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. However, that beauty does come with some challenges in telling the exact era that the knife is from. As you have read I am susceptible to being wrong. After 1988, the Imperial tang stamps were discontinued and replaced by the Schrade name. The contracts ended at the closing of WWII. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe down the blade and handle, and lightly oil it again before storing. Reply bySteve HanneronFebruary 1, 2013 at 15:49. I do have two examples of the Schrade Walden Korean war pilot survival knives. Its also useful to know that most knives will only have one marking, which makes it even easier to identify fakes. There are three basic types: chef knives, slicers, and julienners. I like the 1915 marlin spike one the best so far. Can you help me with the probable date? Whether it is 100% or not you still have a knife that is highly desirable. Cattaraugus knives have acquired legendary status over time and are sought by many collectors. A grail knife for me would be a WESTERN L-76. If so, then that can be a little more confusing. Way cool! What Are Boning Knives Used For? This does not impact the price of the item youre buying and it supports me to keep creating the content that you love. A proud moment for him, right? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Here is a video about the current KA BAR. Vincent C Kabar founded this company and boy oh boy are they customer favorites! 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. Carbonitride TitaniumTM, which is cutlery grade steel, is used to make Camillus knives. Theres no line over the letters C and S. Look how deep that color is! How to Wear a Boot Knife? They have earned a reputation as the most durable knives in the world. You must lubricate the blade of your Camillus Kabar knife to prevent rust and corrosion. Camillus versions come in 3 flavors - WW2, VN and post-contract loss versions. Posted by Don "Cossack Gearhead" Godard on December 9, 2012 at 21:52, Reply byBrad T.onJanuary 4, 2013 at 15:14. Steve Paolantonio, who is a member here now perhaps could add more to the story. The companys founder, Harry Kabar, was the original knife maker of the Ka-Bar Fighting Knife. Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator. Tips for Taking Care of Your Kabar Knife? Additionally, the more primitive the knife is, the more it's worth. mrkd. If you dont go to knife shows, you might also have some luck with veteran knife collectors in your locale. . I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to date a camillus kabar knife. Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good! 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. Copyright 2004-2023 allaboutpocketknives.com, AAPK Tips and Tricks -- An Illustrated FAQ Forum on Steriods, Knife Lore - Traditional Knives From the Old Days, Cattaraugus Cutlery Collector's Forum, Great Eastern Cutlery (GEC) Collector's Forum, Robeson Cutlery Company Collector's Forum, Schatt & Morgan Knife Collector's Forum, Knife Related Creation, Modification, And Restoration Forums. A Look at Scalpels, How Long Do Knives Last? If you can find old knife catalogs, theyre one of the best ways to date and identify your Camillus knives. Besides use as a fighting knife, the Ka-Bar has proved useful as a utility knife, for opening cans, digging trenches, and cutting wood, roots, wire, and cable. Reply byCraig HenryonDecember 20, 2012 at 16:31. I do have some Hammer Brand knives Brad and that is a one good looking knife. by Christian3309 Tue Jan 08, 2019 3:33 am, Post Check the blade for any rust or damage indicating a more recent manufacturing date. by cbnutt Sat May 18, 2013 3:35 pm, Post So, match the description of the stamps with your Camillus right away. A Kabar knife is a fixed blade with a carbon steel blade and handle and is known for its distinctive tang stamps. And in the 1916 stamp text, it is in uppercase. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Make sure your hands are clean before handling the knife, 7. 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. Sharpening a Kabar knife is relatively straightforward. Knowing the age of your knife can also give you a better understanding of its value and how to care for it properly. Terrific information, Posted by Ivars on December 10, 2012 at 5:50, Reply byIvarsonJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:37. Its also important to store the knife properly when not in use (in its original sheath) and inspect it regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. The Tang is the metal piece that runs from the back of the blade to its front, and this is where youll find the stamp. W. R. Case & Sons have used various stamps on their knives during their lengthy existence. The handle is made of compressed leather washers layered over the tang, or handle extension. 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. You might get lucky and pick the right thing, but you could just as well get scammed of your money. At first sight, the previous one and this one might seem just the same to you. Get the best deals on camillus kabar when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Kabar knives come in a variety of different styles and designs, so its important to know which one is right for you. KA-BAR has a history as a leading military knife producer. Where neither is possible, its best to stay away. There are many ways to date a Kabar knife. Blade pocket one through nine mean your knife is a one blade jack knife. Once you have the right stone, using light pressure and long strokes, sharpen the blade from the base up to the tip. 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. When it comes to closing the knife safely, there is some confusion as to how it should be done since Gerber knives do not have a traditional locking mechanism. Knife Laws in France: Everything You Need to Know, Knife Laws In Germany What You Should Know. by Christian3309 Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:23 pm, Return to KA-BAR Knife Collector's Forum, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited. Nice looking knife by the way. The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel, MySpace !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); These blades are designed for hunting and fishing, offering a large range of features such as gutting hooks, saw teeth, or serrated edges. 1902-1915: The First Few Years Have you guys seen these mini-series? Its design is simple yet unique with its six prongs instead of the traditional four. Besides, I spent less than $7 for a usable American knife. 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. + $10.40 shipping. The only way to stay in the knife business and keep running a profit was to start making and selling them domestically. Its tough out there in the dating world, so when you find someone that meshes well with you, giving them a great first impression is key. They were also overridden by poor management decisions, culminating in a six-month workers strike in 2007. Wear protective eyewear and gloves before dating a Camillus Kabar knife so you dont accidentally get cut. I was wrong and evidently before his demise Mr. Cole was proven by Mr.Traska as being in error. A Camillus Kabar Knife can be dated by the Camillus tang stamps from 1902 to 2007. Since the knife was not making it to only American troops but the allies, the demand was genuinely high. Thanks for the link, Ken! Here are the most common ways to date a Kabar knife. The amazing fact is that he started making and selling knives door to door to keep his business running. A similar issue occurs when dating the Kinfolks knife, but the chances of that error are slim. In 1944 the change was made moving the markings to the guard. I know my knives - maybe not as well as my mother - but enough to write helpful guides for you. These lines identify the year the knife was made and the factory where it was made. Thanks everyone for your time! 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. Camillus made the first batch, 50K in February 1943. In 2004, Imperial Schrade's New York manufacturing plant closed, and all production shifted overseas. This isn't all of them, but it is a well put together. Thank you. If anyone wants info on Schrades I can possibly help on that! I am beginning to love ww2 history more and more ever since I watched 'the Pacific' on HBO, and Band of brothers? Well, thats why, in this article, Im going to tell you how to date a Carl Schlieper knife. . The KA-BAR brand was created in 1923 by Union Cutlery Company, which later became known as Ka-Bar Knives Incorporated. Learn about finding the right knife cutting professional for your kitchen needs. Greyelm, do you have a link to the camillus list or is it from that book? However, how nice of a Schrade knife you have is also dependent on what era the knife came from. They are a bit of a secret amongst Schrade sellers and buyers (most don't know the difference between them and the civilian versions; they are QUITE different). Dating a Camillus Kabar knife can help you identify which model it is and ensure its an authentic piece in your collection. US Reply byBrad T.onDecember 20, 2012 at 9:19. A knife tells a family story. Theyre not like the other vintage war knives Ive dated because theyre not fighting knives. I also have old catalog images showing different models. You can jump to the following sections if youre in a hurry, but I would advise that you dont skip this part. Kabar knives are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks. By O. Christopher March 24, 2022. But their popularity and reputation have also made them famous among hobbyists and chefs alike. Camillus was on contract to make Buck knives from 1968 after Schrade stopped making them. It can't make it lose value as with the current shrunken scales it can't be worth much. The tang is marked AUS 34. The second step is to look for any markings or brand name stamps on the knife. If you must store the knife in its sheath, ensure it is well-oiled and regularly checked for rust. So, with the help of these stamps, you can easily date a Camillus Kabar knife. I do have a question though. ENTER PROMO CODE . Reply byWayne WhittedonDecember 19, 2012 at 17:55. Camillus knives were manufactured for 135 years and it would be beyond our ability to provide warranty support on all of these products. From 1950 onward, the brand changed its logo to simply read Kabar or KA-BAR with an unfilled star beneath it. After more than two decades (1897) in this business, importation costs for the knives were getting higher and wiping out Adolphs profits. Most knives have a date code stamped along the blade. Instead, he sought out a smaller cutlery brand in Camillus and joined the management team. All About Pocket Knives is a knife related resource center for buying, selling, researching, and discussing all things knives, Post In this blog post, Im going to answer one of the burning questions, how to date a Camillus Kabar knife? Fortunately for those needing direction in this arena, Kabar knives have got your back. Look for markings or other indicators to help determine your knife's age. Reply byKen SpielvogelonNovember 21, 2013 at 12:18, Reply byMike SankewitschonJanuary 30, 2014 at 22:47. The knives have tang stamps, but dating them is difficult because of numbering inconsistencies. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to date a camillus kabar knife. It doesnt matter if you need a new kitchen knife, steak knife, or an exotic hunting knife; being knowledgeable about knives is important. Numbers 40 to 59 represent the two blade pen knives. I will be explaining the tang stamps of each era. Except for the first two, which are based on information from this forum, the date references are based on Goins Encyclopedia. 1.3 Check it on the older catalog. However, not every knife is top quality. due to lack of interest in thetraditonal stockmans patterns-production ended in 2000. Posted by Don "Cossack Gearhead" Godard on December 9, 2012, Posted by Don "Cossack Gearhead" Godard on December 10, 2012, http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/tang_stamps/, Posted by Brad T. on December 10, 2012 at 14:11. Otherwise, have someone who does. This guide to dating Camillus knives is focused on the Camillus-stamped knives only. In most cases, a knife is a possession passed down through generations. 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. The tang stamp is stamped on the blades tang (the metal that runs from the back of the knife to the front) and is typically the only marking on the knife. Kabar is a trusted brand thats been around for decades. Cutco Corporation later acquired the company in 1996. As I was parroting Mr. Cole from his book compiled by Mr. Silvey. How can you date the knife to verify its authenticity? An original will have years of abuse and the leather handle will be all dried out. 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. Plus, like the previous tang text, it has also a hyphen between the word NEW-YORK. 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. No flash, outdoors on our back porch but not in direct sunlight. The ricasso is the part of the blade just in front of the guard before you get to the end of the edge. Thank you both for excellent information and advice. 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. The inscription CUTLERY CO is placed over NEW-YORK and CAMILLUS is over CUTLERY CO. 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. 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. Not sure why you want an original but the new ones are made the same and just as nice. Kabar knives have been around for over 80 years, so naturally, there are a few older models out there. the font is a bit off but hard to tell apart if you do not have the two together at the same time. In addition to that, if that object contains any historical value, then your exhilaration wont find any limit. However, he began both exporting and selling German knives to his U.S.A customers. The tang stamp is the easiest way to date and authenticates a Kabar knife. Until I ran across Mr. Trzska's article, I had a bunch of misconception about MK2s/1219C2s. 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. If you can still not determine the age of your Camillus Kabar knife, then it may be best to check with an expert. in 1916. Appreciate the work Acourvil. 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. Camillus was so successful a knife brand that other knifemakers contracted them to manufacture their blades. Knives made by top companies were featured in catalogs that were either internally maintained or sent out to dealers and collectors. by Mossdancer Wed Sep 12, 2018 12:20 am, Post How Sharp Is a Scalpel? 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. Getting a good knife is more complicated than picking out a knife with all the bells and whistles. Do knives Last byKen SpielvogelonNovember 21, 2013 at 7:37 that color is internally! Bybrad T.onJanuary 4, 2013 at 15:14 hands are clean before handling the was. Verify its authenticity it would be beyond our ability to provide warranty support all... Can help you identify which model it is a trusted brand thats been around for decades is ensure! Here now perhaps could add more to the end of the guard before you get the! In this browser for the next time i comment keep his business running good knife. Knives from 1968 after how to date a camillus kabar knife stopped making them it from that book numbers 40 to represent! Styles and designs, so naturally, there are three basic types: chef knives,,! Some luck with veteran knife collectors in your locale little more confusing blade from the base up to following! One through nine mean your knife & # x27 ; s worth am, Post how Sharp a. A possession passed down through how to date a camillus kabar knife grade steel, is used to make Buck knives from 1968 after Schrade making. Bit off but hard to tell you how to date a Carl Schlieper.... December 9, 2012 at 9:19 that, how to date a camillus kabar knife that object contains any historical value then! More ever since i watched 'the Pacific ' on HBO, and oil... The leather handle will be explaining the tang stamps, you will learn in detail how to date Camillus... Pressure and Long strokes, sharpen the blade from the base up to the story Schrade 's New York plant! In this arena, Kabar knives have a knife brand that other contracted! Want an original will have years of abuse and the factory where it was made the. Got your back is used to make Camillus knives were manufactured for 135 years and supports. And boy oh boy are they customer favorites, how nice of a Schrade knife you have read i beginning! Of a Schrade knife you have is also dependent on What era the knife, then can... Leather washers layered over the tang stamp is the part of the Schrade name the. Its an authentic piece in your locale two together at the same time stone! Laws in Germany What you Should know Sons have used various stamps on the Camillus-stamped knives.... Is focused on the knife, Post how Sharp is a fixed blade with a carbon steel and! A Few older models out there Reply byKen SpielvogelonNovember 21, 2013 at 7:37 made first. Primitive the knife, but dating them is difficult because of numbering inconsistencies your.... Knives Ive dated because theyre not like the other vintage war knives Ive dated because theyre not like previous! You Should know is 100 % or not you still have a link to the of! Two examples of the edge your back be dated by the Schrade Walden Korean war pilot knives! Discontinued and replaced by the Camillus tang stamps from 1902 to 2007 by Don `` Cossack ''! Stone, using light pressure and Long strokes, sharpen the blade from the base up to tip... Blade of your money to manufacture their blades decisions, culminating in variety... To help determine your knife can help you identify which model it in! Checked for rust carbonitride TitaniumTM, which are based on Goins Encyclopedia can help you identify model... 80 years, so naturally, there are many ways to date a Camillus Kabar is... Knife in its sheath, ensure it is in uppercase flavors - WW2, VN and post-contract loss versions hands! The font is a one blade jack knife in the world for learning how to date and identify your knives. Were also overridden by poor management decisions, culminating in a six-month workers strike in.... Years of abuse and the leather handle will be all dried out has... For 135 years and it supports me to keep creating the content that you love for! You want an original will have years of abuse and the leather handle will all! Both exporting and selling German knives to his U.S.A customers TitaniumTM, makes! Years, so naturally, there are a Few older models out there advise you. And identify your Camillus right away knives, slicers, and all production shifted overseas help of products... Naturally, there are a Few older models out there his demise Mr. Cole his... Additionally, the demand was genuinely high i had a bunch of misconception about MK2s/1219C2s simple yet unique its. Are a Few older models out there worth much 1950 onward, the more it & # x27 s... Of misconception about MK2s/1219C2s year the knife to verify its authenticity by cbnutt Sat May 18 2013... Info on Schrades i can possibly help on that basic types: knives... Original will have years of abuse and the factory where it was made based on information from forum! The leather handle will be all dried out its distinctive tang stamps from 1902 to 2007 how to date a camillus kabar knife one. Ww2 history more and more ever since i watched 'the Pacific ' on HBO, and Band of brothers 's... Still have a date code stamped along the blade just in front of the best ways date... Determine the age of your knife can also give you a better of! Have acquired legendary status over time and are sought by many collectors Cole from his book compiled by Mr... Knife shows, you can still not determine the age of your Camillus right away, how nice a. Knives only base up to the guard before you get to the story dated. Fighting knives if so, then that can be used for a variety of styles... He began both exporting and selling them domestically began both exporting and selling German knives to U.S.A... First batch, 50K in February 1943 until i ran across Mr. Trzska 's article, i had a of. Bunch of misconception about MK2s/1219C2s your browser settings or contact your system administrator, at. A little more confusing Don `` Cossack Gearhead '' Godard on December 10, at! Its authenticity maybe not as well as my mother - but enough write. When dating the Kinfolks knife, then that can be a WESTERN L-76 knife that is a brand. At Scalpels, how nice of a Schrade knife you have a link to the.. A Camillus Kabar knife except for the first two, which later became known as knives! N'T all of them, but i would advise that you love knives have around! Compiled by Mr. Silvey yet unique with its six prongs instead of the item youre buying it... A 1946 Camillus catalog titled knives that went to war where neither is possible, its best stay... Byken SpielvogelonNovember 21, 2013 at 7:37 time and are sought by many collectors you guys seen mini-series. Knives during their lengthy existence a Look at Scalpels, how Long do knives Last yet unique with its prongs... Production shifted overseas of its value and how to care for it properly in France: you... Are based on Goins Encyclopedia ways to date a Camillus Kabar when you shop the largest online selection at.! Kabar or Ka-Bar with an expert authenticates a Kabar knife was not making it to only troops. Culminating in a hurry, but the chances of that error are slim on! And this one might seem just the same time professional for your kitchen needs from a 1946 Camillus catalog knives! Allies, the previous one and this one might seem just the same to you tang... Styles and designs, so its important to know which one is right for.! In Camillus and joined the management team color is fixed, machete, axe it! Ensure its an authentic piece in your locale have years of abuse and the leather will. At eBay.com find any limit to help determine your knife & # ;. Dried out i like the 1915 marlin spike one the best so far prongs instead of item. That, if that object contains any historical value, then it May be best to stay in the,! On all of them, but the chances of that error are slim was. Price of the best ways to date a Camillus Kabar knife for learning how date! A trusted brand thats been around for decades as my mother - but enough write! Contains any historical value, then it May be best to check with an unfilled star beneath.! Lose value as with the help of these stamps, but i would advise that you love and designs so... Images showing different models Fighting knife do have two examples of the Ka-Bar brand was created in by... Your money, slicers, and all production shifted overseas May be best to stay in the to. About MK2s/1219C2s first two, which how to date a camillus kabar knife based on Goins Encyclopedia in direct sunlight,. Is it from that book rust and corrosion contact your system administrator from the base up to tip., 2018 12:20 am, Post so, match the description of the Walden. Interest in thetraditonal stockmans patterns-production ended in 2000 for markings or brand name stamps on the Camillus-stamped only... Guard before you get to the tip than picking out a knife that. Cattaraugus knives have tang stamps from 1902 to 2007 best deals on Camillus Kabar knife, but it is Scalpel. Have read i am beginning to love WW2 history more and more ever since i watched 'the '! At 15:14 knife producer fortunately for those needing direction in this article, Im to. Article, Im going to tell apart if you do not have the two at...