A look at the Imperial Kamp King knives throughout the decades.

With the the release of the Rough Ryder Kamp King, there has been a spark of interest in the older Imperial Kamp Kings. This video goes over the various four implement Kamp Kings beginning around 1936 until the demise of Imperial/Schrade around 2004 and the death of original Kamp King Knives. (The last of the Kamp Kings were probably produced in late the late 1980s or early 1990's)

[@albertcadiz7000]

My dad still has his original USA made Kamp King. It’s in his tackle box. I was fascinated by it since I was little and I’m in my 50s now! Still in great shape

[@doomsdaymachine619]

I am recently new to the slip joint community. I just started my collection. I always had tactical modern knives. As I get older,the beauty and simplicity of the classics I think I like more. This channel is my new favorite thing. Thank you.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. Thanks you for your support!.

[@tikofthetoka5650]

I second your comment

[@Tracy81258]

STILL my favorite pattern of knife, and the one every boy wanted when we were growing up. Beautiful collection.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

It's definitely an overlooked pattern today. But you are correct, at one time this was the knife of America's youth. Thanks for your support!

[@Tracy81258]

Tobias Gibson, have you seen that Victorinox is FINALLY adding a pair of scissors to their Farmer model and calling it the Farmer-X? It’s one of my favorite Alox knives for carrying in the woods, and it just got even better. It’s probably going to become my go to yard work knife.

[@glenndi1]

Growing up in the 1950’s,e eight or nine years old we would buy these wonderful knives at our local F.W.Woolworths store .They cost about one dollar at the time.And nobody even batted an eye about us kids. Buying them back in Texas good old days.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I know what you mean. I was shocked when I had to buy a knife for my son was 16! I bought a Spanish Mauser Bayonet when I was 15!

[@northcountryrebel33]

I have a 🔨 brand made between 1945-1955 and man it holds a great edge!

[@mikehook2835]

My first Imperial was my cub scouts knife 1968, still have it. I love these thanks for the video.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support!

[@reb1050]

My first pocket knife was a 4 blade Hammer Brand USA Kamp-King (imitation pearl handle). I got it in the late 50's when I was in the Cub Scouts. I still have it but basically use it for nothing more than a letter opener.

[@philipstephan5451]

Yes the foe pearl camp king knife reminded me of one my grandfather had and used was one that is also yours or one of your vavorite paterns was the foe pearl Imperial fish knife.I remember you like the tooth pick which is really close ,but my grandpa used that to clean blue gills and croppie all the time when i was a kid. Stay safe. Cheers.😊

[@lanedexter6303]

Thanks, Tobias. Takes me back. I carried a Kamp King from late grade school through high school (class of 1972).

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad I could spark some fond memories! Thansk for supporting my channel

[@BigRedEDC]

Hadnt had much experience with the Kamp King until the most recent release from SMKW but I can certainly see the collectable aspect for sure! Thanks for the awesome history lesson of the Kamp King!!!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

BigRedEDC, if you’re into camp/scout knives they have historical significance. If you’re on a budget, they’re affordable. But if you’re looking for a high value investment... even at 25 times their original Value - were talking $25! You’re not going to retire on these! LOL. But they are fun.

[@gunnarnizzler]

Wow! Thank you so much for this awesome history lesson. I really took a lot from it.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@jesterskull38]

Kamp kings are awesome, sweet collection, thanks for the chat

[@grahamparr3933]

Thanks for this, I have the rough rider version, did not realise it had such a history.

[@johnflais3776]

For the one sided swedge: I should note that these were very common in Italian designs, including ones from the highest quality. I don't think it's a question of cost, rather I think there were practical considerations: the tip retains a bit more strength, it's more comfortable to place a finger on it when working, and there may have been some legal reasons (Italy started implementing more and more restrictive knife laws by 1870). And as it happens, the founders of Imperial were Felix and Michael Mirando from Frosolone, Italy, one of the knifemaking capitals at the time. I happen to have a small collection of coltelli frosoloni from various makers dating back to mid-20th century, and some of the older ones have very interesting grinds - like full flat with a top swedge running the entire length of the blade on the show side, and a half height (flat or high hollow) sabre grind on the back. This seems to have been combined with unusually high secondary bevels. All I can say is that the blades cut exceedingly well, and are much stiffer and robust compared to a standard full flat of the same stock thickness. They will also out-cut a full flat grind of the same stiffness and blade width, because those will have a thicker spine and bind more in many materials. I think I might have to do a video on them at some point.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks for this interesting take on the one sided swedge. Very informative. It is also nice to know it may have been done to improve the knives usefulness without compromising blade strength.

[@MrMikeyt65]

I picked mine up on ebay and while I can't tell when it was made it still has the patent No. on the can opener and Prov. RI on the main blade .The handles are plastic with a black shell over that and yes the pins are a tiny bit loose . All ln all I am happy with it everything is functional and the blade takes a wicked edge .

[@tecnotrog1]

Truly a classic and highly under appreciated

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HobieonYouTube]

Of course I love the oldest one! Nice collection showing the progression of Kamp Kings. Thanks for sharing.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Did you notice how the that old Kamp King is very similar to the Schrade made 75th Anniversary BSA knife!

[@HobieonYouTube]

Tobias Gibson you’re right- it is!

[@RafaelSantos-vg3jd]

Love these vintage Imperial knives. They might not have the fanciest scales but the carbon steel blades are better than most of the economy knives selling today.

[@traditionallarry5378]

Tobias nice seeing all the different models, takes us back to an easier time.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support!

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@ramblers69]

Great look at the Kamp King over the years, :) 😎 👍

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks, buddy. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ConservatEV]

I recently bought a Rough Ryder Kamp King, put it into my Scout bag. Figured it would be fun to use on Boy Scout campouts.

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

I had one in the mid-1970's. Bought it at a tackle shop. It was held on a display card by a bit of elastic cord. It wasn't much money as I recall...maybe a buck and a half? It would be nice if the ROUGH RYDER line offered some alternative handle scales on the KAMP KING re-issues. I would love to see the cracked ice and staglon scales offered. Another excellent video...gave it a thumbs up. As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The black jigged bone was nice but I agree with you. They should expand the line and offer more alternatives. Maybe the Rough Ryder Kamp-King with spark colonial to re-boot the Forest Master. After all, they were making the Mil-K (Demo) knife so they have the tooling.

[@aethanchannell9131]

I have a few Hammer brand knives from the 1940s and 50s, and they’re pretty good- none of them seem to have the problems yours have oddly, they’re all shell handles with Celluloid wraps- I’ve got the patent documents for them if you want them, you can see how they’re made and how they go together

[@user-ov4um8uk6u]

Wow Tobias, that is a lot of change over the years. Shame it was to make some extra money by scrimping on quality. Thanks for the lesson on KampKing knives and what to look for. Keep up the great videos!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks. Glad I could help!

[@gregedwards1921]

I enjoy your videos, informative, I've learned a lot, thank You

[@Terwin82]

I recently acquired a "D.E" scout version or Diamond Edge by Imperial. I have no idea why I'm addicted to these US made slipjoints.

[@tikofthetoka5650]

Just won my second Kamp king, both $6 each shipped

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Good show. They're worth every penny of $6!

[@Elphoenix1]

The cracked ice kamp king is awesome

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

That one is my favorite Kamp King for sure!

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Hey Tobias I was looking on eBay and the quality for a camp king is impressive I found some for around 30 bucks and trust me the quality is there!!!!!! Look on eBay you should see some of them......... take care bud!!!!!!

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Yes 30 to 50 all day long!!!!!!

[@mangojack1]

I was so happy to get a Kamp King. Mine’s not a vintage, but the Rough Ryder is pretty awesome. Great collection, enjoyed seeing them thanks a bunch 👍

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support!

[@GromMolotok]

The closest thing I have to a Kamp King is a BSA pocketknife in a virtually identical pattern, sadly now a discontinued model. I tried to get a Rough Ryder from SMKW, but they were sold out. Some day my turn will come.

[@TR-Mead]

Very informative video!

[@wayneo7307]

Thanks for This Informational Video. Looks Like Mine Is Later 50's or 1960. Fake Pearl Sides Says Hammer Brand usa on the Main Blade . Also The Pat is. On The Can Opener. I Paid $2 ! Cleaned Up Almost As Nice As Yours.

[@tomweingart2337]

Interesting history of the Camp King! I am also a fan of knives of this period. Seems like the emphasis was more on price and functionality rather than status! Well that's progress for ya! 😂

[@joshuaritzheimer1382]

It is neat (maybe a little disheartening) to see the Kamp King's progression through the years. I've got the new one by RR, and it seems like the best quality version of the Kamp King made in years. I intend to use mine a lot over the summer while camping.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'd love to hear a report back on well it works for you!

[@bigjohnson1092]

Great video.

[@jbrisby]

I've got the pearl handled one. It belonged to my mom's dad.

[@devatwell334]

David canterbury and marbles have a collaboration knife called the scout king just a bigger kampking its pretty awesome and decent quality

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I have it. Have reviewed it as well.

[@devatwell334]

@KnifeChatswithTobias yeah I just watched it good review! Hope all is well

[@randomgamer-st1ie]

Seems I have a bit of a unicorn. Trying to date my Kamp-King. It was my grandfather's. It's all stainless, no brass liners. The can opener is on the same end as the blade. The can opener still has the patent #. The blade has the last Imperial tang stamp with the vertical USA mark. The rear handle has a black/white 2 tone stag looking scale, while the front with the logo is a stag pattern, but all stainless, no paint. I guess that makes mine early 60s to mid 80s?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I would lean more to towards the 1960s because of the patent stamp. Sounds interesting!

[@randomgamer-st1ie]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias thank you for the reply!

[@jimmyj4811]

Sorry I'm late to the party, I was out hiking in the woods. Better late than never.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

If given a choice between hiking in the woods, or watching a you tube video, I'm going to take hiking in the woods every time! Thanks for taking the time to check out the video. I hope the hike was a good one!

[@thudercrack301]

My lamp king seems to have the can opener with the patent date on the side with the blades at

[@Sixstring1966]

Fantastic video. Awesome Channel. I Subscribed.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Thanks for subbing! I'll try hard not to disappoint!

[@plantnation1940]

I have a camp king that has the patent number and providence R but the can opener is on the blade side and it has the cheap black handle with small spacing on the bumps

[@SIR46661]

Enjoyed your video! I have an old Kamp King pocket knife that has the Hammer logo with USA vertical. On the can opener blade-it says CANOPENER with this written below-P2391732 . Any idea what year ?

[@troyjenkins3886]

Have you ever saw a vintage Kamp King wirhout a awl?I just bought one off Ebay and didn't see a awl on it.The knife has the Imperial RI/USA stamp on it so not sure how old it is either.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I'm pretty sure a three tool version was is out there. I'm not sure when they were made, however.

[@troyjenkins3886]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias It says RI and has USA up and down.The can opener is on blade side but still has pat on it

[@troyjenkins3886]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias thanks for the reply👍

[@FRANKLIN-vu1vn]

Camillus made a similar pocket knife too. Army/ boy scout

[@m.dwightsweezy7361]

Where does the Campmaster fit into this discussion? Mine looks just like the ‘60s era Kamp King.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You can find more information on "Shell Handles" at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXO9qXSko9ZjeJo

[@5T3V3N-ns9gg]

Hello! I have a vintage Kamp King pocket knife, Hammer brand, USA. All the tools on the knife are in good shape, with little to no rust and a small amount of patina. It is only missing the bale. I've looked all over the internet, entering every detail and marking on the pocket knife, and despite finding that it could potentially be as old as 1936, I cannot however narrow down a specific date. The patent number on the can opener is P 2391732. There is also no swedge on the backside of the blade. The can opener is on the same pivot as the knife blade. Mine is carbon steel throughout. The awl on mine has a nail nick. Mine has black, shell handles. It seems to be in good enough condition, so I'm assuming it's not from the 30s. Any information you or anybody else can give me to figure out its year of production would be greatly appreciated.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The patent number on the blade dates the knife to post 1947 up until the early 1960s. There are a couple places online that show the date ranges for Imperial/Schrade tang stamps, including the Hammer Brand Tangs.

[@5T3V3N-ns9gg]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias so, mine is most likely from the late 40s to early 60s? May as well say the 50s?

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

@@5T3V3N-ns9gg from your description, I'd lean closer to 1946-to about 1951. Some time in the early 1950s Imperial started making these in stainless steel. I should've read your initial description more closely.

[@5T3V3N-ns9gg]

Wow thanks!

[@anonymousprole8367]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS! I was just looking at some knives my grandpa gave me, and two of them were Imperial Kamp Kings! One was the 1946-56 stamped variety and the other is the 1956-1988 variety. Interestingly both have the patent written on the can opener still. Out of curiosity (because I was looking for this but was unable to find the answer anywhere), do you know if there is any difference in build quality/materials between the two varieties, or is it simply the tang stamp that differs (as well as a slightly different shell scale texture)? Thanks again for making this!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

You can probably tell my just holding them. The latter ones tend to be lesser quality and depending on much later, might have stainless instead of carbon steel blades.

[@anonymousprole8367]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias I figured that that would be the case, but I couldn't feel any difference between the two other than the texturing of the scales (the newer one is also carbon steel), I was just curious if there was any consensus on the matter. Thanks for the input, I love your channel!

[@skim193]

I have 5 Kamp Kings that have shell handles and 4 blades. 4 are 3 3/4". 1 is 3 1/2" OA lengths. anyone else seen a 3 1/2" ?

[@alizarincrimson123]

Hi Tobias. Very interesting video. Maybe you can help me with a question I have one that was my father in laws before he passed. I carry it now. But curious if you might know the date range. The blade is stamped Imperial with the crown over the i and Providence RI with USA vertical. BUT it does have the patent number on the can opener. This seem like one that could have been made up until the 80's. However I'm wondering when they stopped putting the patent number on the can opener. The can opener is on the opposite side of the loop. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

The Patent was granted in 1945. This would mean Imperial's rights to the patent would have come to an end in 1965. (others could have paid Imperial to use the pattern and several companies made similar looking can openers - I can think of the Camillus can opener from the 1950s. ) My bet is Imperial stopped putting the patent number on the knives around 1965 but as existing stock would continue to be used there may have been post 1965 knives with the patent number. The second issue is the can opener moving away from the clevis end to the top of the knife. The earliest knives did indeed have the can opener on the clevis end and this location for the can opener continued under new tang stamp perhaps as late as 1960. For this reason, I'd date your Father in laws knife to around 1960-1965

[@alizarincrimson123]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias Awesome. Thanks for taking the time to look at this!

[@herrpalsson69]

Hi, is the rough rider substantially thicker? I have one which I really like. Best buy in years

[@centaurgaming2164]

Hey Tobias, where do you buy those hunting scene equal end pen knives. Are they all old collectibles or are there still some good options on the market

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I find most of them on eBay. Understand I've been looking for them for years. I tend to do searches like like Hunting dog penknife, hunting scenes knife, scenic pen knife, etc. According to Levine's book they are called "Skeleton Penknives" but that term rarely brings up anything that is remotely like these knives. "pen knife, penknife, fob knife, gents knife" all works well for the search especially when combined with words like "german, hunting dog, hound dog, deer, scene, scenic.: But mostly its a matter of patience and waiting. Hope this helps.

[@lindawolffkashmir2768]

I swear by the American made Kamp Kings. They can take a lot of beating.

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

I have the ones to get Tobias!!!!!!

[@matthewjeffres1289]

My kind of pocket knife. These days I carry a SAK with these basic tools.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

In today's market, the Victorinox Pioneer is probably the best knife on the market that uses this set of tools.

[@davidkurle5418]

Nice to see so many examples from different times. Thanks for this video, Tobias. The other night I was finally going to pull the trigger on a RR kamp king, and they were out of stock at smkw. But I guess patience is a virtue. lol

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

David Kurle, they are available on eBay at an affordable price. Hopefully they were popular enough that SMKW will restock them. I also do random Give always every six or eight weeks and the prize is normally a Kamp King. All you need to do is comment on my videos. I randomly pick a video and then randomly pick a comment and that person wins.

[@rodneybugher9312]

I have one of those with the patent number on the can opener. That is not a can opener. It says it, but it doesn't do it.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

I've used that style of can opener on several occasions, even dull ones. They seem to work for me.

[@slick_slicers]

Sorry I missed the premier, but the Prime Minister wouldn’t wait!

[@veronicaowens7140]

I have a kamp king black and with the silver on both sides half and just about all the way l wonder what year it's in pretty bad shape, l can't open the can opener

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Hard to say how old without seeing a tang stamp. Is the can opener located on the same pivot end as the main blade?

[@veronicaowens7140]

Yes it is😊

[@veronicaowens7140]

@@KnifeChatswithTobias yes it is😊

[@GlockNinja]

I would think that a cheaper antique in good condition would be worth more than a quality made antique just because the cheaper stuff has less chance of surviving time. :--) I find that more interesting.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

For me, they are all part of the history so the deserve to be remembered. Value is almost always driven by supply and demand. I am often amazed at the prices some people put on stuff.

[@piperkennard1039]

💯👌

[@stitchmywoundz17]

My Grampa had this knife. Its mine now all rusted & worn I sharpened it n it got scary sharp. Cut myself by accident lol

[@justgreg8270]

I think id like camp knives more if the punch/awl was a second blade

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Companies did make camp knives as you describe. Two that come to mind are the Ideal "Camper" and The Camillus "Model 98" Both had a secondary pen blade in place of the punch. Today, the Victorinox Recruit also has those same blade choices.

[@bobbyd4400]

I like to restore theese old knives and give them away as gifts or use them i just ordered a ideal camper from e bay for 9 bucks

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

In many ways, they are as good as the Chinese made knives today at a better price and they are also a little slice of American History.

[@bionicbaer]

Every one of my Imperials I had as a kid would always loose a bolster and a scale they were cheap.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

Oh Yeah! You've got that right. Definitely not made to last!

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Hey Tobias how about me and you take a trip for a weekend and the ont thing we can take is our camp knives....... all weekend camping that’s the only knife we can use!!!!!! What do ya say!!!!!!!

[@slick_slicers]

Who invented shell handles? I bet they were an accountant, and definitely not a knife lover!

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

LOL!

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Ideal knife co. started with shell handles in 1926 but I don't know if they were the first to do it.

[@RafaelSantos-vg3jd]

I believe it was the Colonial Knife Company that patented those shell handles and the tabbed bolsters. It was a cost saving method that allowed for them to make more knives in less time. Their founder Frederick Paolantonio started the P.& S.Cutlery Co. and sold it to Imperial in 1920. Remember that back then few people collected knives.

[@hilarygibbs1425]

I keep a late us made Kamp King in my glove box. Not a great knife but useful when I need to cut something.

[@KnifeChatswithTobias]

sounds about right. I think in the history of Pocket knives, these were the "disposable work horses that found themselves in the glove box, or tackle box, junk drawer, or workbench and got used often for the chores you'd never think of using your "good knife" for. They also found themselves in the pockets of every young child as a first pocket knife their parents would trust them with! This is what I like about them. Not a great knife but important, none the less, when it comes to the history of pocket knives.