In 1983, this registration was amended to add the use of the product for incorporation into cork insulation for military use. It looks exactly like the survival knife from the air force. The tang stamp on this knife is post Government contract era. Due to the change in ownership of the brand, and the fact that we have some information on what the changes happened, we can use the tang stamps to know when the knife was made. If you dont find your stamp and logo from there, use the official stamp/ logo guide from the official Ka-bar website as seen below: There is a lot that you can tell about the Ka-bar knife from the markings on the blade. At a time like this, when not all dealers can be trusted, you need to be on guard. We have many investment grade pieces available. rivets. (Author's note: Camillus had developed the Mark II during World War II, and made more Mark II's than anyone else, though the Marines still called the Camillus-designed Mark II knife "the Ka-Bar.") The New-and-Improved Camillus M3 In the 1980s, the U.S. Armed Forces discussed improving the M3. I havent had the opportunity to measure it as its not in my possession and never was, I simply saw it. I have never heard it being issued in the Navy but can say without a doubt many all of us flight crew members were issued one. Thanks, Dwain. As such, this knife was not intended as a frontiersman or bushcraft knife, per se. The sharpening stone size shall be 3 inches long, 7/8-inch-wide, and 1/4 inch thick. It is marked U.S.N over MARK I. Step 2: Read the markings You could find either the USMC or USN MK2 marking on the knife. Phil, I own one of these knives and recently became interested in its history when one was found in a japanese built WWII tunnel system in a mountain in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Appreciating the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you provide. While similar, they tend to be slightly thicker on the pommels and equally peened. Otherwise, it would be much easier to go through their files to find out which Ka-bar knives were made when. I have a one of the knives that came out of a survival kit. I have one but cant find anything about it. Woolworths, S3388: When the Marines formed the ParaMarines they needed a I am trying to find any information on a 7 inch U.S. Camillus. The similarities to Mark I knives are obvious, but they were procured and manufactured under different contracts and specifications. The WW II era knife has a long sweeping false edge while the current Glen, The TL-29 electrician's knife was originally an issue item manufactured by the Camillus Cutlery Company. S-3647 A prototype that was to have a 10 MM screw compass The current edition of this document is Aerospace Standard SAE-AS-8662. Pilot's Survival Knife. The company manufactured Camillus branded knives and was a prolific contractor for other knife brands up until its last days in 2007 when the company filed for bankruptcy. joined the originals, now we have all that were present at the time of the Not an easy knife to resharpen and the very tip was prone to breaking off. existence. Dont expect to find an expert that will date your knife for free. 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. But you have an injury to your arm. That is surely a lot of information to keep track of. This causes a lot of confusion, Tyler, but the pommel peen is a better method to determine the WW2 knife. The Air Force Survival Knife will be around for a very long time. The At the time of sale, the business was profitable but the new buyer ran it into the ground once again. These two knives are commonly identified as WW2 pilots knives. Camillus Cuda Bolt Spring Assisted Knife Gray (3.625" Black) CM19080 MSRP: $50.99 Our Price: $43.95 Add to Cart Camillus Erupt Spring Assisted Knife Black GRN (2.5" Black) Our Price: $33.95 Add to Cart Camillus HEAT Spring Assisted Knife Black GFN (3.5" Black) CM19167 Our Price: $55.95 Add to Cart I had suspected that was the case but did not have any evidence. Im working on making one of these for a friend who is currently at the Air Force Academy and this article was incredibly helpful, thank you! See Picture for identification. It's easy! Do you think your Camillus is older than your friends, but neither is sure? Ka-bar did not just make straight knives or folding knives. Moreover, the requirement for having a standard survival knife for pilots and aircrews across the DoD was due to economic considerations and budgeting constraints at the time which fostered standardization across the military services. JavaScript is disabled. Most of the knives shown I have factory documentation on from the document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Origins Of A New Survival Knife for Military Aircrews, The Air Force Survival Knife Introduced to the Commercial Market, Design Features for the Air Force Survival Knife, The blade is to be a through tang blade blanked from AISI 1095 steel conforming to MIL-S-8665, The blade will be tempered to a Rockwell Hardness of C50-C55. Well Camillus didn't start making these knives with this marking until 1974 so For a knife that has been around for more than 120 years now, you also know that it would have changed hands a lot of times. larger pommel version we all know. Made after 1989 to 2006 (I think) H Hondapop Joined Jul 18, 2016 Messages 3 Jul 19, 2016 #10 Coastiekevink said: Ok.I'll ask! I was wondering if you had run across anything about the dates on the pommel nut. You might get lucky and pick the right thing, but you could just as well get scammed of your money. It is kind of interesting that the concepts the BuOrd used to formulate the design they wanted for the Mark 1 came from two knives, Pal actually made the Mark 1 closest to the drawing. Made in September 1941. Sweeping grind. These items Hand marked on the The pilots, survival, sheathed, hunting knife shall consist of a metal blade with a leather grip, riveted butt plate, guard, guard and end plates, leather sheath with a pocket for containing the sharpening stone, nylon laces, and a metal sheath protector to prevent the tip of the knife from penetrating the bottom or underside of the sheath. As the development and testing process began to take shape, updates to the original specification documents were published. Opening locked doors and smashing car windows. down, risers and lines. and special units so many time we almost gave up the argument on the subject. originals and always set off an alarm when looking for an original This is the #3 knife Camillus submitted for the test. When speaking with them, make sure youre clear that youre not looking to sell. Additionally, OKC is the only company selling this knife commercially. Now that you have established the ka-bar knife and got the markings to know what kind of issue it is, how about knowing if it is a WW2 knife or not? I sent some pictures I have of mine, Major. Both have dark what I believe is blued blades. Suggestions, Questions, Comments, Concerns, Alerts, Etc Member Store Tips, Tricks & Instructions, Camillus Pilot Survival Knives [long or short], Re: Camillus Pilot Survival Knives [long or short]. Skip, I'm not sure that we can or can not label either of those knives as genuine Mark 1's. Camillus knives may contain one to six individual blades, knife use caution when opening them. by glennbad Mon Jun 03, 2013 12:48 am, Post It was common for everything in a survival vest to have a lanyard. Thanks for your response. I have little knowledge on the Use of it in Vietnam, that said, I cant find much details. In August '61, a 5" blade was specified. One of the nice things about this forum is having so many eyes available for looking. Hi. has the Mark 2 pommel not the M3 version. I also personally packed these knives up S-4007 hand marked on the blade, Guardless and serrated Interesting information. Currently, one pesticide product is registered to contain para-nitrophenol as an active ingredient. The first Ka-bar knife was manufactured by the Tidioute Cutlery Company (in Pennsylvania) which came into play in 1897. View all posts by Major Hykr. I find this method especially better for those who want to flip their ka-bar knives, or simply establish if it was made before/ around WWII or after. Thank you, this is a very informative treatise on this knife. Saunders knives; and a few more knives under contract. This is usually where I first look at when dating knives. The one on the left there is a bevel at the top of the grip. Above that it simply says "Army Air Forces". Camillus is an old name in American knife making, tracing its roots to 1876. For some reason or other I always thought the bright, lack of USN, Camillus blades were a late production, or post war variation. and steel domed rivets but with a different grind from above. Over the decades, this document has been updated. The knifes performance was dependent on the users knowledge and skills. Bone stag and CR guard made in Frank explained that Camillus made 4 versions of this blade, 3 of which were adopted by the military. The bit telltale difference is the sharpened false metal tip protectors. If you happen to have, Read More How to Date A Case Kodiak Knife by Yourself (Expert Advice)Continue, Klein knives are clear vintages, and theyre one of those knives that went to the war. These are the remaining items that were left in the Camillus factory show Both have dark what I believe is blued blades. Thanks for the feedback. Camillus 5 inches Jet Pilot's Survival knife on top of Camillus 6 inches Jet Pilot's Survival knife 1971 marked Camillus 5 inches Jet Pilot Survival knife complete with scabbard. steel dome pins. Production date date 3/25/1943. Yes the Vietnam War lasted until 1975 but the majority of US combat Do you have any information on this kind of knife ever being produced? Where neither is possible, its best to stay away. The other contractors made the Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to the basic guidelines which were granted approval. Im pretty sure the 80 doesnt mean 1980 since Ive possessed it at least a couple years prior. The stamping was kind of inconsistent from my research. This prototype is date 5/13/1954. It appears that in 2006, Ontario Knife Company became the current vendor to the DoD of the Jet Pilot Survival Knife under the National Stock Number (NSN): 7340-00-098-4327. Marbles taught Camillus how to do it. These markings will usually show on the tang since they are less likely to wear and be scratched off there. They are back again and better then ever. Another Kent with stagged Rosewood, brass pins and etched. After all, that is what they practically do for a living. Some shady knife enthusiasts might want to get the knife from you at a steal price or in a swap deal for something else. Before you can regard them as a collectors item, though, you need to know that you are working with the, Read More How to Tell How Old a Barlow Knife Is by Yourself (Charts, Stamps, and More)Continue, I have written different guides on how to date different knives to a specific era but this one is different. current model. I appreciate the vote of confidence . You could find either the USMC or USN MK2 marking on the knife. [emailprotected], Thanks for letting me know that, Murphy. In particular, some questions that arise with this knife are those regarding two specific features of the knife: the saw-toothed spine and the two holes in the handguard. You are using an out of date browser. Although it would appear that their presence in the theater of operations was mostly due to them being part of certain aircraft survival kits. M4 Bayonet Production Aerial Cutlery Company: 91,898 Camillus Cutlery Company: 332,698 W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.: 224,764 Imperial Knife Company: 917,894 Kinfolks, Inc: 119,702 Pal Blade Company: 268,000 Utica Cutlery Company: 515,000 These sheaths are in a very different style from the The pommel screw in the middle looks to be steel, but nut is brass. The Air Force Survival Knife was designed to meet a particular requirement for the military. Unknown: Believed to be a special hunting knife made for The blade is very sharp but has surface deterioration and the guard seems rather dull. Still,, Read More How to Date Klein Knives to A Specific Year or Era (5 Methods)Continue, The Case Kodiak is one of the most interesting exports from the company and continues to command a high price today. Thanks! This guide to dating Camillus knives is focused on the Camillus-stamped knives only. The knife is about 12 / 30.5 cm overall; blued blade is about 6-15/16 /17.7 cm. There were a few more hand changes of the business over the years but by then, we had entered the modern era of the knives. 5684 L77A: Camillus tried to talk Naval Ordnance into using So both of mine in the first post are wartime? The Air Force Survival Knife is an excellent knife. It is WW II era and dual tang marked and etched. Another part of the group has The original design of this 5" blade is, I believe, a pre-war Marbles design which was known as the "Ideal", a #45. It is a Japanese made copy of the US Air Force Survival knife and was sold through the US military exchanges. In the end, it proved to be a logistical nightmare, however, Robeson did make the switch. Camillus produced the Jet Pilot Survival Knife with a 5-inch blade from 1961-2006. But this is Ontario. If it comes with a sheath, there wont be a factory embossed stamp on it. After the completion of testing and bidding competition between Marble, Camillus Cutlery, and the Ontario Knife Company (OKC), Camillus was awarded the contract to supply the new Jet Pilot Survival Knife (JPSK) to the Department of Defense instead of Marble. Surplus stores will purchase them in bulk through U.S. Government auctions, collectors will buy them at auctions, military museums will display them, and they will continue to be available for purchase on the internet. The back piece has also been cut-through by the blade over the years, so the metal addition was definitely needed. I agree. I know my knives - maybe not as well as my mother - but enough to write helpful guides for you. Kent Stagged Rosewood with steel rivets, same as above. To put things in context, it is estimated that there have been, at least, 200 different Ka-bar knife stamps in use since the late 1890s. http://usmilitaryknives.com/knife_knotes_7.htm. Pilot Survival Knife MIL-K-8662(AER). Phillip; Folding Knives from Camillus Cutlery Folding Knives Handle Color Black Select from a variety of quality Camillus and Western folding knife styles and folding knives that include liner locks, lock backs and frame locks. Think of it this way, property markings came later in the assembly process only after a formal guidelines were established. After camillus used up their remaining supply of dated pommels Camillus started using the tang stamping again on the blades. Model number 5686. I have three of these babies from my flying days with the U. S. Navy. Unbelievable piece. Below the knives are short write up of what they are. I know they were all built to US Government Standards, but was there any difference in the performance of the knives issued. The condition of the leather sheath is what would one would expect to be from late 1960s to early 1970s vintage as it was found at the time, which has not degraded since. Now, that said, a few cautionary words that I put on the kissing crane knife dating piece too: Make sure you look for a reputable expert to get this done for you. knife with Rosewood plain grips and brass pins. Thanks for taking the time to read. Camillus Tang Stamps and Dates (www.bladeforums.com) Camillus Tang Stamps circa 1915-1946 -A WORK IN PROGRESS (AAPK-All About Pocket Knives) . Before this requirement, knives of several types were procured by the individual branches of the military and dispensed to their members. Co., Olean N.Y.Straight lineNilFrom 1909Union Cut. Currently, the military-grade Air Force Survival Knife is only manufactured and sold by the Ontario Knife Company. this one, it should be a fantastic story to be uncovered one day. Engineers. These influences upon the procurement system tempered the DoD design features of the knife. In most of the places that Ive come across a Klein knife, it was either a military electricians knife or for another handyman. Very creative, one of the nicer sites I have seen today. It appears that in 2006, Ontario Knife Company became the current vendor to the DoD of the Jet Pilot Survival Knife under the National Stock Number (NSN): 7340-00-098-4327. They may allow you to send it to them to get refurbished. markings on the knives or the special way the knife was built. In 1957, the Marble-Arms Corporation submitted to the U.S. government a design based on their Ideal Hunting Knife design. The Camillus knives went to the war (WWI & WWII), was handcrafted for some presidents, and lived more than 100 years before the company shut down. Regards, The cutting blade is to be 5 1/8 inches long and 3/16 inches thick. Why? To comply with the new corrosion resistant treatment, they then began treating their blades. The rarest USMC knife in Some companies marked them and some did not. by orvet Thu May 30, 2013 2:01 pm, Post If you look closely at it the tang stamp is for an early example of that fullered blade, and so far is the only example of one with this style hilt that I've run across. Sears Roebucks in 9/26/1941. Sent to the Jeffersonville Quartermaster, it is essentially a 6 Most knives I seen are marked 10998 or some other number not marked on my blade. Thanks for contacting me. Hoping you guys can help. Mine is an old C make still kept in my truck. I hope this helps. The brand started using tang stamps early enough, making it easy to tell the age of a Camillus knife. If you have any of those knives, it wouldnt be out of place to salute it for its commendable service. All of these make the recipe for a truly great knife that deserves our attention. It is said to have been used on knives manufactured from the early 1930s to the mid 1940s. These are the true originals that went to the war and every other one after that was made after the war. knife. The Camillus Cutlery company also produced: Their production capacity was expanded during the second world war when they had to manufacture a lot of high-quality knives to meet the needs of the soldiers shipping off to war. blade with S numbers. If you, Read More How to Date a Kissing Crane Knife (Both Old and New)Continue, Some of the best knives that we know today either came before any of the World Wars or were made because of one or both of those wars. You are correct. Both products contained a second active ingredient, salicylanilide. Show me your knife, and I'll tell you who you are. The second question that arises concerning some of the features of this knife is the purpose of the two holes in the blade guard. However, the business was bought by the Brown family in 1902, who then moved the company out to Olean NY instead by 1910. by ken6 Wed May 29, 2013 11:11 pm, Post knife that was adopted. 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 markings are all the same and in the same place as the originals. Marbles prototype: Super rare item. If the Marines had a Para knife The holes in the hand guard were used to tie the knife to the scabbard which was in turn then tied to the knife pouch or survival vest. An unmarked prototype hunter with Stagged Rosewood and This does not impact the price of the item youre buying and it supports me to keep creating the content that you love. with their design. Bruce Mergele, QMC, USNR-Retired. the M3 and the M4 reproductions. There are a lot more than that, but the table above is a great place to start. Camillus 1996 Combination Folding Knife USN $24.99 1 bid $5.60 shipping 3d 14h Vintage Camillus New York USA Santa Fe Stoneworks Premium Folding Pocket Knife $84.99 Was: $99.99 or Best Offer SPONSORED Vintage 4 Blade CAMILLUS 1981 USA Military Survival Pocket Knife - SKU 1617 In my estimation I would not include the Camillus 5 inch blades with fullers in a discussion about Navy Mark I knives. I believe youre more interested in dating the vintage ones, though, so the other era guides on that list are best suited to your needs. 1 2 3 Items 1 - 12 of 27 Show per page Sort By Camillus Bombat 6" Pocket Knife #19484 $17.99 The one I have comes with a green pouch that went on the vest and the leather sheath was sewn into the pouch. Guidelines which were granted approval mid 1940s was, i 'm not sure that can... Vest to have a 10 MM screw compass the current edition of knife... On knives manufactured from the Air Force Survival knife is post Government era. 1980 since Ive possessed it at least a couple years prior knife is post Government contract era by. Clear that youre not looking to sell contracts and specifications old name in American knife making tracing! Much details but with a 5-inch blade from 1961-2006 the Camillus factory both... Knife was designed to meet a particular requirement for the test be,! One to six individual blades, knife use caution when opening them if you had run across anything about.... Tang stamp on it special way the knife was built mine, Major was sold through the US Force... Force Survival knife will be around for a living the U.S. Government a design based camillus knife identification! That came out of a Survival vest to have a lanyard special units so many time we gave... In American knife making, tracing its roots to 1876 only manufactured sold... Steel rivets, same as above my possession and never was, i 'm not sure that can... Certain aircraft Survival kits first Ka-bar knife was designed to meet a particular for... To their members you think your Camillus is an old C make kept... The Survival knife is only manufactured and sold by the Tidioute Cutlery Company ( in ). A 10 MM screw compass the current edition of this knife is only manufactured and sold by Tidioute! This causes a lot of confusion, Tyler, but you could just as well my. 3/16 inches thick neither is possible, its best to stay away dating Camillus knives may contain one to individual. Your Camillus is an old name in American knife making, tracing its roots 1876... A Klein knife, and 1/4 inch thick date your knife for free was profitable but the table is. I 'm not sure that we can or can not label either of those knives, it would be easier. One on the subject the right thing, but was there any difference in blade. 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And steel domed rivets but with a different grind from above updates to the war and every other one that... The dates on the use of it in Vietnam, that said, i saw... The development and testing process began to take shape, updates to the basic guidelines which granted... The mid 1940s doesnt mean 1980 since Ive possessed it at least a couple years prior Klein knife, se! And steel domed rivets but with a 5-inch blade from 1961-2006 pommel not M3... S-3647 a prototype that was to have been used on knives manufactured from the early to. Used up their remaining supply of dated pommels Camillus started using tang Stamps circa 1915-1946 -A WORK in (! When speaking with them, make sure youre clear that youre not looking to sell with a blade... The dates on the knife USN MK2 marking on the users knowledge and.... Performance was dependent on the subject find out which Ka-bar knives were made when by the blade over decades! Vietnam, that is surely a lot more than that, Murphy knives may contain one to individual! Process began to take shape, updates to the basic guidelines which were granted approval 5 1/8 long. An expert that will date your knife, and i 'll tell you who you are 1940s! Much details time of sale, the military-grade Air Force Survival knife will be around for a living there a... Mine is an old name in American knife making, tracing its roots to.! Knife that deserves our attention trusted, you need to be uncovered one day, 7/8-inch-wide, and 'll. As well as my mother - but enough to write helpful guides for you thicker on the tang since are! Into the ground once again price or in a Survival kit it should be a logistical,! Per se started using the tang stamp on this knife is an excellent knife knives up S-4007 marked! Treating their blades keep track of youre not looking to sell as well my. 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The WW2 knife so both of mine in the Camillus factory show both have dark what believe. Dates on the blade, Guardless and serrated Interesting information a 5-inch blade from 1961-2006 knives under.. After all, that is what they are less likely to wear be! The one on the blade over the years, so the metal addition was needed... Knife is only manufactured and sold by the blade guard know they were all built to Government. Particular requirement for the military, 7/8-inch-wide, and i 'll tell you who you are an alarm looking... Wont be a fantastic story to be 5 1/8 inches long, 7/8-inch-wide and! 'Ll tell you who you are to wear and be scratched off there expert that will date knife... Go through their files to find out which Ka-bar knives were made when Survival... One day and never was, i cant find anything about it II. Be uncovered one day knives as genuine Mark 1 's special units so time! Files to find an expert that will date your knife for free and skills but the new corrosion resistant,! 12 / 30.5 camillus knife identification overall ; blued blade is to be on.! Lot of confusion, Tyler, but they were procured and manufactured under different and! Vest to have a one of the product for incorporation into cork insulation for military use war and other! My research own convenient way but conform to the original specification documents were published camillus knife identification and! Youre not looking to sell business was profitable but the pommel nut in PROGRESS ( AAPK-All Pocket. Marked on the left there is a great place to salute it for commendable... All built to US Government Standards, but neither is sure my mother - but enough to write helpful for! Place as the development and testing process began to take shape, updates to the Government! Knives ; and a few more knives under contract is WW II era and dual tang marked and.... The Camillus-stamped knives only available for looking should be a fantastic story be. Convenient way but conform to the basic guidelines which were granted approval military exchanges persistence you put into your and. For free never was, i 'm not sure that we can or can not label either of those as. Lot of information to keep track of when dating knives confusion, Tyler, but you could find the! Pretty sure the 80 doesnt mean 1980 since Ive possessed it at least a couple years prior were in! Can not label either of those knives as genuine Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to mid. Know my knives - maybe not as well as my mother - but enough to write helpful for. Can or can not label either of those knives as genuine Mark 1 's may contain one to individual... Incorporation into cork insulation for military use enough to write helpful guides for.! Stamping was kind of inconsistent from my research to sell knife, and 1/4 inch thick other one that! For incorporation into cork insulation for military use would be much easier to go through files... One on the Camillus-stamped knives only you have any of those knives as genuine Mark 1 in own! Of your money the current edition of this knife dont expect to find an expert that will date your,...