Calling All Camillus JPSK Experts...What Do I have?

[Leighman1964]

First, if anyone can assist me uploading a photo, I would appreciate it.

When I attempted it, I am told the image was too big.

 

I recently acquired a Camillus, NY blade marked (no date on pinned/staked pommel nut) JPSK with an un-fullered blade (like those used for etching, this one is plain). Blade, guard, pommel has a matte-silver finish, not chromed like the civilian model #1010 "Astronaut." Typical sheath with rivets and snap also polished silver. The stitching is brown thread instead of white. The leather washer handle is smooth polished/varnished like #1010.

 

Any ideas??? Thanks.

[tarbridge]

Pm sent.

[tarbridge]

[Leighman1964]

Thanks, tarbridge!

[camillus]

nice knife

[Leighman1964]

Thanks, camillus...from your screen name I was hoping you may have been a former Camillus employee or historian...

 

I read somewhere (possibly on this forum) that when Camillus was actually in business (as in USA-made), they were a frugal company and did not waste materials. My knife resembles the commercial offering that 'gunbarrel' posted in the 8-page JPSK thread (post #23 I think) except that mine doesn't have the grooved black plastic handle or black commercial type leather sheath that is pictured.

 

If the above is true, I suppose it would be plausible that mine was assembled using whatever raw materials were on hand but that is just conjecture on my part.

 

I've scoured the 'net for pics like the one above but was unable to find ANY!

[1SG_1st_Cav]

Check this Fancy Camillus from my collection.

[1SG_1st_Cav]

And here is the knife.

[Leighman1964]

Wow...is that a brass guard and pommel?

 

Made for presentation, perhaps?

[bayonetman]

I don't have any firm information on this knife. The blade does look like the blade used on the 1950s Navy pilot's knife and I suppose it is not impossible that the knife in question was part of a Camillus development toward the JPK, although the actual JPK was designed and first produced by Marbles. Further information MIGHT be available from [email protected] who works with the Collectors of Camillus webpage http://www.collectors-of-camillus.us/

 

Photo is of the 1950s knife for those not familiar with it.

 

[Leighman1964]

Thank you, bayonetman.

My example looks quite "new" as in a modern rendition (1980's?).

 

I just compared the above knife to a common "issue" blade and noticed it is thinner in width with the plexiglas/aluminum-cutting sawteeth being much sharper (due to the thinner width, I'm sure).

 

Thank you for the link, I'll check it out.

[gunbarrel]

IMHO, Leighman's knife is a commercial offering. Mil specs say that the government issue knife must have "blood grooves" and this one doesn't.

 

http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-K/MIL-K-8662E_29560/

[Leighman1964]

I agree, gunbarrel, a commercial offering and the metal finish on mine resembles your #23 post in the JPSK thread (minus the black plastic handle).

 

Just curious as to not being able to find a single pic or reference to it...anyplace.

[Leighman1964]

I'm wondering if perhaps the one I have was possibly "assembled" just prior to the release of the commercial version with the plastic grooved handle?

[Frank Trzaska]

This is what Camillus termed a "Platform" knife. They made them with milled flat sides to make etching scenes on them easy. Other companies would purchase them and etch presentations, names, scenes etc on the flats. Google Wayne at War knife and you will see more of them. Made in the 1990's and most probably available right up until the factory closed. I purchased a few different etched models through the years and obtained a few unetched ones from Tom Williams at Camillus several years ago,

 

All the best

Frank Trzaska

[Leighman1964]

Thanks, Frank.

Do you think they have much "collector value" as opposed to the more common production models?

[gunbarrel]

This is what Camillus termed a "Platform" knife. They made them with milled flat sides to make etching scenes on them easy.

A platform knife! Never heard the term.

 

Thanks, Frank; that's why you are The Man!

[bayonetman]

Now that Frank has identified it, I can come up with a photo of one of the etched ones on eBay.

 

[Leighman1964]

And one seller was asking only $499....egads!

[bayonetman]

I follow the Camillus prices pretty closely on eBay. Right now almost every one of the military sheath knives that are on Buy It Now are greatly overpriced to the point of stupidity. I don't know what this etched one is honestly worth but I seriously doubt that it would sell for anywhere near that price if it was on auction.