Kingston K-341 Identification

[J529A]

The knife is a stockman with a clip, spey, and pen blade. The blades are carbon steel. The threaded bolsters and gimp shield are steel. The liner and pins are brass. The jigged plastic scales show a lot of shrinkage. The tang stamp is "Made In U.S.A." The knife measures 3 1/2 inches closed. It apears to be a K-341 Kingston. I don't have any examples for comparison. I was hoping someone with knowledge of the Kingston brands could make an identification. Also, was Kingston known to have an issue with the scales on some models?

[bestgear]

Kingston made lots of models but only 2 that were 3.50” closed;

• K-340 - 3 ½" three blade medium size premium stock knife, clip, spey, and punch

• K-341 - 3 ½" three blade medium size premium stock knife, clip, spey, and pen

I would say that you’ve properly identified your knife although the catalog image below has no shield Shrinkage of these synthetic covers was not uncommon.

[knifeaholic]

I believe that your knife was made by Camillus, based on the construction and on the shield. Do you have a catalog photo of the K-341? Kingston knives were made on Ulster patterns, and they are a lot different as compared to Camillus.

This is a Kingston knife, typical of Kingstons of that era:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116658023659

[bestgear]

I believe that your knife was made by Camillus,

like these Steve?

[J529A]

Yes, I was thinking the knife might be Camillus. However, I've only seen those exact same bolsters on one other knife and that's an Ulster Multi-Tool. As Kingston knives were made on Ulster patterns it seemed reasonable that it might be a Kingston product. Also, I look at those blades and they seem to match the Kingstons K-341 more closely than the Camillus 70 Cattle Knife. This is what I was thinking.

[J529A]

Also, I was thinking that the "shinkage of the scales issue" might be a clue. I don't think this is a typical problem for Camillus. However, it was noted that it was not uncommon for a Kingston knife. I can't say conclusively but based on the information provided in this discussion, it appears more likely to be a Kingston. Just my thoughts. As always I greatly appreciate all the input from the AAPK participants.

[bestgear]

I also noticed that the Camillus frame is 3.625” (3-3/8”) whereas the Kingston is 3.500” (3-1/2”) - are you sure your frame is 3,500”?

[J529A]

Yes, it's definitely 3 1/2 inches closed.