June 22, 20251 yr #1 Recently acquired a Camillus M3. The M3 knife in the middle of the photo is the Camillus. I feel this M3 might have been turned back in to the U.S. Arsenal after WW2. Then it was rejuvinated, rust removal and cleaned up with a fresh coat of flat black paint. Then, it was re-issued or sold years later as surplus. The two M3's on the left are guard marked. What do you think?
June 28, 20251 yr #2 VNAMVET70- It could have been repainted, have seen it before. But, if you look at the pommel, one of the pins, maybe both are not painted black. When Camillus produced these, and the were oiled, they turned a beautiful blue-black finish. The best way to tell if pained is scratch the guard or pommel w/ a finger nail, to see if the paint comes off. Just a light scratch. SKIP
June 29, 20251 yr Author #3 4 hours ago, SKIPH said: VNAMVET70- It could have been repainted, have seen it before. But, if you look at the pommel, one of the pins, maybe both are not painted black. When Camillus produced these, and the were oiled, they turned a beautiful blue-black finish. The best way to tell if pained is scratch the guard or pommel w/ a finger nail, to see if the paint comes off. Just a light scratch. SKIP I tried scratching the finish and it will not scratch. It is an extremely hard coating that is on the Camillus M3 guard , blade, and pommel. Both pommel pins are very shiny. The blade is exactly 6-11/16's. Hmmm, Thank you, VNAMVET70
June 29, 20251 yr #4 You probably have a Camillus that was not prepped for long term storage. Sounds like original finish. Does the cutting edge have the "line of white", or what is the original factory edge? SKIP
June 29, 20251 yr Author #5 5 hours ago, SKIPH said: You probably have a Camillus that was not prepped for long term storage. Sounds like original finish. Does the cutting edge have the "line of white", or what is the original factory edge? SKIP 5 hours ago, SKIPH said: You probably have a Camillus that was not prepped for long term storage. Sounds like original finish. Does the cutting edge have the "line of white", or what is the original factory edge? SKIP Attached is a photo of the M3 Camillus blade. The blade is almost sharp enough to shave with. I believe you are correct in assuming the blade has the original factory finish. Not sure what "line of white " means. VNAMVET70
June 29, 20251 yr #6 VNAMVET70-You are looking at the "line of white" my friend. Because of possible glare it kind of appears to be sharpened by a previous owner. Difficult to tell. Based on the original photo you have a nice one. SKIP
June 29, 20251 yr Author #7 SKIPH, Thanks again for sharing your expertise and familiarity with the M3 Fighting Knife. VNAMVET70
Create an account or sign in to comment