HISTORY OF CAMILLUS KNIVES
By Dexter Ewing
inception and in the many, many years that follow - Camillus has been dedicated to producing the finest knives
available. Regardless of whether or not you have used or owned a Camillus product, anyone who is into knife
collecting certainly is aware of this company and their products. What some people are not aware of is the broad
spectrum of Camillus' far-reaching expertise and the diverse knife markets they serve. Ready to take an in depth
look at the rich heritage of America's oldest knife manufacturer?
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
This knifemaking giant came to life in 1876 with founder Adolph Kastor. A young and ambitious German immigrant
who came to New York in 1870, riding high on hopes of working in the cutlery business. Kastor's uncle, Aaron,
was already in the business and served as a mentor to the young man by providing the young Kastor job
opportunities in his hardware supply business - Bodenheim, Meyer, & Company. Kastor started at the bottom -
ironically - in the sub basement where he was put in charge of cow chains. As time passed, he worked his way on
up through the ranks of the company to the firearms and cutlery department. This particular department at
Bodenheim, Meyer, & Company was a seasonal business, with the time period of July-August-September being
prime time - and Adolph Kastor was right in the middle of it all, cutting his teeth in the cutlery business. 1873
marked the year that the business suffered the loss of one of its founders and shortly thereafter restructured as
Meyer & Kastor. By this time the business was not faring well, plagued with poor sales figures. In spite of the
recent hard times, Kastor had learned a great deal about how to run the business - from the tedious financial
aspects to the complete knowledge of all branches of Meyer & Kastor and everything in between. By September
of 1876, the company closed up shop for the final time; all debts and assets were liquidated.
It was not long after that happened that Kastor set his sights on starting a company of his own. On October 1,
1876, the 20-year old Kastor had his new operation up and running. Housed in a building on Canal Street in New
York City, Adolph Kastor & Bros. began to fulfill the dreams of its founder by importing and distributing
German-made knives. Everything went smoothly until 1897, which marked the year the Dingley Tariff was
enacted. This legislation was drafted to promote domestic manufacturing. Thus, it rendered knives too costly to
import with its protective tariff on all imported steel products. The only solution Kastor saw was to manufacture
knives right here at home, in order to keep his prices down. Undaunted, Kastor set out to search for the solution.
Eventually, his search efforts led him to Charles Sherwood, the owner of a small knife manufacturer in Camillus,
New York. Sherwood's small facility had 20 cutlers who were turning out about 15 different patterns, but showed
promise of growth with the proper financial support. In 1902, Kastor purchased the company and assumed
control. With Kastor firmly planted in the driver's seat, his new company began to grow by adding new machinery
and adopting new techniques of manufacturing in order to produce the best quality American made knives. Eight
years after Kastor took the helm of the company, production numbers reached 902,976 knives. Adolph Kastor
was now fully realizing his dream come true right before his eyes. This company also was a definite boon to the
town of Camillus in the sense that it created jobs for the residents and brought in much needed revenue to the
community. Thus were the humble beginnings of Camillus Cutlery Company.
In 1910, just eight years after the company was established, Camillus had about 200 employees who turned out
an annual average of 75,248 dozens. In 1903 and 1906, two new brands were added: Clover and Sword Brand
respectively. This tremendous output was accomplished through the means of adding new machinery and new
employees. Camillus had purchased steam driven drop forge hammers and fly presses. The company also tried
alumina grinding wheels when those were initially introduced. They found these new grinding wheels to be more
precise than the ones they used prior. In terms of personnel, many German cutlers came to Camillus Cutlery
Company in search of a secure job and overall a better life in the United States. In fact, Camillus sponsored
German workers to come to the States to work in the factory. Camillus even built a "dormitory" to house their
German workers, dubbed Germania Hall. With this living arrangement, the German immigrants assimilated easily
into their new culture. If the new workers proved to be hard working and loyal, Camillus would reward them by
offering to sponsor the immigrant's family members to do the same - come to the United States and help make
knives. Hopefully, make new lives for themselves. "Overall, I would have to say that the years 1902-1914
experienced Mr. Kastor's shaping and fine tuning of the Camillus factory" says Tom Williams, Camillus Cutlery
Company's historian. All these changes in adding new techniques, new machinery, and new employees set the
stage for Camillus to transform itself into a major force in the American cutlery industry.
WORLD WAR I: SUPPORTING THE USA AND ITS ALLIES
As World War I got underway, many industries in the United States halted regular production in order to devote
their time and effort to make products in support of the war effort. Camillus jumped into this production with both
feet, manufacturing a total of 471,044 knives that were shipped off to the American forces and their allies
(Canada, Dutch, and Great Britain) - though, the majority of the knives went to the allies. These knives included
marlin spikes, surgical scalpels, and even a combination folding knife/spoon for the Red Cross. As you will see a
little later on, the knives that Camillus made in support of World War II were a little different than those produced
for World War I.
GROWTH AND DIVERSITY
The Roaring '20's witnessed the continuing growth and diversity of the Camillus Cutlery Company. Several new
knives were added to the their line, as well as the introduction of stainless steel to the production process. The
company also began producing character knives, which were a different slant from the working knives Camillus
became known for. Such pieces honored President George Washington, super slugger Babe Ruth, and space
traveler Buck Rogers. Without a doubt, these knives increased in value years later. Camillus also expanded into
private label manufacturing, turning out knives for well-known retailers like:
Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. - O.V.B. (Our Very Best). H.S.B was one of Camillus' larger private label
customers.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. - Craftsman & Dunlap, and Stay Sharp
F.W. Woolworth - Kent
Simmons Hardware Co. - Keen Kutter
A.F. Shapleigh Hardware Co. - Diamond Edge
The advantage of private label manufacturing afforded these companies the
opportunity to offer high quality knives, under their own brand name, to the
general public by way of retail stores or catalog orders. All the retailers mentioned above were hardware
distributors, selling to various retailers. Though, Sears "broke the mold" by being the first distributor to sell directly
to the general public by way of their famous catalogs. Thus, their knives were readily available to a wide range of
people. Even today, Camillus Cutlery still devotes a considerable amount of time, effort, and resources to private
label manufacturing. Sears' Craftsman brand multi-blade pocket knives are still manufactured by Camillus, as well
as manufacturing knives for other well known companies. It's this same dedication to quality in manufacturing -
under the Camillus banner or someone else's - that has Camillus still out front as the leader in private label knife
manufacturing.
WORLD WAR II:
RESUMING THE UNWAVERING SUPPORT
During World War II, Camillus picked up where they left off with WWI - producing knives that were used by the US
and Allied forces. And they did so with a vengeance - between 1942 and 1945 more than 15 million knives were
shipped off to the armed forces. These knives encompassed a broad range of styles - from large fixed blade
fighters to multi-blade camp style, electrician's knives to sailor's marlin spike knives - these Camillus products no
doubt played a role in helping the US and its allies succeed in the two wars. The following is just a small sampling
of the extensive line of knives that were manufactured for the war efforts.
5678L35 Folding Machete
Was this a fixed blade or was this a folder? Truth is, it was a bit of both. Camillus made a heavy duty machete for
use by the Air Force in their emergency survival kits, mainly for use in the jungle. In order to make this large knife
store more easily, the handle featured a pivot much like a modern folding knife that permitted the handle to fold
up and rest against the blade, shortening the overall length of the piece. The blade of this beast flared at the tip
to put more steel up front for powerful cutting action with minimal effort. Each Folding Machete came with a
rugged metal sheath. Total amount produced: 121, 848.
5684L77 Marine Corps Sheath Knife
(Marine Combat) Of these knives included the extremely popular Marine Combat #5684 7-inch bladed
survival/combat fixed blade. Camillus was the original contractor the armed forces chose to produce this piece.
Ruggedly built, the Marine Combat boasted such features like a 7 inch black phosphate coated 1095 high carbon
steel blade, a stacked leather washer handle, and a riveted leather sheath. The handle is even treated with a
special chemical that resists moisture and rot, something that can certainly wreak havoc on leather while exposed
to the elements. Undoubtedly, the 5684 was heavily used in the trenches for close quarters combat as well as
general survival tasks for the thousands of young men risking life and limb for our freedom. Throughout the years
following the armed conflicts, today Camillus is still producing the Marine Combat - for both the military as well as
the civilian markets - to the original specs with no changes. The 5684 Marine Combat fixed blade fighter has
withstood the ultimate test of time and has remained a popular design for Camillus. Total amount produced:
806,600
5677L99 USMC Raider Stiletto
With its 7-inch dagger style polished blade and knurled, die cast zinc "Coke bottle" shaped handle - the USMC
Raider Stiletto was also another important fighting knife along with the #5684L77. "This knife is the rarest and
most valuable model made by Camillus" states Camillus' historian, Tom Williams. It was patterned after the famous
Fairbairn-Sykes dagger, a tool known for effective "sentry removal." Camillus basically modified the
Fairbairn-Sykes design to make it more user friendly such as making the handle oval shaped as opposed to the
Fairbairn's round handle - which tended to have an effect on the user's grip. In total, about 15,000 pieces were
made, and a small percentage of that were made with Parkerized blades (model 5677L19). The coated ones were
shipped off to the Canadian Airborne, and are the versions that are fetching most value out on the collector
market today. Total amount produced: 14, 370.
5682L75 M3 Trench Knife
The M3 Trench Knife's slender blade design permitted it to be used as both a tool and weapon. Constructed very
similar to the Marine Combat with a 6 ¾ inch Parkerized blade with sharpened false edge, stacked leather washer
handle, and accented with a steel guard and pommel. This was also a popular model during this time period. Total
amount produced: 402, 909.
In appreciation of Camillus' stout support to producing products in direct support of the war efforts for both World
War I and II, the company was awarded the prestigious Army and Navy "E" Award. Basically, the award itself was a
flag with the words "Army" and "Navy" on it, along with an "E" in the middle surrounded by a decorative wreath. In
a letter dated July 24, 1943 to the people of Camillus Cutlery Company from Under Secretary of War Robert P.
Patterson, Patterson summarizes this prestigious award:
This award symbolizes your country's appreciation of the achievement
of every man and woman in the Camillus Cutlery Company. It
consists of a flag to be flown above your plant and a lapel pin which
each of you may wear as a sign of distinguished service to your country.
Camillus proudly accepted this award not once, but a total of three times (in addition to 1943, they were bestowed
on March 4, 1944 and October 21, 1944). The Army and Navy "E" awards were certainly a high point in the
company's history, knowing they have helped our forces and allies succeed in the heat of the battle. Even to this
day, the Army and Navy "E" awards remain shining moments in Camillus' rich history.
POST WAR PRODUCTION ESCALATES
More new products were introduced to the market under both the Camillus and Camco® banners. The Camco line
consisted of traditional pattern pocket knives such as senator pen knives, barlows, and a corkscrew knife. The
new Camillus brand pieces included "character knives" aimed at the youth of America. Back during that time,
about every youngster had a pocket knife, and these character tie-in knives were a great vehicle to use to
introduce the world of knives to youngsters. Such childhood icons like The Lone Ranger, Dick Tracy, Davey
Crockett, and Daniel Boone graced the handles of these novelty knives. These knives offered much more than
just a cutting tool, as the Dick Tracy knife illustrates. It had a clip point blade, built-in "crime fighting" whistle, and a
magnifying glass that all unfolded out of the handle that sported an illustration of Dick Tracy himself. Add to that,
the handle also glowed in the dark too! This was the perfect tool for aspiring detectives to emulate their favorite
crime fighter. In a way, these character knives can be seen in the same light as the toys today that are released
to tie in with popular flicks aimed at the youth. Speaking of youth, the young men who went bravely into the
Vietnam war probably owned some of Camillus' knives when they were younger. During the Vietnam War,
Camillus again produced knives for the armed forces. To the enlisted men, being issued a Camillus knife to assist
in their armed service is like being reunited with an old friend.
THE VIETNAM WAR
Some of the knives that Camillus manufactured during this time period were the #S1760 four blade utility knife,
the #5733 5" Pilot Survival Knife, and the now legendary #5684 USMC Marine Combat fixed blade. The Marine
Combat's blade measures 7 inches overall, providing the knife with the capabilities of handling utility, survival, and
close quarters combat equally well. The stacked leather washer handle is grooved and contoured for a
comfortable and secure grip. The round pommel of the Marine Combat allowed for light hammering duties and
possibly as a blunt-strike weapon. Closely resembling the Marine Combat #5684, the Pilot Survival Knife is like a
scaled down version of the Marine Combat, but with sawteeth ground onto the blade spine. This compact but
powerful cutting tool easily stowed in the cockpit of a fighter and the sawteeth permitted the pilot to cut his way out
of a downed aircraft cockpit. Camillus also produced the MC-1 Paratrooper's Knife, a quick deploying switchblade
with an orange handle. Finally, the S1760 four bladed utility knife provided both convenience and utility out in the
field, with its can opener, flathead screwdriver/bottle opener, punch, and spear point blade. The rugged all-metal
construction withstood heavy usage and a shackle enabled the knife to easily be within reach with the use of a
lanyard. Successfully, Camillus again outfitted the armed forces with the necessary bladeware needed to conduct
a battle campaign.
HERE THEY GROW AGAIN!
Following Vietnam, Camillus added more new pieces to their already diverse product offerings. 1975 saw the
debut of the American Wildlife® collector series knives, 4 in total that expanded to 18 models. These knives
honored some of nature's most captivating wildlife - bull moose, mountain sheep, and pronghorn antelope. Other
fresh new designs during this time included the Lok-Bak, Lok-Rancher, and Cam-Lock. The latter two designs
employed a sliding button lock to hold the blade in the open position. The Lok-Rancher was also quite unique in
that it was a multi-blade stockman pattern whose main clip point blade worked off of this lock. Today, Camillus
produces an impressive array of pocketknife patterns that vary with handle materials and patterns.
In 1991, the cutlery giant grew even more with the acquisition of the
Western® Cutlery Company. Originally located in Boulder, Colorado, Western has been manufacturing knives
since 1896. Almost in existence as long as Camillus Cutlery, Western shares the same vision to mass producing
quality cutlery. Today, the Western line includes such pieces as their brawny Bowie knife, Kraton® handled fillet
knives, and a full line of leather handled fixed blade hunters. The two companies are a perfect match!
Aside from manufacturing sporting cutlery and pocketknives, Camillus also offers a full line of knives that are
geared towards those who use knives regularly on the job. With the Dura-Tool line, electricians, gardeners,
flooring specialists, and handymen can have an inexpensive, well made cutting tool. One such model from the
Dura Tool line is the #27B Electrician Knife. With a spear point 440A stainless blade and a locking
screwdriver/wire stripper combo blade, this knife will handle wire stripping and general cutting tasks that go along
with the job. A riveted metal shackle provides a secure attachment to a lanyard providing ease of access and
security again accidental dropping and loss. The Dura-Tool line is no frills, all business work knives.
In 1947, Camillus began to manufacture a full line of official folding knives for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA),
which they continue to do so today. An example of such a knife in this line is the BSA068 Woodsman Double
Bladed Lockback. One of the largest knives of the BSA offerings at 5 inches closed, this brawny folding
companion features a stainless clip point blade and a wood saw in a patented double lockback design. The
handles are of jigged brown Delrin® and affixed to one side is a nickel silver BSA fleur-de-lis shield. The blades
have a special BSA commemorative etching. With a knife like the BSA068 Woodsman Double Bladed Lockback
any scout would be proud to have this along on his next camping expedition. Within this special series, the BSA
chose to honor the late great artist, Norman Rockwell. The BSA064 Commemorative Norman Rockwell Limited
Edition multi-blade folder featured a Norman Rockwell scene on one side of the handle, and on the other was the
Boy Scout Oath. Every year, the BSA selects a Norman Rockwell print to be featured on the BSA064. This
particular BSA knife is a limited edition. Working in harmony - Norman Rockwell, the Boy Scouts of America, and
the Camillus Cutlery Company - together, teaching the virtues of life in America.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MODERN CAMILLUS OFFERINGS
CQB-1 TERZUOLA DESIGN
For the die-hard tactical fixed blade fans out there, Camillus has tapped the expertise of premiere custom maker
Robert Terzuola to bring out the CQB-1 Special Ops fixed blade fighter. Its 5 ¾ inch, 5/32 inch thick 0170-6C
carbon tool steel drop point blade has a black epoxy coating for retardation of glare and corrosion protection..
The handle is of rugged canvas micarta and the CQB-1 Special Ops is shipped with a Kydex lined, Propex® nylon
sheath. This certainly is a no-nonsense fighter! This is probably the best made tactical fixed blade Camillus has
manufactured to date.
BECKER KNIFE & TOOL
In 1999, the Camillus family grew again with the addition of the Becker Knife & Tool line. For those who recall a
few years back, BK&T produced very stout field grade fixed blades with such names and the Brute, Machax,
Campanion, and the Jerry Fisk Magnum Camp Knife. They even added the Patrol Machete - a 14 inch recurved
machete for serious work, and the Combat/Utility 7, a USMC Marine Combat inspired design equally at home for
armed forces as it is on the camp site. Camillus manufactures all BK&T knives using proprietary 0170-6C high
carbon tool steel blades (which will be black epoxy coated to ward off corrosion) and GV6H molded scales. Kydex
carry rigs custom fabricated by Edge Works will be included with each knife for maximum carry flexibility (for the
exception of the Combat/Utility 7 which has a Propex® nylon sheath with Kydex liner). All the knives in the Becker
line are very well made and are strong as an ox. For fans of heavy use fixed blades, there is something in the
Becker Knife & Tool line for everyone.
SIMONICH TALON AND MINI TALON
Clancy, Montana based custom knifemaker Rob Simonich is collaborating with Camillus on a production version of
his famous Cetan (chay-TAHN) utility fixed blade, dubbed the Talon. In addition to filling his custom fixed blade
orders, Simonich is also the exclusive distributor for Talonite®. This means the Talon is the first mass-produced
fixed blade to be shod with this revolutionary blade material, which has garnered rave reviews in the custom knife
market. There is also the Mini-Talon neck knife, a scaled down version of its bigger brother for those who prefer
small fixed blades. Like the BK&T products, the Talon and Mini Talon come with a Kydex carry rig.
DARREL RALPH DESIGNS
When it comes to custom folders, Darrel Ralph is a name in which most everyone recognizes off the bat. His
designs combine art with function into one stylish piece. Ralph's keen eye for merging form with function caught
the attention of Camillus and currently they offer three of his designs for public consumption. The CUDA ArcLite is
a skeletonized neck knife made from 420HC. Its Kydex sheath permits the knife to be carried discreetly
underneath clothing yet remaining easily accessible. The CUDA EDC (Every Day Carry) folder is a compact
lockblade folder that lives up to its name in being a comfortable every day carry (as its name suggests) piece.
There is a choice of 154CM stainless steel or Talonite® for the blade material. A rock solid integral bar lock keeps
the blade open during hard use. For those who like livin' large, the CUDA Maxx 5.5 is your knife! This is a huge
folder, with a 5 ½" D2 steel clip point blade and a coffin shaped anodized titanium handle. Like the EDC, the
CUDA Maxx 5.5 has an integral lock mechanism.
JERRY FISK'S OVB BOWIE
ABS Master Smith and National Living Treasure Jerry Fisk was contacted by Camillus to collaborate on what is
perhaps the finest production bowie knife on the market today. This bowie is the first in Camillus' revived OVB
(Our Very Best) brand. Look for more traditional knives carrying on the OVB banner in the future. Getting back to
the bowie, Camillus chose their 0170-6C carbon tool steel for the blade and beautiful stabilized fiddleback maple
for the handle. Unfortunately, with prices around and over $1000 and multi-year wait times, this will be as close to
owning a genuine custom Jerry Fisk knife as many folks will get. Working together, Camillus' skilled craftsmen and
Jerry Fisk have brought forth a truly awesome production knife, available in a limited production of 500 numbered
pieces. Each OVB bowie will have a zippered storage case and a sewn leather sheath.
IN CONCLUSION
The Camillus Cutlery Company is an all-American company with humble beginnings. From its birth in a one-story
building and 20 employees, it has expanded today to a company with 6 buildings filled with nearly 200 employees
and a host of state of the art manufacturing equipment. Though the passage of time has brought forth changes in
production techniques and the welcome addition of hi-tech manufacturing equipment, the commitment is still the
same - to produce the best possible knives that anyone will be proud to own and use. Located on the same site
since its inception on the banks of the Nine Mile Creek, Camillus Cutlery Company possesses a rich history that
envelops manufacturing excellence throughout the years - providing quality cutlery for home, farm,
hunting/fishing, and our armed forces. And Camillus still exhibits the same commitment and passion for making
knives as they did back in 1876, under the guidance of company president James W. Furgal. Says Furgal, "At
Camillus we strive daily to make the very best knives possible. Our rich heritage of knifemaking here at 'The
Cutlery', and our advancements in technology and production have blended together to provide the end-user with
what we feel is a product that is an exceptional value and worthy of passing down through the generations".
Camillus' skilled craftsmen produce more than 2 million knives annually, an impressive amount for any company.
Speaking of the dedicated men and women that make up Camillus Cutlery, some of them are third and fourth
generation employees, carrying on the work of their ancestors. Real dedication.
To this day, Camillus still remains the leading private label knife manufacturer. Over 20 different private label
brands are produced along with the Camillus and Western products. Camillus has produced innovative products
throughout their existence and are forging ahead into the new millennium with knives like the Cyber Knife, CUDA
folder, and the CQB-1, with many more to come! Camillus' reputation has withstood the test of time. As one can
see, Camillus is truly a "Quiet Giant of Knifedom".
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Tom Williams, Camillus Cutlery Company's historian for his kind assistance in providing all the
historical information needed for putting together this article. Between studying the information that was received
and the numerous emails we exchanged, I have developed an interest in learning more about old military knives.
My gratitude also goes out to Will Fennell, Camillus' Product Manager, for providing samples for the
accompanying scans and information regarding current and forthcoming production items. During this process of
learning the rich history of America's oldest knife manufacturer, I have gained a new-found respect and
admiration for the Camillus Cutlery Company.
© 2002 Dexter Ewing