Restoring a Vintage Military Survival Knife - [ Relaxing ]

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[@johnbrady1211]

I was a Crew Chief on Hueys and Black Hawks in the Army. We were issued these Camillus knives with our survival vests. Army called it "Knife, Aircrewman, Survival". I still have mine from 40+ years ago. I wore it on my belt as an EDC after the Army working construction doing pipeline maintenance. I found some use for it almost every day. I have a new Camillus now. I don't use it much as I'm paralyzed and retired. I think the Camillus has a better point profile than the Ontario brand. More like a fighting knife. So, now my original Camillus rests with the two Nazi Daggers my father brought home from WW2.

[@EldarKinSlayer]

That is a USAF Air Crew Survival Knife,the hex shaped Hammer Pommel is the indicator, also shorter blade broader in proportion to its lengththan the KaBar.

[@johngeisiii8090]

US Navy issued that knife to aviators as well.

[@SeanFilms19]

We used those in SERE training. The instructors call them “bolt knives”

[@kyle_noseworthy]

Awewsome! Thanks for the extra information gentlemen!

[@edwardmartin4894]

Yep, the "official" nomenclature is: "Knife, Survival, U.S. Air Force", but it is commonly issued by all of the military services...

[@kerrydolan8050]

USCG issued also

[@zatoichi124]

That is a pilot survival knife that was developed for airmen in the early 60's and issued to pilots in the Vietnam War. I just received this knife from my father in law who was a helicopter pilot. It is in similiar condition. Your video has given me ideas on how to clean it up, but still keep the character of the knife. Really enjoy the content of your videos.

[@fred1barb]

My knife was issued in flight school at Hunter AAF and it made the trip to Nam. The sheath on all of the issue knives that I saw was different from the one here, but the the knife was the same. These blades were Parkerized when new and I am not certain that a restoration the removes the rust and the finish is really a restoration. I broke the tip on mine and resharpened it to reform the tip and sharpen the false edge. I also stoned the sides below the fuller to flatten them and create a better profile for a cutting edge. So most of the original finish is remains above the fuller and on the guard and pommel, along with some patina from rust. The leather handle is dark and hard from use an age. The sheath is stained and scratched. The knife was always loose in the sheath and the strap is and always was too big. While I was flying scouts the knife was hardly out of the sheath. Some days it stayed on the ground. The .38, the extra ammo, the survival radio, the survival vest, and the ceramic chicken plate and the M3 just seemed like enough to carry. Back home it was the fixed blade to keep in the car or take hiking or camping, though it got more use as a hammer and utility cutter than as knife, no woodsy stuff. Anyway no restoration for mine, it was made in 1967 and will outlast me. Then some SOB will toss it or pay $5 bucks for it as the sale, never knowing that it was at Quan Loi, in Cambodia, at Di An and Vung Tau. That it flew in an OH-6 with scout from the Air Cav Troop of the 11th ACR. Allons.

[@RockyMountainBear]

I have that exact knife that was my father's. I've been trying to figure out if I should do this, or leave it. Something like this has so much history caked on it. Hard for me to wipe it all away, when it belonged to someone so close. Every nick in the leather, crack in the stone, etc. It all tells a tale. A glorious tale.

[@kyle_noseworthy]

Agreed, tough decisions. Notice that after this restoration, most of the character remains. All of those subtle marks in the leather. Scratches on the blade. A few nics in the pommel, etc. I chose to leave them, because they are so valuable. BUT, now the knife is clean and fresh, and doesn't dirty your hands to hold it. It will likely get the appreciation it deserves now, placed on a mantle or in a case to oogle, rather than sitting in a box in the attic.

[@roycolglazier1061]

My Dad too, EDC’d one of those during most of his career as a Marine Corps Warrant Officer! Only when in his class A “greens,” or on some other such occasion, did he eschew having it on his belt. When my Brother & I went thru our many scouting adventures, he had it, as well as when he deployed overseas for stints to non-combat environs. His trusty K-Bar was for the more serious situations! He’s been gone now for close to 20 years, but both are in my possession! I watched this vid w/great interest, and will incorporate some procedures as normal maint. and preservation in order that one of my nephews or my grandson might inherit them in proper condition. I wish you the best of luck with your heirloom, and can only encourage you to remember that your father performed routine cleaning and etc. in order to keep it in ready condition. I think neither of us should let sentiment allow any deterioration, and say that non-accusatory and with all due respect! Thanks for his service...

[@requiscatinpace7392]

@@kyle_noseworthy I agree, it was just so horrible, dirty and worn that it was no good for anything. Now it’s something to be proud of and still with all the character and battle scars. I carried the Gerber ASEK , its got some scars and the sheath is covered in sniper tape and spray painted desert tones but it will never have that beautiful aged look that leather does. Good job!

[@denishuizing4329]

Your videos are my absolute favourite. The music, your work ethic, the attention to detail... all of it. It’s a pleasure to watch. Always watching from Alberta 👍🏼 keep it up

[@kyle_noseworthy]

Thanks so much Denis! I'll do my best to continue!

[@markpersons5284]

That’s a great restoration. The only suggestion I would have made would be bluing the blade. These knives were survival knives so they purposely blued the blade and handle etc. to avoid having any reflective parts.

[@timmatherly5080]

They were parkerized not blued.

[@johnbrady1211]

Yep, these knives came Parkerized to keep from reflecting to enemy troops. Still do. Only thing shiny on it was the blade edge. They were kind of like the Marine K-Bar's little brother.

[@lorneclose7312]

I agree that the blade should be parkerised however I don't believe it's possible to restore that finish without completely dismantling the knife.

[@Abdullah-uw1xh]

Survival peoplecarrytheknife

[@jimwagers5183]

What products were used at the various stages? Soaps, solvents, oils, etc.

[@williamguillIII]

I cringed when I watched you polish those rivets on the sheath. I would suggest using bullet shaped, rubber sanding bits. It will keep you from nicking up the leather. Great work!

[@prw7016]

Hi Kyle. I've been watching for some time now and decided to subscribe. I went ahead and ordered up a set of Naniwa Super Stones from Pauls Finest after watching you and speaking with Paul. 400, 1000 and 5000 grits. I am an amateur next to you but love the old disciplines and especially freehand sharpening. Any time I take on a new hobby, I become obsessed..... Thanks for the great vids

[@craig_ramjet990]

Air Force Survival Knife, Vietnam Era.

[@jelegance7415]

Beautiful work!! I'm thinking of attempting the same thing. Bringing one of these pieces of history back to life

[@TheHungryTrollRawr]

oh I much prefer these knives showing the silver of the metal, as opposed to that parkerized effect! I get why they did that to them and it makes great sense, it's merely a personal prefference lol. Looking to buy me a knife, just here in the UK theres very tight laws regarding them, for example we cannot carry them without a reasonable excuse, say for work tasks, or hiking etc, and the blades must be no more than 3" in length! I just want to own something like this or a Rambo knife, and to practice sharpening it etc and keep it for home use, not looking to go outdoors and get into trouble with the law etc - heard you can get upto 4 years prison for being caught carrying. Damn idiots over here stabbing people etc have spoiled our knife culture!

[@MikeCarr-qo6rj]

Dude, you ruined a 59 to 61 six inch pilot survival knife, the only way a U.S. Marine was issued that is if he was a pilot or air crew. By removing the patina and slight corrosion, you ruined it and the sheath.

[@williamsanders2808]

Nice looking knife, when done. However, the original was likely anodized black, on the blade and the fittings. Fortunately that one is not an actual historical blade, as it looks to be a civilian model of the Air Force Pilots knife. The Air Force Knife, however, had/has a black metal tip on the sheath, where the tie downs go. The Air Force survival knife was introduced by Camillus in 1974. Too late to be carried in Vietnam, as some claim. Been watching a few of your vids. I like what I'm seeing.

[@richardneagle3177]

You have missed so many parts on the scabbard,from dying to.wax it's embarrassing

[@RBG-tr9ce]

Mine is a 1973, I got new when I was in the Air Force. Wasn't issued it since I was a medic. I traded something for it. What date is yours. It should be on the pommel. Good job by the way.

[@komradechampa348]

About a third of this video is a knife being restored. The rest is just him doing a bad job at over cleaning and dying a leather sheath.

[@andyblack5687]

Definitely a US Air Force pilot survival knife. I had one but it got stolen. Oh well. Nice work on the knife.

[@kyle_noseworthy]

Sorry you lost it!

[@evaporated_toast9039]

Yes however most soliders were issued a kabar or Kabar styled combat/utility knife

[@davidkymdell452]

I used to have a Camillus knife like this. My uncle, who was in the South African Defence Force, gave it to me. Not sure how he got it.

[@inspector8572]

What was the clear liquid oil that you used on the sheath just prior to the mink oil and buff? I’m guessing mineral oil but would rather not guess.

[@kevinfeck6050]

I have a Ka-Bar that my grandfather used in the Pacific during WWII. Do you do restoration for others?

[@yigarok]

So you just removed all the parkerizing. Removing the original finish like that probably killed the collectors value. However there is a tradition of polishing up knives like that and using them as presentation pieces and since it sounds like the owner doesn’t want to sell it ever have a nice and shiny like that is reasonable I think

[@gipsysmith3383]

I have one, original issue to me.from the 1960s, with the original sheath

[@Believer1427]

I love your videos and the work that you do. May God bless you.

[@jackwagonhoedown4114]

I carried a Ontario 499 survival knife in the Army back in 85’…

[@dirtmcgirt6769]

Amazing work! Thank you for taking the time and work to post this. Very relaxing and entertaining.

[@Jesusandbible]

Nah. Oiling and feeding the leather sheath would naturally darken it,

[@BryanCampoli]

These knife had a sand color sheth and the blade pomal where blued or parkerised black/green in color

[@jeffnewbill5599]

This is a rare 6" pilots survival knife, taking the parkerizing off hurts value for sure.

[@jwgbmp40]

that looks like the airforce survival knife of the 60/70's.

[@onearnedbandit]

A commentary listing materials used would make it much better

[@odlama]

I was lucky to get one of these (second hand, of course) at a military surplus store. Unfortunately, a part of the leather section on the handle had deteriorated over the years and needs to be replaced. Any suggestions on this?

[@eoinoneill7510]

hi kyle. Just wanted to say that a kabar is not a survival knife. It is a rattail tang combat knife.

[@85Mercury5.0]

What type of wire wheels on your bench grinders you using?

[@TimothyLanning]

This is an awesome video! I was just told I'm inheriting one of these relatively soon, and I have no idea what shape it's going to be in. If it's in a similar state, now I have tons of ideas on how to restore it to its former glory while keeping my grandfather's history intact.

[@Redraven2967]

My only problem here, as beautiful as this is, is that every one of these knives that I own wether issued to me or purchased or issued to some I know has the blade coated with an anodized black substance that keeps it protected to a degree from corrosion but is mostly to prevent a going of light when it is out of its sheath. By polishing the metal on the knife yo7 have rendered it useless as a military survival knife. Still, beautiful job and still useful as a hunting/regular survival knife. Good job!

[@anjoreport8567]

I think around the years of manufacturing this knife, they didn't have any anodized substance on it. 60's and 70's Camillus ones, to be exact.

[@DiabloBlanquecino]

I’ve always been told mink oil will ruin leather in the long run?

[@Sum4Seb]

We have that knife, it's amazing! We bring it with us on every hike.

[@williamsanders2808]

Also, a military knife would have all the brass painted black. And most civilian purchased blades like this were also all black. Love that you've fixed them back to a good user blade. Just hate that they are brite metal and not the original black.

[@williamsanders2808]

A good replacement would be to blue everything. With a high polish, and bluing. this would be a gem.

[@dannyjackson2062]

what do you use to get sheath a reddish darker bown & knife handle

[@Playingwithsettings]

Truly impressive. I learned a great deal from watching, especially that careful attention to simple techniques can yield extrodinary results. Well-done.

[@darcywalls6206]

Very nice Kyle, I’m sure the owner will be impressed. Like the fact that you left a lot of the history on it as well. 👍

[@swkohnle08]

Hi Kyle, I really enjoyed this relaxed restoration video. I love restoring old hand tools and I always learn from your videos. Cheers

[@kyle_noseworthy]

thanks Stephen!

[@civic5373]

Chris Ford lol from university

[@madethehorsecry]

A new member and I amazed at the effort and the beauty you brought out this project can't wait to see more.

[@kyle_noseworthy]

Thanks John! Welcome!

[@carltonbraxton5399]

that's one of the early 6" blade jet pilots issue knives, a rare piece of history. I have one I restored to original military finish, with parkerized blade etc. mint condition ones are worth a small fortune

[@michaelharris6044]

How small a fortune??? I got mine in the USAF in 1984. Mint condition. I never thought it was worth anything! Seldom used, it still the un-used sharpening stone.

[@B-leafer]

I hope that was saddle soap you used to clean the leather..

[@Stang413]

Cool video and I like your taste in music

[@jucc78]

New subscribe excellent job

[@DiabloBlanquecino]

Ontario still makes this knife.

[@micahfrye8885]

Jesus christ what are you doing with this knife? Like why did you remove the finish and sand it like what was the fucking purpose of this? Basically all you did you open up a lot of ways for it to rust and become damaged. Damn you just ruined this knife. Never touch another blade again my guy seriously almost any value this had was just thrown away

[@jameskuckuk4140]

too late now, live and learn

[@robertfandel9442]

Pretty sure the customer asked for this. Handed down from his family it's his choice correct?

[@ropadoped]

Should say Ontario on it.

[@justinpell2925]

I thought it was a K Bar at first good job man

[@mikereinhardt4807]

Great video. I really enjoy your work. If at all possible could you show toward the camera the lable of the stuff you are applying to the projects? Thanks again for the great content...

[@joeguilfoyle1922]

Well that was pretty good. But If I were doing this restoration....I'm screwing with you. Excellent Job and Video :-) Your videos inspired me to try and sharpen a new knife that I got. It's a BareBones Japanese style garden knife. Some call it a HoriHori. Anyway, it was dull as shit. So After watching hours of your vids, I bought a stone kit from amazon. Not a great one like yours, but a decent starter kit. I grinded on that 350 stone for hours. Later that night, I realized that filed off my middle 3 fingers. It hurt for days :-) I'll try again another day. But I'll probably wear the gloves that were included in the kit. Well, maybe not. I hate gloves :-) Thanks Bro, From Indianapolis.

[@thealicemonster9217]

LMAO it's Jan 2 2021. This Premiered Jan 23 2020. Totally read it as Jan 23 2021 and was like ... Wut?! Thought it was funny so I shared the laugh.

[@theariesexperiment4642]

Compared to the USMC K-Bar infantrymens knife,.....these Camilius air crewman survival knives have SO MUCH MORE character. The guards kinda qwurkey. The hex head pommel is absolutely brutal in its design. A no nonsense, no frills, git'er done son beater. Love that knife. Whoever that knife is going to,...is going to be very pleased. I love how you dont go to far past the knifes patina. You hover perfectly between tribute and original. Well done sir. Very well done.

[@smsgtbulldog]

Well done!!!!

[@brendanb_4327]

My grandfather had that exact knife that is now in possession of my dad

[@Juniper_2007]

My father has the same one too but it is from Vietnam it ist? his he traded it as a child what is yours from

[@WATTYATHINK]

great apple peeler ...

[@johnvaluk1401]

Scouring pad??

[@JJGuccione]

Excellent restoration!

[@kennykamensky993]

Good job Kyle I get much satisfaction when refurbishing old blades keep up the good work

[@MrJoshDoty]

Is that a 6 inch blade?

[@miko1482]

Back in the day, Marines use to get hold of those as well. They use to issue them to crew members in aviation units in the Navy. Nice restoration, however, those knives were of a parkerized finish for tactical purposes.

[@looping97300]

Super vidéo, j'aime ce que tu fais mais les bruit ambiant sont trop prononcé. Great video, I like what you do but the ambient noise is too loud Bonne continuation, Good continuation.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

There’s a fine line between restoration and f*ckng up! You sir have that skill!

[@aksalaman4689]

Well done!

[@dadadadave100]

Love the life style u live my friend ALOHA FROM HAWAII 🤙

[@ricktischler4096]

This is a thing of beauty, and the knife kit is fantastic too!

[@mrPorrontxo]

I want that knive...thank you for sharing. Cheers from Portugal

[@B-leafer]

I appreciate and agree with your professed restoration mantra..

[@N7Tigger]

What's the deal with Camillus? I've heard people say they were really good US made knives "before they shut down" but they are all over Amazon and look like mass produced Chinese crap. Did someone buy the rights to the name to profit off their reputation?

[@MrJoshDoty]

They went out of business. Bankrupt in 2007. The name was purchased at auction by Acme. The current Camillus is a brand only and has no connection to the old manufacturing company. The old Camillus was a government contractor. They made a lot of issue bayonets and knives.

[@kaizoebara]

Way too invasive IMO. Decades of character polished off in a matter of minutes...

[@conradsmith9332]

That character is just dirt and grime. I think he perfectly got a good balance between keeping the old look and making it nice and clean and a usable tool.

[@kaizoebara]

@@conradsmith9332 Let's agree to disagree.

[@conradsmith9332]

@@kaizoebara absolutely, everyone has differant thoughts on things and that's fine.

[@davespears2241]

Love to see anything cleaned fixed or restored.

[@fishingunboxingsandreveiws7226]

A purdy sob. Thanks for the vid!

[@rainervolk666]

Sehr schönes Video, und ich muss sagen, wirklich tolle Arbeit mit dem Messer. Das was du machst würde mir auch sehr viel Freude und Spaß machen. Mach weiter so! 👍

[@PrimeMatt]

17.16 for the actual blade

[@leonardoflores4362]

Wonderful😍😢💂💪❤👍👍👍👍

[@zoelmarzuki6107]

what is the cream you are using on 15:03 ? (white cup )

[@DominicZelenak]

Whats the solution that you applied on the leather?

[@regsparkes6507]

Nice knife,..good clean up too,....the 'finished product' would look really nice on my belt LOL! What a great piece to have,.the owner is a lucky guy!

[@kyle_noseworthy]

haha Thanks for watching, Reg!

[@42mag]

It looks great. Nice work.

[@Marcywm42]

What I like the most is your restoration keeps the character of the knife. Restoration doesn’t mean remanufacture. It remains an old friend. Thank you for sharing.

[@MaximRecoil]

"Restoration doesn’t mean remanufacture." It means to restore (return) it, as closely as possible, to the condition it was in when it was new. There was no restoration in this video, it was a refurbishment.

[@Js_285]

What are you using on the leather after staining?

[@dianewilbert7344]

that peace of history is sooooo cool

[@mohammadghaffari3496]

Awesome video as always

[@huntsman4683]

Thats a bad ass knife!

[@jpknives5195]

that's a beautiful job on the sheath . Nice work

[@edwardwilliams4197]

Very very good!

[@jacobhurt3821]

I have my uncle's one that he use in vietnam

[@weekendnomadjourneys1163]

Beautiful man...

[@randycarter2427]

Great job.

[@LarsRibe]

Stunning result! I really enjoyed this video - I like the no music no fuzz

[@kyle_noseworthy]

thanks Lars! It was certainly a different style for me, but I may try to incorporate it more often.

[@ronalddunne3413]

Fine work!

[@K3Flyguy]

I have that exact knife it has proven to be fairly difficult to sharpen with conventional whet stone. Can anyone tell me the type of steel it is made of? Certianly not an exotic, but just very hard steel. Thanks!

[@karlyoung5089]

I have one made out of 1095 high carbon steel.

[@B-leafer]

You can use a diamond hone to sharpen it. Be patient as it's hardness is a blessing. It will hold a great edge once sharp.

[@dominicohea5624]

A masterpiece thanks for the demo

[@scarter176]

Great Job !