These had 6 inch blades and screwed-on pommels. by zzyzzogeton Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:26 am, Post Thanks Steve, I really appreciate the informatiion. The companys founder, Harry Kabar, was the original knife maker of the Ka-Bar Fighting Knife. When it comes to storing your Camillus Kabar knife, the most important thing is to ensure that it is properly cared for. http://www.iknifecollector.com/group/knifechicks2/forum/topics/gene Posted by Ken Spielvogel on August 5, 2013 at 12:21, Union Cutlery Co.Olean, NY 1911-1951KA-BAR brand 1923-1951Wallace R. & Emerson BrownDanforth Brown ManufacturerKA-BAR Cutlery Co.Olean, NY 1951-1966KA-BAR brand since 1951Danforth Brown d.1956ManufacturerCole National Corp.Cleveland and Solon, OH 1966-presentKA-BAR and KHYBER brandsManufacturer at Olean, NY 1966-1977Sold KA-BAR brand to Alcas 1996nother post: a great help, Posted by Wayne Whitted on December 19, 2012 at 17:01. Kabar offers a wide range of quality knives. The only other way to perhaps get an approximate date is another collector who might be able to say, I bought that knife new in 1960! Here, youll have a line in both the upper and lower portion of the word CAMILLUS, But, the upper line doesnt reach the full length of the letters of the word CAMILLUS. . Look for markings or other indicators to help determine your knifes age. 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. 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. 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 change was made in June 1960 to weld the pommels to the tang end. 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. Finally, I would like to inform you that these Camillus knives are very historical, and in ancient times, people were very fond of them. I will be explaining the tang stamps of each era. A Camillus Kabar Knife can be dated by the Camillus tang stamps from 1902 to 2007. 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. Reply bysteve @ colonial knifeonMarch 23, 2014 at 15:12, this is a Ranger series Brand manufactured by Colonial for over 30 years-A true back bone of the Colonial brand-Colonial has only recently started dating their products with the year of manufacture beginning in 2006, Reply byCharles SampleonMarch 24, 2014 at 15:16. Most people do not think about it, but a knife is a tiny piece of history. There are several online resources available that can help with dating a Camillus Kabar knife. Youll surely find exactly what you need, from pocket knives to hunting knives. Has anyone ever seen a ww2 or modern Mark2 with the Numbers C1219C2 stamped into either the knives or sheath. Knife collectors and dealers should still have those catalogs if you can find them. There are a few methods to date a case knife. Buck Knife Collector's Forum; Camillus Cutlery Collector's Forum; Case Knife Collector's Forum; . Additionally, heres an underline below the word CAMILLUS, but the underline doesnt reach the full length of the letters of the word CAMILLUS. Whether it is 100% or not you still have a knife that is highly desirable. Before you pass down your Kabar knife to a family member or sell it at a garage sale, remember that Kabar knives have a serial number stamped into their handles. This isn't all of them, but it is a well put together. mrkd. In 2004, Imperial Schrade's New York manufacturing plant closed, and all production shifted overseas. Several collectors and experts specialize in vintage knives and may be able to help you with identifying and dating your knife. I have a question though. At the end of the war, the decision to ramp up capacity paid off as Camillus could now make its knives and still churn others out under contract. The Camillus Cutlery Company was one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States as its roots date back to 1876. Thanks, 2023 Created by Jan Carter. There are also extensive catalogs on the knife brand, making my work easier. Kabar knives often have a serial number stamped on the blade (if they do, its usually near the guard). They can be used for cutting, slicing, and chopping food, as well as for self-defense. However, how nice of a Schrade knife you have is also dependent on what era the knife came from. The Ka-Bar company continues to make this knife today, having bought it from Schrade in 1985. This does not impact the price of the item youre buying and it supports me to keep creating the content that you love. It can't make it lose value as with the current shrunken scales it can't be worth much. These numbers can be used to identify the exact knife model and when it was made. Curiously enough, my knife does not have the Camillus trademark name stamp anywhere on the knife or the sheath. Simply put, youll have, Read More How To Date A Carl Schlieper Knife?Continue, From finding new methods of tempering steel to supplying knives for the troops in war, buck knives have a rich history. If you can still not determine the age of your Camillus Kabar knife, then it may be best to check with an expert. Buying via the links on CutsandCarves could earn us a commission on the sale. Can you help me with the probable date? Inspect the blade for maker marks or symbols that indicate its year of manufacture, such as the Kabar logo, which was used from 1955-1969. Sometimes the knife itself is a treasure. The markings are found on the blade, near the handle. Kabar knives are durable, comfortable, and, most importantly, fun to use. But how can you be sure that the knife youre buying is a genuine article? I am having trouble discerning between the older knives and the newer 70's models. Imagine having a vast collection of Camillus Kabar knives but not knowing how to find out their manufacturing era. In 1985, the company became the Imperial Schrade Corporation. Camillus made the first batch, 50K in February 1943. These guys have tons of info on military knives along with pictures. Find Out Here! by orvet Sat May 18, 2013 6:08 pm, Post The turning point of his life was when he created a new path for himself when his uncles factory was not going well. Except for the first two, which are based on information from this forum, the date references are based on Goins Encyclopedia. by zzyzzogeton Wed Sep 12, 2018 1:24 am, Post I will have to do some mental digesting over this topic. This can be particularly helpful for collectors and those interested in the history of Camillus Kabar knives, as it allows you to accurately date your piece and ensure that no two pieces are exactly alike. He started importing and selling German-made knives to his U.S. audience. If possible, carefully remove the handle to inspect the tang stamp that indicates when the knife was manufactured. camillus, then a short line from the letter A till the letter U, then new york , usa, its a 69 deluxe bone stockman. Sounds like you have a guard marked WW2 Camillus. I happen to like some of the new synthetic sprays use what you like and want. Reply byBrad T.onFebruary 1, 2013 at 15:30. This way, you can enjoy your vintage Camillus Kabar knife for many years to come. How To Date A Case Knife? Along with that, to identify when the knife was made, you might need to check out the catalogs. Additionally, many Kabar knives feature a serrated edge which makes them useful for sawing wood or rope. Kabar knives are an American-made brand that has outlasted other brands. But, to our dismay, because of poor management and tough competition from overseas companies, the factory was shut down in 2007. When using a Kabar knife, always cut away from your body and keep the blade pointed in a safe direction. First, it's important to use the right sharpening stone as not all stones are suitable for all types of steel. The name "Ka-Bar" comes from one of two spelling variations of the company's name. "Circa" is an appropriate term to use many times. You can jump to the following sections if youre in a hurry, but I would advise that you dont skip this part. Shop for Camillus Knives & Read Knife Reviews. Your email address will not be published. Today, the company makes all forms of cutlery, including steak knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives, and a lot more. It does, however, have a small "Japan" stamped in the blade at the hilt. Plus, like the previous tang text, it has also a hyphen between the word NEW-YORK. Reply byKen SpielvogelonNovember 21, 2013 at 12:18, Reply byMike SankewitschonJanuary 30, 2014 at 22:47. In 1985, the company became the Imperial Schrade Corporation. Once a piece of cutlery becomes old and frayed, it no longer offers the comfort and value it once did. Posted by Wayne Whitted on December 19, 2012 at 17:48. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The last photo shows a general timeline of Soldier knives on the left side and Officers knives on the right side. The older a knife is, the more valuable it, Read More How To Date A Cattaraugus Knife?Continue, If you happen to find an old Keen Kutter knife, then congratulations, you have one of the most sought-after knives in hand. Cheerio. The KABAR USMC knife was a general issue knife to marines in World War II. 1.4 Classify the Logo/ Tang Stamp 1.5 Seek help from the expert How to Date a Kabar 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. Your email address will not be published. The date code is stamped in millimeters, and the blade should be checked periodically to make sure it is within the range of dates on the blade. In most cases, a knife is a possession passed down through generations. Q: Where can I find more information on dating a Kabar knife? A knife tells a family story. Store your Camillus Kabar knife in a clean, dry place away from moisture. Most people do not think about it, but a knife is a tiny piece of history. Thanks for the link, Ken! Did you recently find a Camillus knife, and youd like to know what era it came from? Other times, the knife is a memento. Additionally, some knives may also have a date stamp, which can determine the year your knife was made accurately. Good catch. by Christian3309 Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:08 pm, Post There are many methods for polishing G10 knife handles, but we will focus on the most popular techniques. By following these steps, you can easily and safely determine when your Camillus Kabar knife was manufactured. Posted by Brad T. on December 10, 2012 at 14:19, Reply byWayne WhittedonDecember 19, 2012 at 17:41. Thank you for posting that image - the one knife I am trying to date has the #8 logo, now just have to find out what the pattern 881 is. Dating the American Imperial knives produced between 1916 and 1988 is relatively simple. Unfortunately the short answer is no. Check the blade for any rust or damage indicating a more recent manufacturing date. Reply byDon "Cossack Gearhead" GodardonDecember 22, 2012 at 10:27, Reply byAnthony "Tank" MeeksonFebruary 13, 2013 at 2:24, Thank you very much, Wayne. The Camillus Cutlery company closed shop in 2007, only to be resurrected in 2009 by Acme United Corporation, which acquired the naming rights. The main advantage of Dated a Camillus Kabar Knife is that it provides an accurate and reliable way of determining the age of your knife. by Mumbleypeg Wed Jan 09, 2019 4:35 am, Post 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. Instead, he sought out a smaller cutlery brand in Camillus and joined the management team. Imperial knives was a manufacturer of affordable American folding knives founded in Rhode Island in 1916. No matter the reason for wanting to date that blade, these methods will get you an accurate year or an era, at worst. Some shady knife enthusiasts might want to get the knife from you at a steal price or in a swap deal for something else. Reply byRon CooperonDecember 19, 2012 at 19:28. The tang stamp has 3 lines that start at the edge, curve upward, and end with the last line extending all the way to the handle. However, their popularity has also made them famous among hobbyists and chefs alike. So, to save yourself some time (and guesswork), you should always check the serial number on the blade of your Kabar knife. The companys founder, Harry Kabar, was the original maker of the Ka-Bar Fighting Knife. A similar issue occurs when dating the Kinfolks knife, but the chances of that error are slim. Check out forums, websites, and other sources related to the knife to get more information and help with dating. by eveled Sun Mar 04, 2018 8:31 pm, Post With a little elbow grease and the right know-how, you can clean your rusty knife and make it as good as new. You might have noticed that in the previous text, the alphabet O was in lower case. Sometimes, it can be next to impossible to see where that knife was made unless you follow the serial number. So here's a start at that; if you see errors or have other comments, let me know and I will edit as appropriate. You are using an out of date browser. By examining these characteristics, you can often tell if you have an older or newer Camillus Kabar knife. The buck knife could be an old item your father or, Read More How To Date A Buck Knife? This resulted in a long line of impressive, sturdy knives that have become vintage and collectors items today. Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings 4th Edition. This is usually where I first look at when dating knives. Once you have the right stone, using light pressure and long strokes, sharpen the blade from the base up to the tip. If you have any of those knives, it wouldnt be out of place to salute it for its commendable service. With one exception, these all came from electrician's knives (i.e., TL-29 or signal corp. style knives). Many collectors today wish many of the knife companies kept better recordsor ANY records. Required fields are marked *. I do have a question though. Adolph Kastor immigrated to the U.S.A. when he was 14 and worked in his uncles hardware company. No matter how hard you try one sneaks thru the cracks. Have you ever wondered when or where the Kabar knife company started? 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.. Great photos, How did you light it? A Camillus Kabar Knife can be dated by the Camillus tang stamps from 1902 to 2007. How Sharp Is a Scalpel? In 1902, the word Camillus was carved in an arched way on the top of the tang stamps. But an experienced professional can make sure you get more than just a good price. Charts , pictures anything you have to help members to find out more info on their knifes, Imperial knives was a manufacturer of affordable American folding knives founded in. Reply bySteve HanneronFebruary 1, 2013 at 15:49. By 1876, after his uncles company had to close shop due to poor sales figures, Adolph charted out a new path for himself. The tang stamp on a Kabar knife is stamped on the top of the blade, near the butt of the knife. Besides showing you how to date a Camillus knife properly, I also give some tips to avoid falling into the fake vintage Camillus knife scam. This knife looks a lot like the original and with a little bit of use can be made to look old real quick. They were also overridden by poor management decisions, culminating in a six-month workers strike in 2007. By the 1940s, Imperial knives became the Imperial Knife Associated Companies Group when the company acquired Schrade Cutlery. Looks as if no flash was used? Your email address will not be published. Inspect the knife regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and repair as needed, 6. If you plan on storing your vintage Camillus Kabar knife, its a good idea to disassemble it and wrap the blade in an oiled cloth. Knife Laws in France: Everything You Need to Know, Knife Laws In Germany What You Should Know. 1902-1915: The First Few Years This is especially important if you plan to resell the knife. To our dismay, because of poor management and tough competition from companies. His uncles hardware company the item youre buying is a tiny piece of history it lose value as with Numbers! Hardware company overseas companies, the factory was shut down in 2007 cases... 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Be explaining the tang stamp on a Kabar knife, but I would advise you. Or damage indicating a more recent manufacturing date, TL-29 or signal style... Was made accurately a genuine article and, most importantly, fun to use information from forum. Reply byKen SpielvogelonNovember 21, 2013 at 12:18, Reply byWayne WhittedonDecember 19, 2012 at 17:41 to salute for... It does, however, have a date stamp, which are based on Goins Encyclopedia and dating knife! To use many times knives often have a small & quot ; Japan & quot ; stamped in the tang! This part 1946 Camillus catalog titled knives that have become vintage and collectors items today this forum, alphabet. In 1902, the factory was shut down in 2007 long strokes, sharpen the blade, the... Especially important if you have a small & quot ; Japan & quot ; stamped in United. Sounds like you have any of those knives, hunting knives, hunting knives it! 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Management team or the sheath your browser before proceeding your vintage Camillus Kabar knife, it...