Seeking info on Geo Schrade's "The Camper"

[lrom]

I'm new to AAPK forums. My interest in pocket knives is casual, I'm a leatherman and SAK owner for decades but I don't have many (maybe ten?) or anything rare. I'd like to find one or two camping knives/tools, and I'm hoping to tap the knowledge base of the members here. My thanks in advance for those taking the time to read this post.

I searched the forums and found some good information on the Geo. Schrade "Hunting & Fishing" knife, but unless I've missed it I didn't see any specific thread or discussion on "The Camper", which is similar but includes a fork and openers. The attached image is from an internet search.

G. Schrade Camper

I've only recently discovered this model. It appeals to me because it is compact, seems it would be fairly light and is made of stainless steel. Since we always have spoons with us on outings, this would cover the other bases nicely. Being vintage made in USA is nice, but clones (ie: Boker/Cousin Willie/Scotchline) would be fine unless they are known to be really bad.

I've seen scout chow sets (Imperial I think?) but I prefer the all-in-one idea with a straight fork contained inside the handle. I had a Colonial camper (one piece, spoon and fork) but the long fork prongs on the outside of the handle got badly bent due to snags in pack and pocket. It was also badly corroded and I think stainless would be better for an infrequent (ab)user like me.

I don't know what a fair price would be for these. In March 2026 I saw two on that auction site that starts with "e", one priced at $22.50 and sold to "buy it now". A second (and possibly a clone, it was not listed as a G. Schrade) went for $1.99 to the only bidder (I was unable to try for it since the seller would not ship to Canada). I have not seen any since then.

I'd appreciate any information members can provide on this model, for example an estimate of what they sell for in various conditions, how common or uncommon they might be, whether any clones are known to exist and any advice or even background history and personal experiences. Maybe you can talk me out of my search

best regards, lrom

[Mumbleypeg]

Welcome to AAPK. I can’t help with your search but I like the idea of an all metal utility knife. That would be handy for disinfecting (fully submerged in boiling water) after use as an eating utensil. George Schrade was an innovator and has several patents for all metal eating utensils, probably most notable are those with “wire” frames.

Here is a link to an old AAPK post showing a similar knife to be part of a Girl Scout mess kit. May or may not help your search. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=21329

I will say that over about 30 years of active backpacking and camping, along with hunting and fishing, I never found need for a fork. A spoon and a knife will suffice.

Ken

[Reverand]

Welcome to AAPK, from Sweet Home Alabama!
I have a couple of Geo Schrade knives, but I don't think that I have seen one of those before! I don't know that it is that rare, maybe I just never noticed them before, but I think it is cool!
Hopefully someone on here can provide some real insight into it!

[lrom]

Thanks for these replies.

@ Mumbleypeg: I agree with you about forks most of the time. I have carried them without using them, but I like to have both fork and knife when eating a grilled fish. I can't remember where I heard this, but someone had suggested that with only a knife they can whittle their own spoon and fork out in the bush. I salute that kind of ability but anything beyond two prong roasting sticks is out of my league.

That's a great point you made about cleaning an all metal knife by dunking in boiling water. Army cutlery, cups and mess tins etc. were done that way if I'm not mistaken. But that only makes me want it more, not less.

The Girl Scouts cutlery in your link looks just about the same as the camper except that they are separate pieces? (the camper pieces clip together like a take-apart hobo knife) and the fork has a bend to it and sits partially outside the handle. This kit is something I've seen online, I dislike the outboard fork tines but it looks like a decent alternative if kept in a sheath or case.

@ Reverend: Best regards from Canada. I agree with you, I think its a very cool setup or at least it looks like one. Someone who's actually owned one will know best, despite looking like the ideal tool, it could have flaws that aren't obvious.

[ea42]

Here's an old catalog image;

Eric

[lrom]

@ ea42: Thank you for posting the catalog image, that's a great summary of the details. It's interesting that a wood handle was also available.