Folding knife experts, need some information

[buldog5151bass]

This knife belonged to my father. He was in Vietnam in the mid 60s. Anyone have an idea as to whether it likely was from then? The knife blade is stamped "Campco USA".

Also the hinge on the second blade is a little tough to swing. I assume the best thing is to use a little WD-40?

Thanks.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

No idea on the history of the knife but don't use WD-40 on it. I would use some 3-in-1 oil on the hinge. I don't know if you Yanks have it down south though.

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[wraub]

Pretty sure that's an electrician/lineman's knife, similar to ones also made by Klein and Boker and others... Is it "CAMPCO" or "CAMCO"?

Lots here... folding electricians knife 2 blade - Bing images


Oil or TriFlow for the hinge. WD40 is barely a lubricant.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Any idea on the vintage? I'd like to know when/where he carried it.

 

[wraub]

Well, vintage is tricky, as this knife was in production for several decades... I believe yours is a CAMCO #229. Camco is kinda like the "Squier" to the "Fender" of Camillus, a major knife maker.
There was a Military issue model, but it is marked as such.

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[filmtex]

I used one for years while I was in the Navy during Vietnam and currently carry one in my pocket. Most all the electrical ratings, EM, IC, ET carried one. They were issued to us if we wanted one. Mine looks to be in about the same condition, picked it up for $15 a few years ago. I'd hang on to it. It certainly has more value to you because of the provenance.

 

[roller]

Oh yeah, this kind of oil is readily available in Yankeeland.

I just used some on a sticky, old pair of pliers a few days ago.

No idea on the history of the knife but don't use WD-40 on it. I would use some 3-in-1 oil on the hinge. I don't know if you Yanks have it down south though.

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[mikeoso]

I carried one in the Marines in Vietnam in 68. It's an electricians knife, and the military designation was TL-29.

 

[MJ5150]

It still amazes me the wealth of knowledge on so many random subjects not related to bass guitar from our TB members and their willingness to share it.

-Mike

 

[buldog5151bass]

By the way, yes, it's Camco, and I can't fix the spelling error in the title.

Thanks, all for the info.

 

[mikeoso]

No way to know for sure, but it certainly is the right type and potentially vintage for Vietnam. Mine had Camillus on the blade.

 

[MJ5150]

By the way, yes, it's Camco, and I can't fix the spelling error in the title.

Thanks, all for the info.

Fixed.

-Mike

 

[buldog5151bass]

Fixed.

-Mike

Gracias, dude.

 

[Skeezix]

I had several of those during my 20
on active duty. Nothing special, but
they do the job.

 

[Paulabass]

WD-40 was designed to displace water (hence WD) it's use as a lubricant is highly over rated.

 

[Pilgrim]

WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's used to displace water. Yes, it has some lubricating qualities short-term, but that does not last. It is often misused as a lubricant but there are always better options for this application.

Yes, a standard household utility oil like 3-in-1 or a good cleaning/lubricating material like those used in gun cleaning would be good: Tri-Flow, Break-Free CLP, FP-10, that kind of stuff. Those cleaning/lube materials also stay on metal well and provide longer protection.

Cool thing to find! I have a couple of older knives from my dad, as well as a lot of tools.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Thanks all. I don't have many things like this of his, but it's nice to find them.

 

[fingerguy]

Anything you need to know about that knife or any knife or anything about a knife you will get your answers here.

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[GIBrat51]

That is a Government-issue Electrician's pocket knife. I know, 'cause I have several of them; some of them unused, and still wrapped in greasy paper, in fact (long story). They were made by several contractors, but the nicest/best ones were made by Camillus, a very good, old time knife company in New York. Again, I know, 'cause I have several. In fact, I always tried real hard to get my hands on a Camillus version of every military knife I had a chance to get... Clean that thing up; sharpen the cutting blade - the other one is a wire stripper/screwdriver for terminal posts - and treasure it...

 

[mikeoso]

That is a Government-issue Electrician's pocket knife. I know, 'cause I have several of them; some of them unused, and still wrapped in greasy paper, in fact (long story). They were made by several contractors, but the nicest/best ones were made by Camillus, a very good, old time knife company in New York. Again, I know, 'cause I have several. In fact, I always tried real hard to get my hands on a Camillus version of every military knife I had a chance to get... Clean that thing up; sharpen the cutting blade - the other one is a wire stripper/screwdriver for terminal posts - and treasure it...

Camillus made/makes good gear. My issue "kabar" as well as my issue TL29 were Camillus.