Camillus Magician's Knives 1950's Era

[knifeaholic]

Just picked up this set of Camillus "magician's" knives. One "normal" knife and one with two different handles. Magicians would use the so-called "paddle move" to show the trick knife as having the same handle on both sides, then magically change the color.

When I was a kid I was an amateur magician, so I have long been familiar with this trick. During the 1960's to 70's, the knives sold for this trick by magic supply houses were made by Imperial (they were the "trick opener" knife) with one black handle and one white handle.

Later it seemed that the color changing knives were made with generic unmarked imported knives.

It is rare to see a quality made set with a name brand like this. I have seen some made by Schrade. My guess is that Camillus made them on contract for a magic supply house in the 1950's.

When I started collecting and repairing knives in the 70's (still interested in magic at the time), I made my own set from two used Camillus knives - same pattern as this, but the cracked ice knife had tip bolsters while the rough black knife had full bolsters.