Robeson Permalube Oilles Bearing

[J529A]

I know that Robeson made a 623605 and a 623606 Permalube Oilles Bearing. I believe these were both Suredge models. Does anyone know how many of the Permalube patterns were made by Robeson? Of course, I've been looking for one for a very long time without success.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Precious few, I’m afraid.

PERMA-LUBE knives came about when they moved the bronze bearing from the back of the tang to the inside aspect of the backsprings and changed the line’s name from MasterCraft to PERMA-LUBE.

That occurred sometime after the arrival of Emerson Case In about 1940.

I’m quite sure they never duplicated all the MasterCraft patterns.

I don’t think anyone knows how many PERMA-LUBE patterns were made.

I would take a bit of research for me to even tell you the patterns I’ve owned and there weren’t many.

I can recall a four blade scout/utility on the 614 frame, but I think they gave it a different number.

I’ve sold them all, I think, but I could peruse my photo files and come up with a selection, but I’m sure it would not be complete.

[J529A]

Thank you so much for the information! Yes, any photos of different models would be great even if it's not a complete list. The only one I've seen come up for sale was about 4 years ago. It was on eBay and mis-indentifed with a very poor quality photo. Also, the seller had no idea what he was selling. Anyway, it was an opportunity lost. I know if one ever comesup again it would be fairly expensive because as you indicated they are very rare. Thanks again!

[Miller Bro's]

Here's one I have.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Dimitri, what is the pattern number on that?

[Miller Bro's]

Charlie, no pattern number.

Only has "Patent App. For" on the backside of the master blade.

I do believe the shield is made from the same metal as the bearing.

[RobesonsRme.com]

It is supposed to be.

Interestingly, I have a little Robeson pen knife with a bronze bar shield, but no visible indication it has bronze bearings.

[Miller Bro's]

Interestingly, I have a little Robeson pen knife with a bronze bar shield, but no visible indication it has bronze bearings.

Probably using up leftovers, typical for knife factories.

[J529A]

Exellent knife! Thank you for the photo. I didn't know there was a camper model. I sure wish I could find one but they're as scarce as hen's teeth!

[RobesonsRme.com]

I had a pristine mint example like Dimitri’s scout/utility.

It was bought during WWII, for a young man that had worked at Paramount Studios, by some fellow employees and sent to him at a Naval Training Station.

Don’t know why, but he never used it and I bought it in the box in which it was shipped.

It’s on AAPK somewhere.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=39767&p=496971&hili ... be#p496971

I sold it at a knife show in Lexington two years ago. It brought six hundred dollars.

They are quite rare.

I’ve only seen two.

[Miller Bro's]

Charlie, that was a beautiful old knife you had

I noticed the shield was not marked "Campers" like the one I have.

Have you seen any marked like that?

[RobesonsRme.com]

Not on PERMA-LUBE knives, as I’ve only seen the two we’ve shown.

On other Robeson scout/utility patterns, I’ve seen the shield marked, U.S.A., CAMPERS, OUTERS and unmarked.

[Miller Bro's]

Thanks Charlie, I had no idea they were that scarce.

[J529A]

I looked at the old thread of that pristine Camper knife and it is incredible! Finding one in that condition is beyond rare! Also, that is a very cool story aobut the guy working at Paramount Studion then joining the Navy. Great photos of a very special knife!

[RobesonsRme.com]

I bought that knife off Ebay.

There is quite a bit of speculation to the story, but it makes sense. The return address on the box is Paramount Studios and the addressee is at a Naval Training Station in San Diego and the dates are right.

I tried looking the young man up on the internet to see if he survived or perished or returned to Paramount, but found nothing.

I really hated to sell that knife and kind of regret it still, but I get to seeing it on display at Lexington every August at their knife show.