All About Pocket Knives

Hey all, El Lobo suggested I post my queries here in knife lore so that Camco or someone else more familiar with Camillus might check in and see this. I have recently purchased 5 of the lock back Wildlife series knives. The running deer, buck head, charging bear, howling coyote, and the knife in question.... The raccoon. All the others except the raccoon have American Wildlife etched on the blade, The raccoon blade is blank. Is this a different series all together as the knives look exactly alike except for the blade etch? Also, I bought 2 of the raccoon knives and even they are different. One blade has a line above and below Camillus on the tang, and an 11 on the backside, the other has just a line below Camillus and no model number on the back. All the other knives (with American Wildlife) on the blade are the one line tang version. I sure would appreciate any and all info on these knives. Thank you, Kelley

I apologize for the bad pics of the raccoon cameo's.

Nice find Gunsmoke.

We made numerous special runs of the #4 (#11) Lockback over the years for all variety of customers. I remember the raccoon but I am afraid I don't remember the customer. Perhaps Tom will know.

Having a transition set of 2 tangstamps is significant added intrigue! Just underscores the fact that dating Camillus knives with tangstamp info can be risky. Using blades up from a previous run occured regularly. Add to that you might have 20 varieties of the same blade in the assembly department at any time........

Nice ones Kelly.
I see you won the ones you bid on.
Here is my #11 for comparison of the tang stamps. The info I got on it is it was probably made in the mid 1970's to mid 1980's.
These knives really fit my hand nicely. IMO, they are one of the most comfortable large lockbacks that I own.

Dale

Hey Phil, thank you for the info. I figured the different tang stamp was just 2 blades of a different time period but I wasn't sure. I also thought it strange that neither of the raccoon's had American Wildlife on the blade.

Dale, your pic didn't come across. I agree about them being a fine lockback. I bought my first one in 82 and still use it today. (the blade's a might thinner though!) I got 6 of the animal knives (near mint) and 1 wooden handled #4 (slightly used) for $135.00 so I was happy. Now I just gotta find 6 of the original sheaths for them. Thanks again guys, Kelley

Edit: Here is a shot of all the ones I picked up.

Nice group Kelly.
Let me try again with the picture.

Dale

A few more Wildlifes for posterity.

Phil,

That is some great stuff!

It is always great and informative when you jump in here.

Bill

Thanks for sharing those pictures Phil. It is a treat to see full Camillus displays.

Dale

Love the Catfish Hunter Dale!

Great displays Phil! I not only think the American Wildlife knives look really good, they also (as Dale mentioned) fit really nice in the hand. Thanks for all your info and those great pictures. Kelley

Camillus made hundreds of the model #11 LOK-BACK knife with different inserts. In addition to the animals, inserts such as NAPA, United Mine Workers, NYS Troopers, etc. were offered. The first #11's had the Buck Deer, Howling Coyote, Running Deer and Charging Bear animal inserts. A small panel that held all four knives was available and fit into the bottom of the American Wildlife Display. The animal inserts were made by Sid Bell and were gold plated.

Tom Williams

Thank you for that information Tom. I really like the knives. Kelley

Yes Tom,
Thank you for the info. The model #11 LOK-BACK is one of the most comfortable lock back knives I have in my collection. It reminds me of my Browning.

BTW, did Camillus make the Browning folding hunter lock back? I have attached a picture of my Browning. I would love to know who made it. It is similar in design to the #11, but in my opinion the #11 it a bit lighter & more comfortable in my hand.

Thanks again,
Dale

Orvet,

The Browning was not made by Camillus.

Phil

Thanks Phil.
It is nice to know that for sure.
I figure it you or Tom says something was or wasn't made by Camillus I can pretty well take that to the bank!
It is great to have both you & Tom here to answer questions.

Thanks again,
Dale

Dale,
I have some info on Imperial/Schrade knives that I am going to send to you. I located the Camillus records for I/S knives that were made by Camillus. Albert Baer sent binders with I/S sales literature to Camillus every year and I would like to send you one.
I tried to send you an email, but it was returned. I have your address that you sent me in the beginning of 2007. Is your address still the same?

Tom Williams

Tom,
PM inbound

Dale