camillus #72

The Camillus Cutlery Company was one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the United States with roots dating back to 1876. The company manufactured Camillus branded knives and was a prolific contractor for other knife brands up until its last days in 2007 when the company filed for bankruptcy.
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Re: camillus #72

Post by gsmith7158 »

Doc you are correct in your assumptions! ::tu:: The bone handle shortline has the second generation blade configuration but is still apretty rare find these days. Both will give you exemplary service at a bargain price. ::nod::
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Re: camillus #72

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Doc B wrote:Until a couple of weeks ago, I was a Camillus 72 virgin. I'm happy to say, that phase of my life is over. I think I may have stumbled in to a decent deal...
First, I got the bottom, delrin handled knife, off "the bay". At $35, I don't think I got any special deal. It had been described as having excellent action; however, when I got it...all snaps were good, except for the closing of the main blade had no snap. I was torqued!!! Turns out, after cleaning and lubing, it does actually have pretty good snap. But...before I got it cleaned up...I had decided I liked the pattern enough, to try to find another one with good snap. I found the top one, in an Etsy store. I thought I was getting another Delrin one. It came today and I started noticing the differences. Bone and different tip shape to the main blade. I realize the main blade isn't full, walk & talk is about perfect. It turns out I got a bone/ short line. There really isn't much to compare / find in the sold prices, on Ebay. Am I correct it's probably from 1948-50? At $34, did I do OK?
IMG_1171.jpg
Good scores! ::tu::
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Re: camillus #72

Post by doglegg »

A bone 72, the elusive search. Congratulations. You did good. ::nod::
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Re: camillus #72

Post by jerryd6818 »

Nothing wrong with either one of those. You did okay by yourself. ::tu::
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"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Doc B »

Thanks, Gentlemen. I have to agree with TJ's 2012 assessment and Jerry's by-line endorsement...It's pretty darn close to a perfect knife. I've enjoyed carrying the Delrin, the last week or so.
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Re: camillus #72

Post by jerryd6818 »

Everything about it sings to me.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
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"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: camillus #72

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Doc B wrote:Thanks, Gentlemen. I have to agree with TJ's 2012 assessment and Jerry's by-line endorsement...It's pretty darn close to a perfect knife. I've enjoyed carrying the Delrin, the last week or so.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again. I’m not a fan of little knives. But the 72 is the biggest little knife you’ll ever use. If you’re not careful you’ll become an all out junkie like the rest of us.
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
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Re: camillus #72

Post by carrmillus »

Colonel26 wrote:
Doc B wrote:Thanks, Gentlemen. I have to agree with TJ's 2012 assessment and Jerry's by-line endorsement...It's pretty darn close to a perfect knife. I've enjoyed carrying the Delrin, the last week or so.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again. I’m not a fan of little knives. But the 72 is the biggest little knife you’ll ever use. If you’re not careful you’ll become an all out junkie like the rest of us.
..col., I like the #72 a lot, but my favorite whittlers are the old split-backspring whittlers!!..... ::tu:: .........
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Colonel26 »

carrmillus wrote:
Colonel26 wrote:
Doc B wrote:Thanks, Gentlemen. I have to agree with TJ's 2012 assessment and Jerry's by-line endorsement...It's pretty darn close to a perfect knife. I've enjoyed carrying the Delrin, the last week or so.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again. I’m not a fan of little knives. But the 72 is the biggest little knife you’ll ever use. If you’re not careful you’ll become an all out junkie like the rest of us.
..col., I like the #72 a lot, but my favorite whittlers are the old split-backspring whittlers!!..... ::tu:: .........
I love those too, especially the bigger ones. If I ever run across one, it’s at the top of my list!
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
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Re: camillus #72

Post by KnifeSlinger#81 »

Colonel26 wrote:
Doc B wrote:Thanks, Gentlemen. I have to agree with TJ's 2012 assessment and Jerry's by-line endorsement...It's pretty darn close to a perfect knife. I've enjoyed carrying the Delrin, the last week or so.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again. I’m not a fan of little knives. But the 72 is the biggest little knife you’ll ever use. If you’re not careful you’ll become an all out junkie like the rest of us.
My favorite biggest little knife is a jr cattle, which is 1/4" shorter than the 72. For me it comes down to the flawless aesthetics of a cattle knife but both are similar in function. If I could only have a 72 I wouldn't complain one bit.
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Colonel26 »

KnifeSlinger#81 wrote:
Colonel26 wrote:
Doc B wrote:Thanks, Gentlemen. I have to agree with TJ's 2012 assessment and Jerry's by-line endorsement...It's pretty darn close to a perfect knife. I've enjoyed carrying the Delrin, the last week or so.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but I’ll say it again. I’m not a fan of little knives. But the 72 is the biggest little knife you’ll ever use. If you’re not careful you’ll become an all out junkie like the rest of us.
My favorite biggest little knife is a jr cattle, which is 1/4" shorter than the 72. For me it comes down to the flawless aesthetics of a cattle knife but both are similar in function. If I could only have a 72 I wouldn't complain one bit.

I don’t have a Jr, but this regular Camillus cattle knife, just a hair bigger than the 72 has become a real contender for favorite.
11350C25-8EB0-4200-BAA3-D122C1CAC8AE.jpeg
0547F1F2-3E14-4430-8F4C-874340A4B4A9.jpeg
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Edgewise »

Going through this thread is enough to convert anyone to the #72 and it's not even a Case.
Not to seem disloyal but is there another thread devoted to a single pattern to match this one? ( :x :x ::td:: ::td:: ::disgust:: ::disgust:: )
I must add that I have a prized #72. I didn't buy it. I would have definitely bought one after reading this thread but Jerry didn't give me enough time.
This isn't the first time I'm reading this thread, but there isn't any harm in a refresher, is there! :)
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Re: camillus #72

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The latest is this Powr-Kraft w/milled liners. Jerry asked for a pic of the clones that have been added to the pile. Clone pic left to right: Craftsman missing shield, Powr-Kraft, Schrade 863, Ulster 63 and a couple Remingtons. The last Remington in the pic has First in the Field etched on the small clip blade.
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Re: camillus #72

Post by jerryd6818 »

David, that's a good start you have going there. The Craftsman looks like it has bone handles. ::tu::
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
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"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Colonel26 »

Great pile of 72 clones there David.
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Colonel26 »

Edgewise wrote:Going through this thread is enough to convert anyone to the #72 and it's not even a Case.
Not to seem disloyal but is there another thread devoted to a single pattern to match this one? ( :x :x ::td:: ::td:: ::disgust:: ::disgust:: )
I’d say you’re right. I don’t know if any single pattern that evokes this kind of response from so many.

I’m surprised that a pattern so popular hasn’t been picked up by another maker. I’d think this would be annatural for someone like GEC.
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
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Re: camillus #72

Post by jerryd6818 »

Colonel26 wrote:
Edgewise wrote:Going through this thread is enough to convert anyone to the #72 and it's not even a Case.
Not to seem disloyal but is there another thread devoted to a single pattern to match this one? ( :x :x ::td:: ::td:: ::disgust:: ::disgust:: )
I’d say you’re right. I don’t know if any single pattern that evokes this kind of response from so many.

I’m surprised that a pattern so popular hasn’t been picked up by another maker. I’d think this would be annatural for someone like GEC.
Great Eastern came close with the 33 Conductor but you know how the saying goes, close only counts in hand grenades and horse shoes (and washers if you're from the South :mrgreen: )
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331211 - Burnt Stag.JPG
331211-bal-burnt-stag10.jpg
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: camillus #72

Post by carrmillus »

...haven't heard that old saying in a while, jerry!!!............... ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu:: ....................
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Re: camillus #72

Post by Colonel26 »

jerryd6818 wrote:
Colonel26 wrote:
Edgewise wrote:Going through this thread is enough to convert anyone to the #72 and it's not even a Case.
Not to seem disloyal but is there another thread devoted to a single pattern to match this one? ( :x :x ::td:: ::td:: ::disgust:: ::disgust:: )
I’d say you’re right. I don’t know if any single pattern that evokes this kind of response from so many.

I’m surprised that a pattern so popular hasn’t been picked up by another maker. I’d think this would be annatural for someone like GEC.
Great Eastern came close with the 33 Conductor but you know how the saying goes, close only counts in hand grenades and horse shoes (and washers if you're from the South :mrgreen: )
You’re right, close. They need to stretch it out a bit and add a blade.
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
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Re: camillus #72

Post by DM11 »

jerryd6818 wrote:David, that's a good start you have going there. The Craftsman looks like it has bone handles. ::tu::
Thank you Jerry and yes it has bone covers.
Colonel26 wrote:Great pile of 72 clones there David.
Thank you Colonel.
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Re: camillus #72

Post by doglegg »

I had been watching for a 72 with bone handles and found them to be few and far between. Saw this little special edition and decided that would be a good choice. They have been posted here before but not this one. Thanks for looking.
DSCN5377.JPG
DSCN5378.JPG
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Re: camillus #72

Post by carrmillus »

.....why they didn't do that one in rogers bone i'll never know???................ ::td:: ..................
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Re: camillus #72

Post by jerryd6818 »

doglegg wrote:I had been watching for a 72 with bone handles and found them to be few and far between. Saw this little special edition and decided that would be a good choice. They have been posted here before but not this one. Thanks for looking.DSCN5377.JPGDSCN5378.JPG
Floyd, those were made in the early '90s. I don't know if that was a factory special for Sears but I do know it was in a 1991 Sears Christmas Catalog (or advertisement?). see below
Sears 1991 Christmas Catalog.jpg
Not sure of the timing but there were only three variations made with those bone handles. That one, one for SMKW with a main blade etch "Ole Smoky" and one that was just a plain Jane.
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Camillus 72 '89-Close Ole Smoky SMKW - Open Mark.JPG
Camillus 72 - '89 to Close Black Bone Handles (1990s) - Open Mark.JPG
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: camillus #72

Post by jerryd6818 »

carrmillus wrote:.....why they didn't do that one in rogers bone i'll never know???................ ::td:: ..................
Tommy, Rogers Bone was no longer available in the '90s when those knives were made. So now you know. As far as I am aware of, those three knives were the only bone handle knives Camillus made after they stopped using bone for handles somewhere in the late '50s or very early '60s.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Re: camillus #72

Post by carrmillus »

.....wonder what ever happened to the tooling they used to produce ROGERS BONE????............... ::shrug:: ..............
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