and worn!

Two of the saddest things you'll ever see are an old gun with all its blueing in tact or an old classic knife that's still mint. Very sad.

Colonel26 wrote:True. I'm a weirdo I know. But a knife that is perfect, too new, no scuffs, pits, or marks on the blade just doesn't have the same soul that the oldies have. Matter of fact, they don't cut good until the blade gets good and worn!

Two of the saddest things you'll ever see are an old gun with all its blueing in tact or an old classic knife that's still mint. Very sad.

...................... ..........................................

Yes, I carried out to the farm this morning, a 4 blade, 4 line, U.S.A. Camillus. Wished that knife could tell me its story.

"The Talking Knives"

Way to go Ken!

Does the steel seem to cut better than some of the newer steels?
Most of my older knives, especially Schrade Cut Co, Camillus 4-line & early 3-lines (up through the 60s), and my old Westerns all have super carbon steel that seems to get sharper than newer carbon steel.

Oh, I forgot Robesons, and no doubt some other brands too.

I agree, Dale ... the 4 line Camillus Scout you just sent me sharpened up lickity-split ...

Hey Don, I am glad you like it!

They seem to hold an edge nicely from my experience.

I have been carrying this 3 5/8" jack lately. Love it. Smooth and sweet!

orvet wrote:Way to go Ken!

Does the steel seem to cut better than some of the newer steels?
Most of my older knives, especially Schrade Cut Co, Camillus 4-line & early 3-lines (up through the 60s), and my old Westerns all have super carbon steel that seems to get sharper than newer carbon steel.

Oh, I forgot Robesons, and no doubt some other brands too.

dale, the steel in my old split backspring 4 line camillus whittler(my edc) seems to hold an edge and sharpen up easier than any of the newer camillus knives i have, i agree, it's just better..... ......