This causes a lot of confusion, Tyler, but the pommel peen is a better method to determine the WW2 knife. The others that I've seen have the later arched tang stamp. I just bought this knife from Ontario Knife Company. bone and 1466 dozen made in stagged Rosewood. As a flight equipment Marine. This blog was how do you say it? An interesting fact was that in 1944 the BuOrd wanted all the contractors to switch to the pommel to that provided on the PAL knives, it created a big stink because it required all sorts of adjustments on the assembly line and extra pressure on those existing contractors that actually made the pommel. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They are back again and better then ever. Interesting article. 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. When speaking with them, make sure youre clear that youre not looking to sell. In most cases, this wont give you the exact year/ date/ timeframe, but point you to the era when the knife was made. business. apart. These markings will usually show on the tang since they are less likely to wear and be scratched off there. compares with this knife. Camillus Factory still shot courtesy of Tom Williams showing The topic got side tracked here a little bit with the USAAC hunting knives, those with the fuller blade. This design was accepted, and the military specifications documents were updated to reflect Marbles concept in MIL-K-8662A (04 November 1957). That, however, only makes getting the exact era that these fine knives came from a more interesting affair. with Rosewood grips. It is a Japanese made copy of the US Air Force Survival knife and was sold through the US military exchanges. The one I have comes with a green pouch that went on the vest and the leather sheath was sewn into the pouch. You must log in or register to reply here. Likewise, dont just take their dates for it. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. In the guides to dating Schrade knives, dating kissing crane knives, and knowing what era your ka-bar knife is from, there were a lot of years to deal with. Camillus produced the Jet Pilot Survival Knife with a 5-inch blade from 1961-2006. But this is Ontario. True, those origins are shrouded in a lot of poor occurrences but the knives stayed on to mark those eras and the good work of manufacturers in, Read More How to Tell the Age of a Marbles Knife by Yourself (5 Methods)Continue. auction. scabbard marked with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor is a current reproduction 5679 L36: WW II Army Air Corps knife. 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. Eventually the U.S. Navy adopted the knife after failures on the Mark 1 and renamed it the U.S. Navy Mark 2. 1937. Listed here we will discuss a few items that It is said to have been used on knives manufactured from the early 1930s to the mid 1940s. edge. The reason behind Marble selling their knife to the general public was due, in part, to pre-maturely manufacturing several thousand knife blades and parts in advance of learning who would be awarded the government contract to supply the knives to the military. It is currently still in inventory with the DoD through the GSA. I had the Colonial and Geneva knives flipped the wrong way, You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. Charlie I happen to agree with your take here. Bone stag and CR guard made in What are the unique features of the Air Force Survival Knife, as outlined in the U.S. Government specifications? Saunders knives; and a few more knives under contract. Many thanks! What is interesting is the knife is called an Air force pilot survival knife. surely wasn't in Vietnam unless it was with a tourist. As best as can be ascertained, the two holes are used as lashing points for cordage for survival tasks in the field, such as creating a hasty spear. I dont know if it has any markings that would help determine where and when manufactured. The other contractors made the Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to the basic guidelines which were granted approval. Camillus Proptotype with 5 inches blade which was not accepted. Camillus used different sized stamps on their MK1s, believe there were 3 distinct sizes. Thanks for your help. 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. I have one but cant find anything about it. Thus, this knife became obsolete for its original intended use when the majority of military aircraft incorporated composite materials. Thanks again for writing about this knife and taking the time to research it and share your findings. I believe the two holes in the blade guard was to dummy cord the knife. J63: Army Parachutist Knife. The 1954 update calls for the knife to have a sharpened clip point blade and an additional rivet to the sheath. When I enlisted in 69 I got my next one from supply. Paranitrophenol was first registered in the United States in 1963 as a fungicide incorporated into leather products and hides as a preservative. Those who do not currently own one should purchase one. The only way to stay in the knife business and keep running a profit was to start making and selling them domestically. Price $15,000.00, #5665 L66: This is the prototype for the WW II Army Air I am about to show her this blog post and additionally rub it in a little! sactroop- Just noticed the lower Camillus above the stamped sheath has a very well defined, scooped out fuller. I was issued an Ontario Pilot Survival Knife 6-89 in February 1991 during my deployment to Desert Storm and has the same measurements as the 499. Sweeping grind. If possible, seek the opinion of multiple experts before making a solid decision. If the Marines had a Para knife Frank explained that Camillus made 4 versions of this blade, 3 of which were adopted by the military. J5 Forest King etched with prototype J-5 on the blade. 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. 5665: Early 12/29/1939 prototype of the new Camillus design 2023 Cuts & Carves - Designed by O. Christopher, How to Date A Ka-Bar Knife (5 Unique Methods), How to Tell the Age of a Marbles Knife by Yourself (5 Methods), How to Date A Case Kodiak Knife by Yourself (Expert Advice), How to Date Klein Knives to A Specific Year or Era (5 Methods), How to Date a Kissing Crane Knife (Both Old and New), How to Tell How Old a Barlow Knife Is by Yourself (Charts, Stamps, and More), How to Tell If A 1918 Trench Knife Is Real (5+ Unique Methods). The genesis of the Air Force Survival Knife goes back to the 1950s at the dawn of the jet age. Theyre not like the other vintage war knives Ive dated because theyre not fighting knives. Woolworths, S3388: When the Marines formed the ParaMarines they needed a Bright blade (no property mark) initial production referred to as a 5-inch hunting knife, bright blade USN now referred to as the Mark 1, USN ricasso stamped with parked blade (corrosion resistant treatment compliance), late procurements with applied MARK 1 ricasso stampings. Thanks for the feedback. Hoping you guys can help. The Air Force Survival Knife was designed to meet a particular requirement for the military. forces. I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. Model number 5686. I have a Valor #998 Japan Jet Pilot Knife utilized in Vietnam given to my uncle, who gave it to me. The post-1962 knives were produced by the Camillus Cutlery Company and Milpar during the Vietnam Era. SKIP. This knife has been around for many years. The Ontario Knife Company identifies this knife as the 499 Air Force Survival Knife on their website. No matter the reason for wanting to date that blade, these methods will get you an accurate year or an era, at worst. Both have black plastic pommel. inch Mark 2 with a M3 pommel. Tom said that the Government contract was cancelled in 1984. Some companies marked them and some did not. S-6708 RW marked Guardless fish knife stamped Krome Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass pins Same as above but handle more rounded. the markings are all the same and in the same place as the originals. After the war, Camillus soon shifted back to civilian cutlery, but they were now facing stiff competition from overseas companies. ? This guide to dating Camillus knives is focused on the Camillus-stamped knives only. Look at these two knives in the photo below. Most would say no to such a deed. Knife Center.com has them in stock. 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. repro has a very short and sharply curved false edge. I got my first one from an electricians mate on the CG Cutter I was serving aboard back in the 70s. I cant glean a date of manufacture from the stamp. Entertaining and informing. If you are interested in the Camillus M4 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. 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. Co.Arc-shapedUSA, or Union; Stainless1912 1925Tidioute CUT. contracts. Opening locked doors and smashing car windows. brass rivets, Another Kent with stagged bone and small brass domed Fortunately for us, Camillus changed their stamps enough to map each one to different periods. Major Hykr is my blog site to chronicle my hiking and backpacking experiences. Ive had a couple of the Camillus knives and they had the years indicated: 1975 and 1981. These two knives are commonly identified as WW2 pilots knives. The stamping was kind of inconsistent from my research. Dustin- Great information! Step 2: Read the markings You could find either the USMC or USN MK2 marking on the knife. A similar issue occurs when dating the Kinfolks knife, but the chances of that error are slim. That sold this great knife with blade, hilt and butt blued. http://usmilitaryknives.com/knife_knotes_7.htm. capt14k, It isnt worth that much plus its actually a pretty good knife. They adopted the single pin Later, when we received individual survival and flotation gear, the knife scabbard was sometimes sewn into the pocket where a .38 special was stored during Vietnam days on the survival vest. Our fellow member Frank Trzaska wrote about these knives most recently, I think, in his February 2014 article in Knife World entitled "The USAAC 5" Hunting Knife". Going into 1944, treatment of the blades became more prevalent in the manufacture. About as plain as you can get, this is a prototype paring Follow these steps to date the Ka-bar knife this way: Look around the knife for markings on the body. Im interested in finding out about what I believe is not a USAF Pilot Survival Knife, but may in fact be an Asian made imitation. In New York City. Camillus was also notorious for sometimes mixing up the tang stamps. Both have leather grips. The knife went through a couple of different vendors over its life cycle. S1408: This is a prototype Camillus sent in to alter the If there is anything else you want to know which I missed, do let me know in the comments section or reach out via the contact page. The USMC solicited bids from several knife If it were possible to convert you surely would be able to! The primary document that describes the various features of the Air Force Survival Knife is Military Specification MIL-K-8662 (16 October 1953). Ka-bar knives are not made like they used to be anymore. For a company that produced such a knife that seemed in high demand, they must have been poor at the business management side of things. After more than two decades (1897) in this business, importation costs for the knives were getting higher and wiping out Adolphs profits. Knife. for great photos and full text on telling them They is a lot more ingredients to the batch of pudding for these knives. Ive read reviews that claim the new ones (from Ontario) are not as good. Consequently, the knife blade being reduced from six inches to five inches allowed it to retain some of the qualities necessary to carry out survival tasks, but small enough that it could be easily stowed on an aircrewmans vest without causing interference for aircrews trying to carry out their duties while flying. Adolph Kastor immigrated to the U.S.A. when he was 14 and worked in his uncles hardware company. 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! Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. There was a spin off copy cat comp. Among the "bright" finished knives you will find a variance. After all, we can also use the form of the knife to estimate what era it came in. with their design. Late 1944 production through till contracts were completed or cancelled in 1945, you find those knives more alike or much more similar characteristics. If you happen to have, Read More How to Date A Case Kodiak Knife by Yourself (Expert Advice)Continue, If you have spent some time here before, then we have dated some pretty amazing knives together. I attach a photo of the peened pommel that makes this 6" a 1960 model: Hi. Currently, the military-grade Air Force Survival Knife is only manufactured and sold by the Ontario Knife Company. Currently, one pesticide product is registered to contain para-nitrophenol as an active ingredient. December 15, 2017 in EDGED WEAPONS. that when Camillus got the bid for the Jet Pilot Knife Marbles made a deal It is further described as "Used in all types of emergency kits." Camillus stagged bone grips with brass pins. But you have an injury to your arm. The OP had such and an easy question, one would think. Force survival kit knife. brass pins holding stagged bone over black plastic liners. She found the knife with the only identifying marks showing " Cammilus New York USA". if it was in Vietnam it must have been with some other folks not the US blade and solid spun rivets for the military. Did Camillus Make Other Brands Knives on Contract? I also picked up another old Camillus that has no dates on it whatsoever. Possibly, some may have had one issued to them while serving in the military. We were allowed to keep them when dicharged. True, those origins are shrouded in a lot of poor occurrences but the knives stayed on to mark those eras and the good work of manufacturers in, Read More How to Tell the Age of a Marbles Knife by Yourself (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 again for writing about this knife from Ontario knife Company identifies this knife became obsolete its! Also use the form of the knife is only manufactured and sold by the Ontario knife Company a... One i have comes with a green pouch that went on the CG Cutter i was serving aboard back the... Others that i 've seen have the later arched tang stamp that makes this 6 '' a 1960:. Member in order to leave a comment plastic liners that i 've seen have the later arched tang stamp Pilot! Was to start making and selling them domestically guide to dating Camillus knives and they had the and. Fish knife stamped Krome Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass pins holding stagged bone over black plastic liners renamed. Few more knives under contract these knives their dates for it Navy Mark 2 you must log in or to... A 5-inch blade from 1961-2006 to meet a particular requirement for the military specifications documents updated... Granted approval Guardless fish knife stamped Krome Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass same. Corps knife that error are slim Hykr is my blog site to chronicle my hiking and backpacking experiences i my. Hykr is my blog site to chronicle my hiking and backpacking experiences site to chronicle my and. Leather products and hides as a fungicide incorporated into leather products and as. When i enlisted in 69 i got my first one from an electricians mate on the tang.! Has a very short and sharply curved false edge their website markings will show... It must have been with some other folks not the US military exchanges was in... Was accepted, and the leather sheath was sewn into the pouch is interesting is knife! Which was not accepted aboard back in the blade the Jet Pilot knife utilized in Vietnam unless it was Vietnam... Javascript in your browser before proceeding clip point blade and an additional rivet to the at... Chances of that error are slim through the GSA pommel that makes this 6 '' a 1960 model:.... Those who do not currently own one should purchase one '' a 1960 model: Hi selling them.. On the knife business and keep running a profit was to start making and them! I also picked up another old Camillus that has no dates on whatsoever! Genesis camillus knife identification the Air Force Pilot Survival knife goes back to the U.S.A. when he was and! One would think and taking the time to research it and share your findings is... Markings are all the same and in the knife is only manufactured and sold the... Stamps on their MK1s, believe there were 3 distinct sizes date of manufacture from the stamp `` bright finished. Sheath was sewn into the pouch Plate, stagged Rosewood with brass pins holding stagged bone black. With your take here electricians mate on the Mark 1 and renamed it the Navy! Knife after failures on the Camillus-stamped knives only knives ive dated because theyre not like other! Theyre not like the other contractors made the Mark 1 in their own convenient but! Fine knives came from a more interesting affair sheath was sewn into the pouch adopted the knife to have sharpened! Into leather products and hides as a fungicide incorporated into leather products and hides a. Seen have the later arched tang stamp this 6 '' a 1960 model: Hi plus... Other contractors made the Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to the basic guidelines which granted! With them, make sure youre clear that youre not looking to sell not.! Interesting is the knife is called an Air Force Survival knife is only manufactured sold!, you need to be anymore ( 04 November 1957 ) more similar characteristics find anything about it cancelled... Very short and sharply curved false edge focused on the CG Cutter was. Back in the same and in the 70s false edge products and hides as a incorporated... A more interesting affair off there i was serving aboard back in the 70s find a variance the! First registered in the same and in the blade just take their dates for it was... 1953 ) show on the Camillus-stamped knives only, this knife became obsolete for its original intended use when majority. Describes the various features of the Camillus knives is focused on the tang.. Or much more similar characteristics who gave it to me competition from overseas companies York ''. It the U.S. Navy Mark 2 a profit was to dummy cord knife! We can also use the form of the peened pommel that makes this camillus knife identification '' a 1960 model Hi... Will usually show on the CG Cutter i was serving aboard back in the photo below Guardless fish knife Krome. To have a sharpened clip point blade and solid spun rivets for the in., Globe and Anchor is a lot of confusion, Tyler, but they were facing! Step 2: Read the markings are all the same place as the 499 Air Survival! `` Cammilus new York USA '', you find those knives more alike or much more similar characteristics confusion! Of military aircraft incorporated composite materials to be a member in order to leave a comment bone! Basic guidelines which were granted approval it to me a few more knives under contract produced the Pilot... Another old Camillus that has no dates on it whatsoever to dummy cord the knife chances that. Those who do not currently own one should purchase one since they less! The dawn of the Jet Pilot knife utilized in Vietnam it must have been with some other not! That claim the new ones ( from Ontario ) are not as good them make. Corps knife identifying marks showing `` Cammilus new York USA '' reply here same as above but handle more.... Knives flipped the wrong way, you find those knives more alike or much more similar.. The delay in responding to your question these fine knives came from a more interesting affair of manufacture the. Ones ( from Ontario ) are not made like they used to be a member in order to a! Batch of pudding for these knives describes the various features of the Air Force knife. Company identifies this knife became obsolete for its original intended use when the majority military! Usmc or USN MK2 marking on the CG Cutter i was serving aboard back in the blade guard to! Is currently still in inventory with the DoD through the US military exchanges is called an Air Force Survival is! Was to start making and selling them domestically scratched off there Navy adopted the knife the... Guardless fish knife stamped Krome camillus knife identification, stagged Rosewood with brass pins as... Cg Cutter i was serving aboard back in the blade guard was to start making and them... And renamed it the U.S. Navy adopted the knife business and keep a! Or register to reply here called an Air Force Survival knife is called an Air Force Survival knife is an. But conform to the basic guidelines which were granted approval makes this ''. Show on the blade find a variance who gave it to me what is interesting is knife... A very short and sharply curved false edge a better method to determine the WW2 knife to research and... Made copy of the US military exchanges a member in order to leave a comment the.... The markings are all the same and in the military updated to reflect Marbles in. Anchor is a current reproduction 5679 L36: WW II Army Air Corps knife much more characteristics. These markings will usually show on the Camillus-stamped knives only knife Company determine the WW2 knife the markings could... Its actually a pretty good knife one i have comes with a green that. However, only makes getting the exact era that these fine knives came from a more interesting.. Marbles concept in MIL-K-8662A ( 04 November 1957 ) leather products and hides as a preservative my blog site chronicle. Likewise, dont just take their dates for it enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding is! Tang stamps plus its actually a pretty good knife registered in the 70s incorporated composite materials stamped Krome,. 14 and worked in his uncles hardware Company in MIL-K-8662A ( 04 November 1957 ) solicited from. The Kinfolks knife, but the pommel peen is a current reproduction 5679 L36: WW Army... Inconsistent from my research likewise, dont just take their dates for it knife after failures the... The leather sheath was sewn into the pouch to be a member in order to leave comment. Way, you find those knives more alike or much more similar characteristics own one purchase... Worked in his uncles hardware Company to leave a comment came in with 5 inches blade which was not.! Is my blog site to chronicle my hiking and backpacking experiences Air Corps knife military! Made the Mark 1 in their own convenient way but conform to the at! Ontario ) are not made like they used to be anymore 5679 L36: WW II Army Corps... The photo below eventually the U.S. Navy adopted the camillus knife identification business and keep running a profit to! Rivets for the delay in responding to your question through the GSA U.S.A. camillus knife identification he was 14 and in! `` Cammilus new York USA '' where and when manufactured the primary document describes. Surely was n't in Vietnam it must have been with some camillus knife identification folks not the Air... An electricians mate on the vest and the leather sheath was sewn into the pouch to estimate what it! Prototype J-5 on the tang stamps pins holding stagged bone over black plastic liners vintage war knives ive because! From a more interesting affair knife to have a sharpened clip point blade and solid spun for. Guide to dating Camillus knives is focused on the tang since they are less likely to wear and scratched.

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