CAMILLUS U.S. 1965 (Vietnam Era) G.I. ARMY ISSUE UTILITY KNIFE

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

My father went to Vietnam in 1964 and brought one of those back. He gave it to me & it's my favorite heirloom. Mine is an Imperial brand.

[@JollyPeanut]

Thats a nice thing to have.

[@richbutler7828]

The Imperial Mil-K 818 knives were made in far fewer numbers than the Camillus models.

[@WilliamsKnifeLife]

@@richbutler7828 Thanks for the information 👍

[@volkiabi3456]

Hello from Turkey. My dad was a marine officer. He bought one of these in USA. I still keep it. A 1966 version.

[@JollyPeanut]

Thats cool & great that you still have it 👍

[@davemcfarland6774]

I was looking up info on U.S. military knives and found your great video. I've collected 5 knives dated 1960, 68, 72, 78 and 89. I also found one with just 2 blades and an awl no date or marked U.S. Really liked your background info on the Camillus Company. Thanks

[@JollyPeanut]

Thanks. Sounds like you have a nice collection. 😎👍

[@blacksquirrel4008]

I carried one like that in the early 1970s, it was very hard on my jeans pockets. Threw it away after the main spring broke when I opened two blades at the same time.

[@pauljs75]

I think those were also available through the exchange stores or commissary during that era too, not just a service issue only item. Have one and looked it up and saw they're not particularly expensive ($20 to $30 as of May 2024), so it must be common enough to just use it rather than treat as some rare collectible.

[@davidcarothers3311]

A reasonably good knife. I had one in 1969 in Vietnam. In a desperate battle I actually used the blade to slice a VC's hand open...

[@richbutler7828]

Always collected pocket knives as a kid. once in the Military that didnot change. My AIT School Sm. Arms repair kit that i was issued for my training had a Mil -K Knife in it. When i left School it went with me it was a 1976 Imperial i still have it. Ended up with four of these before leaving the Service. the last one i got was made by Western and is undated have been told Western Mil-K Knives are not U.S. GI but mine came from my unit Supply Cage at my last Duty Station was still in the Gov. Wrap. The Western Contract was in 1986 sounds about right as i was Discharged in spring of 1990 the other two i have are a 1967 Imperial and a 1982 Schrade All Great Well Made Knives.

[@JollyPeanut]

That's awesome, Thanks for sharing 😎👍🔪

[@ShawnCarey1156]

Hi ... great video ... any ideas / source to repair a broken spring?

[@JollyPeanut]

I would look out for a cheap one on ebay for parts i have seen them with a worn or broken blade they sell cheap & do the repair yourself, thats what i would try.

[@dj_spade]

I own one that is 1961, I Love it.

[@dgunearthed7859]

That's cool

[@Bearpilot_01]

1500 and then 2000 grit sandpaper should improve the scruffing.

[@nhacgamereup]

I had a camillus in 1967 but it is loose now. Possibly due to time traces

[@eileensalimbene4264]

Dont open all blades at once or you can break a back spring!

[@richbutler7828]

Makes me sick when i see a nice cond. Mil-K with a broke spring. Cause you know what happen to it.

[@adventureswithfarmertroy]

I’ll have to show you my old Army knife. It’s a Gerber, and of course, has a broken tip 😃 Used to wear it on my LBE for easy grabbing 🙃… Cheers!

[@bekkymonroe2115]

I have my Dad’s 1965 Camillus version. Looks like someone damaged the main blade with a grinder (probably my brothers). It’s missing 2 parts in the bottom, allowing the blades to swing freely. Maybe these are parts of the ‘main spring’? Are you aware of a source for parts? Thanks!