NOKD (New Old Knife Day)

[NapalmSloth]

This morning, I went into my shop to look for a knife that I accidentally stabbed my hand with a few years ago. I grabbed a tackle box that I thought was mine, but when I opened it, I realized it was my grandfathers. He passed away about 13 years ago, and I have had it since then.
When I opened it, I immediately noticed his old CAMILLUS GI 1973. I immediately tried opening all 4 blades, but I was only able to get the main blade out.
I took the knife in the house, and gave the knife a soak in LUCAS CLP for about 2 hours. After the bath, I was able to open the main blade, bottle opener, and punch. The can opener took some prying, but I eventually got it open. I then spent about an hour cleaning the rust off the scales, blades, and joints, and lubed every place I could get to. I ended up with a family heirloom that works perfectly. I just need to put an edge on the blade, and it can be carried again.

[philco]

Nice find. A word of caution; the backsprings on those knives are notorious for breaking. It's not a good idea to ever have two blades on the same spring exerting tension on that spring at the same time. It's a recipe for disaster. Far better to open only one blade at a time or at the very least open the blade on one end fully before trying to open the opposing blade on that same spring.

[1967redrider]

Nice find of a knife with sentimental attachment!

I've been looking for one of these dated 1967 for obvious reasons.

[NapalmSloth]

Nice find. A word of caution; the backsprings on those knives are notorious for breaking. It's not a good idea to ever have two blades on the same spring exerting tension on that spring at the same time. It's a recipe for disaster. Far better to open only one blade at a time or at the very least open the blade on one end fully before trying to open the opposing blade on that same spring.

Thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to open only one at a time.

[carrmillus]

.....mine was issued to me in dec. 1958, and when I turned in my equipment in 1962, the supply sgt. handed the knife back to me and told me to keep it!!....I still have it today-one of my treasures!!!...... ..............

[TPK]

This morning, I went into my shop to look for a knife that I accidentally stabbed my hand with a few years ago. I grabbed a tackle box that I thought was mine, but when I opened it, I realized it was my grandfathers. He passed away about 13 years ago, and I have had it since then.
When I opened it, I immediately noticed his old CAMILLUS GI 1973. I immediately tried opening all 4 blades, but I was only able to get the main blade out.
I took the knife in the house, and gave the knife a soak in LUCAS CLP for about 2 hours. After the bath, I was able to open the main blade, bottle opener, and punch. The can opener took some prying, but I eventually got it open. I then spent about an hour cleaning the rust off the scales, blades, and joints, and lubed every place I could get to. I ended up with a family heirloom that works perfectly. I just need to put an edge on the blade, and it can be carried again.

Cool Story! Congrats!

Thanks for that tip philco!

And that's another cool story carrmillus!

[NapalmSloth]

.....mine was issued to me in dec. 1958, and when I turned in my equipment in 1962, the supply sgt. handed the knife back to me and told me to keep it!!....I still have it today-one of my treasures!!!...... ..............

That's awesome.
I think my grandfather bought this one. He was in WW2 and didnt keep any knives, but he got to buy his M1 carbine.

[Doc B]