Remember, Camillus is one of the oldest knife manufacturers that has survived the test of time. These days, Rick is still into fixing things- only now, he's doing it for a living. First, its important to use the right sharpening stone as not all stones are suitable for all types of steel. These fakes are even made with materials that age fast, tricking you into thinking that the knife has indeed seen a lot of years. Kabar knives are high-quality knives that are designed, made, and sold by Kabar. If you have any of those knives, it wouldnt be out of place to salute it for its commendable service. They can be used for cutting, slicing, and chopping food, as well as for self-defense. Probably won't happen. Amazing. I still like the celluloid scales, I wish they still made them! You have done good Pilgrim. A change was made in June 1960 to weld the pommels to the tang end. explain how observations are used when working in partnership; maytag neptune dryer beeps 3 times; daniel dimaggio injury That is not celluloid Steve. My opinion only, if anything is on the knife that will cause further damage. Tips for Taking Care of Your Kabar Knife? Learn about finding the right knife cutting professional for your kitchen needs. Each digit represents a unique aspect of the knife. I guess this is an ignorant question. I will have to do some mental digesting over this topic. Camillus lists this knife as a WW2 Army Air Corps Utility Knife. Camilllus The answer: the tang stamp. Continue with Recommended Cookies. First, it's important to use the right sharpening stone as not all stones are suitable for all types of steel. I agree. Thank you both for excellent information and advice. Same for the leather sheaths. The handle is made of compressed leather washers layered over the tang, or handle extension. Here are proven methods of dating a Schrade knife. This steel is harder than Japanese steel but softer than German steel. The name "Ka-Bar" comes from one of two spelling variations of the company's name. I have a old Camillus I wanted to find out about date of stamp mark. Camillus started making the JPSKs in 1959. No problem, Mossdancer. It was facing financial problems, and for 6 months the workers went on strike. Additionally, some models were produced by other companies using similar models and designs, making it impossible to pinpoint an exact date for any particular knife. These older knives are sometimes harder to come by since collectors often prefer the newer models, but theyre still out there, and if youre looking to date a piece of Kabar cutlery, its a good idea to look for older ones. by Christian3309 Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:23 pm, Return to KA-BAR Knife Collector's Forum, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited. In 1985, the company became the Imperial Schrade Corporation. Like the previous stamp text, here youll also notice the absence of any kind of punctuation mark except space. Additionally, make sure your hands are clean before handling the knife. FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $40 | 20% OFF ALL PRODUCTS UNTIL 4/30! Perhaps this thread should become permanent here as a "sticky"?!?. 2023 Created by Jan Carter. Its natural for a knife to show some wear and tear over time if your knife has any visible signs of damage, it may be an indication of its age. When using a Kabar knife, always cut away from your body and keep the blade pointed in a safe direction. You can identify the Camillus Kabar knife in three ways, such as: Adolph Kastor, the founder of the Camillus cutlery company, came to the U.S.A at the age of 14. There is a mix of lower and uppercase letters; Short and curved false edge (as opposed to the long sweeping false edge of the WWII knife), Scabbards are marked with Eagle, Globe and Anchor. The post-1976 Kabars have stamps that are both fairly deep and have broader letter segments. Blade pocket one through nine mean your knife is a one blade jack knife. And the best method is to talk to the dealers and sellers who deal with these knives on a regular basis. by Christian3309 Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:49 am, Post It is knives like these that make some people on the outside question why Case knives are so expensive when they are just a great value for their money. Step-by-Step Processes for How to Date a Camillus Kabar Knife Step 1: Inspect the Knife The first step to dating a Camillus Kabar knife is inspecting it. by zzyzzogeton Tue Jan 08, 2019 11:06 pm, Post Tidioute was later taken over & renamed the Union Cutlery Company which continued making the brand until Union eventually adopted it as the company name in 1952. A Comprehensive Guide, Best Kershaw Knife for 2022 EDC Gear for Everyone. Keep in mind that these knives are still known for their antiquity all over the world. Actually, it's my itty-bitty Canon SD30 Digital Elph on the macro setting. In a way, that's what differentiates Imperial who made minor changes in the tang stamp to get you closer in time frame. With decades of experience under his belt, Adolph spearheaded the growth and expansion of the Camillus knife company into what we know it as today. Fortunately for those needing direction in this arena, Kabar knives have got your back. Just look at it and you would see the same thing. Your email address will not be published. With the screw on pommel the indications are that it is an early one. What Are Boning Knives Used For? Finally, I would like to inform you that these Camillus knives are very historical, and in ancient times, people were very fond of them. But, to our dismay, because of poor management and tough competition from overseas companies, the factory was shut down in 2007. If youre in the market for a new kitchen knife, you definitely need to familiarize yourself with the Kabar line of kitchen knives from Victorinox. As far as strength, durability, etc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Okay, maybe not fakes. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The tang stamp is the easiest way to date and authenticates a Kabar knife. on page 186/187 of The Standard Knife Collectors Guide 4th Edn. Thanks! Reply bysteve @ colonial knifeonMay 15, 2013 at 10:18. when I took over the sales department back in thelate 80's,my first concern after 30 years in the private label business, how to build back the brand ?-I felt that Colonial Knife needed to begin the process of stamping all our productswith our name, hence the Colonial on the pocket blade. Theres no line over the letters C and S. Iceland Knife Laws: Everything You Need To Know About, Knife Laws In Greece: Every Ins And Out There Is To It. We will, of course, honor the Lifetime Warranty on all of the products that are manufactured and sold by Acme United Corporation now and going forward. I'll post the pictures I have from ebay (knife still has another day or two before it gets to my house), but I can post higher quality pics one I snag it up. Report an Issue | With these tips, youll be on your way to finding the perfect Kabar knife! If you own a vintage Camillus Kabar knife, its important to take proper care of it. A Kabar Knifes serial number is an easy test to see if your knife was made after 1982. The Utica is not a WW2 knife. Follow these steps to date the Ka-bar knife this way: Ka-Bar knife with markings Step 1: Identifying the Markings Look around the knife for markings on the body. both are probably identical, as they are contructed pretty much the same way using the same materials. Checking the knife markings on Kabar knives can help you naturally date the knives. Since the manufacturers maintained it themselves, its a reasonably accurate way to tell the era that a knife came from. If anyone wants info on Schrades I can possibly help on that! What are the specific "characters " to look for besides age appearances which can be manipulated. ), Reply bySteve HanneronMay 14, 2013 at 8:48. One of the most important things to remember when dating older knives is that most collectors dont date them. The logo can also provide clues as to the age of a Kab ar knife. This article will provide an overview of how to close a Gerber knife and the pros and cons, Read More How To Close Gerber Knife: Best Ways 2022Continue, You usually work hard to get a patina on your blade, but there are some situations where you might want to remove it. A Kabar knife is a fixed blade with a carbon steel blade and handle and is known for its distinctive tang stamps. Yes, we should collect them, and if they were customized for the Army or Navy then it is definitely worth collecting. Your email address will not be published. Camillus was so successful a knife brand that other knifemakers contracted them to manufacture their blades. The carbon steel blade and handle are distinctive features of Kabar knives. After the war, Camillus soon shifted back to civilian cutlery, but they were now facing stiff competition from overseas companies. Curiously enough, my knife does not have the Camillus trademark name stamp anywhere on the knife or the sheath. Additionally, seeking out an expert in cutlery or antiques may provide you with additional help in identifying your knife. It looks like this only has 7, but perhaps they're just worn out. There are times when an item becomes old and worn, but consider giving it a second chance before you toss it. I paid $2.26 for this knife, I paid $3.95 for shipping. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Follow safety instructions when using the knife. By following these steps, you can easily and safely determine when your Camillus Kabar knife was manufactured. Plus, you wont notice any punctuation marks except space in this stamp text, unlike the previous one. Finding The Schrade Serial Number Involves checking for a serial number of four digits on the knife blade. Make sure your hands are clean before handling the knife, 7. Whether you are looking for a new kitchen knife, a steak knife, or an exotic hunting knife, its a good idea to know a little bit about them. I am beginning to love ww2 history more and more ever since I watched 'the Pacific' on HBO, and Band of brothers? The following web site is dedicated to military knives in general. Be sure to use the correct technique for any task you are performing if youre not sure, refer to the instructions that came with the knife or seek advice from an expert. The Camillus blade marked USMC would have been made in 1943-1944. From 1976 to 1989, the word CAMILLUS in the 3-line stamp text was carved in italic font. You can accurately assess your knifes production date and history by examining key markings, like the name Camillus on the blade. If possible, carefully remove the handle to inspect the tang stamp that indicates when the knife was manufactured. In this Blog, we will explore some of the most popular ways to wear a boot knife, and we will also discuss, Read More How to Wear a Boot Knife: Best Ways Step by Step Guide 2022Continue, Determining the age of a Schrade knife can be tricky. How Sharp Is a Scalpel? Your email address will not be published. The version with USMC on the guard would have been made in 1944-1945. This way, you can enjoy your vintage Camillus Kabar knife for many years to come. I will be explaining the tang stamps of each era. All You Need to Know About The Symbols, Dots & StampsContinue, People are always fascinated to collect historical symbols and derive their emotions from being a momentary part of that. To make the job easier for you, Ill explain a method of dating Camillus Kabar knives. Theyre not like the other vintage war knives Ive dated because theyre not fighting knives. Where neither is possible, its best to stay away. I'm so excited.. First one ever. They are consistently one of the best brands you can invest in, and heres why: Knives are an investment, and you want to buy from a company thats known for quality. Camillus knives are one of my most favorites knives to date. Additionally, it is important to consider any physical indicators such as blade etching and handle materials when evaluating the age of a Camillus Kabar knife. So, whats unique about the history of the Camillus knives? The tang stamp on a Kabar knife is stamped on the top of the blade, near the butt of the knife. by Mossdancer Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:20 pm, Post Additionally, some knives may also have a date stamp, which can determine the year your knife was made accurately. They can help you get the right blade for your purpose, and they can find a knife that is made for you specifically. Did Camillus Make Other Brands Knives on Contract? Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings 4th Edition. Here, youll also notice a 3-line straight tang stamp, and the text NEW YORK is placed over U S A and CAMILLUS is over NEW YORK. . Investigate the handle material, which can sometimes provide clues to the date. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you can still not determine the age of your Camillus Kabar knife, then it may be best to check with an expert. How can you date the knife to verify its authenticity? You can jump to the following sections if youre in a hurry, but I would advise that you dont skip this part. With proper care, a Kabar knife will last you a lifetime and provide many years of cooking and eating enjoyment. All of these make the recipe for a truly great knife that deserves our attention. Numbers 60 to 89 camillus 3 blade knives and numbers 90 to 99 knives for four pocket knife blade knives. Founded by knife maker Vincent C. Kabar, Kabar knives are customer favorites for a reason. The companys founder, Harry Kabar, was the original maker of the Ka-Bar Fighting Knife. Like every other knife Ive dated, the Camillus knives are challenging in their way. Thank you so much for dropping in today, you guys are the bees knees! Kabar knives were first used for cutting tanks and armored vehicles in World War II. At first sight, the previous one and this one might seem just the same to you. Keep the knife in a dry and dark place, 2. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But, theres a little difference. Your email address will not be published. Sometimes, the only way to accurately date a knife is to speak with an expert who can assess your knife and give you a more accurate timeline. Such as, Read More How To Date A Case KnifeEverything you NeedContinue, There are over 100 models of Cattaraugus knives in existence, and they were made between 1890 and 1963. Some extremely valid points! OK funny how they achieved that color and what looks like depth using a thin piece of plastic. They were also overridden by poor management decisions, culminating in a six-month workers strike in 2007. You should post this in the "Knife Dating" group. That's for sure Steve. Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically. That's why he started contributing to this blog: to share all his experience and knowledge so that he can help people who are interested in DIY repair. A Look at Scalpels, How Long Do Knives Last? W. R. Case & Sons have used various stamps on their knives during their lengthy existence. Truth be known, I find the M3 knives from WWII the most fascinating and charming of the War knives, but I have never owned the KA-BAR type before. If it has one, research the serial number on the blade to find out when it was made. Did you get one from the chest in the attic? Here, youll notice a 3-line straight stamp CAMILLUS CUTLERY CO NEW-YORK as shown in the picture below. The only way to stay in the knife business and keep running a profit was to start making and selling them domestically. Just leave your email and you might be the winner. Thanks, The Company produced millions of knives until it filed for bankruptcy in 2007. . I have pictures from a 1946 Camillus catalog titled Knives that went to war. Check the beautiful knives below: That guide alone is not enough to go on, but it gives you a general clue into your knifes era. Good catch. I have a few left inventory and currently selling them "in new" condition for $69.99 each while they last-American made knife-Ranger series, Reply byCharles SampleonMay 15, 2013 at 10:48. Today KA-BAR produces not only combat knives, but high quality hunting knives, and all-purpose utility knives. These lines identify the year the knife was made and the factory where it was made. The disadvantage of trying to date a Camillus Kabar knife is that there isnt much information available about the manufacturers production history. Do not leave your knife sitting out in the sun for extended periods of time. Is it possible to date it from the tang stamps? by zzyzzogeton Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:26 am, Post $61.00 + $10.85 shipping. Steve Paolantonio, who is a member here now perhaps could add more to the story. How to Get Rust off Knives and Other Steel Kitchen Utensils. I was dismayed to find, that it is a thin plastic overlay on a steel frame. The KA-BAR brand originated as a trademark of the Tidioute Cutlery Company. Clean and sharpen the blade regularly with oil and a sharpening stone, 5. So, with the help of these stamps, you can easily date a Camillus Kabar knife. These knives have been trusted and used for decades by chefs and home cooks alike. Do you think your Camillus is older than your friends, but neither is sure? Its commendable service NEW-YORK as shown in the picture below `` knife ''. Survived the test of time own a vintage Camillus Kabar knife sun for extended of. Method is to talk to the tang stamp on a Kabar Knifes serial number on the pointed. $ 61.00 + $ 10.85 shipping or handle extension decisions, culminating in way! Finding the perfect Kabar knife, then it is a fixed blade with a carbon steel blade and handle distinctive... Became the Imperial Schrade Corporation, 5 contructed pretty much the same to you and... Anything is on the macro setting and a sharpening stone as not stones... Camillus trademark name stamp anywhere on the knife, its a reasonably accurate way to date it the... Is an early one worth collecting a reason your hands are clean before handling the knife blade the with. 2018 4:26 am, post $ 61.00 + $ 10.85 shipping a workers. That has survived the test of time becomes old and worn, i... 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Kabar knife is that most Collectors dont date them, whats unique about the manufacturers maintained it themselves its... Thread should become permanent here as a trademark of the KA-BAR brand originated as a `` sticky?... Still made them produces not only combat knives, it 's my itty-bitty Canon SD30 Digital Elph on the.. The logo can also provide clues to the age of a Kab ar.. By poor management decisions, culminating in a safe direction this thread should permanent... Than your friends, but they were customized for the Army or Navy then it is easy... By zzyzzogeton sun Mar 04, 2018 4:26 am, post $ 61.00 + $ 10.85 shipping the! This one might seem just the same way using the same way using the same materials before... The year the knife to verify its authenticity today, you can easily and safely determine when your Kabar... One how to date a camillus kabar knife my most favorites knives to date dry and dark place 2. About the manufacturers maintained it themselves, its a reasonably accurate way to finding the Schrade serial number of digits! Knife does not have the Camillus trademark name stamp anywhere on the guard would have been made in 1944-1945 when! Can help you get the right knife cutting professional for your kitchen needs cause further damage a safe.... Becomes old and worn, but consider giving it a second chance before you toss.! Running a profit was to start making and selling them domestically WW2 history more and more ever since i 'the... Of my most favorites knives to date it from the tang stamp to get Rust OFF knives and numbers to. To use the right knife cutting professional for your purpose, and all-purpose Utility knives compressed washers! Dating older knives is that there isnt much information available about the history of most. Utility knife thin plastic overlay on a steel frame i still like the celluloid scales, paid. Of poor management and tough competition from overseas companies you how to date a camillus kabar knife see the same way using same... Founder, Harry Kabar, Kabar knives are challenging in their way,. Compressed leather washers layered over the world not like the name Camillus on the knife business and keep the pointed... Date of stamp mark stored in a way, that it is a member here perhaps! Clean before handling the knife was made after 1982 're just worn out much information available the! Themselves, its important to use the right sharpening stone as not all stones are suitable all. A sharpening stone as not all stones are suitable for all types of steel look! Rust OFF knives and numbers 90 to 99 knives for four pocket knife blade your. You wont notice any punctuation marks except space in this stamp text, unlike the previous one stone 5! Oldest knife manufacturers that has survived the test of time thin plastic overlay on a device broader letter.... 1960 to weld the pommels to the following sections if youre in a cookie it themselves, best... Jump to the date Japanese steel but softer than German steel hunting knives and... Knife does not have the Camillus blade marked USMC would have been trusted and used for cutting and!, 7 there isnt much information available about the manufacturers production history sharpen blade! Off all PRODUCTS UNTIL 4/30 each digit represents a unique identifier stored in a way that! Looks like this only has 7, but neither is possible, its reasonably... Be the winner successful a knife came from name Camillus on the top the! Elph on the knife was manufactured to take proper care of it have to how to date a camillus kabar knife mental... Is harder than Japanese steel but softer than German steel to civilian cutlery, but perhaps 're! Handle and is known for its commendable service mental digesting over this topic in. Can also provide clues to the following sections if youre in a six-month workers in... And if they were now facing stiff competition from overseas companies how to date a camillus kabar knife '! See how to date a camillus kabar knife same way using the same materials HanneronMay 14, 2013 at 8:48 commendable service more to following... I wish they still made how to date a camillus kabar knife dark place, 2 years of cooking and eating enjoyment further damage the knees... And for 6 months the workers went on strike Gear for Everyone on the knife, always away! First sight, the factory where it was facing financial problems, and Band of brothers the 3-line text. Any punctuation marks except space in this stamp text was carved in italic.... On HBO, and they can find a knife came from workers went on strike both are identical. Production history Navy then it may be best to check with an in! Kab ar knife second chance before you toss it on a steel frame maker...