Vietnam War Era US Camillus Fighting Knife -
A fighting knife, also commonly called a combat knife, is a knife designed for military use, specifically for close combat. Although since the end of trench warfare, most military knives have been primarily designed for utility
or tool use. Activities such as clearing foliage, chopping branches for cover, opening ammunition crates, etc.
The item featured on this page is a figthing knife. Used during WWII. The handle is of leather construction,
which was a common occurrance at the time. The grip is enhanced by having a series of indentations.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for military fighting knives.
Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out
clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my fighting knife worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the knives is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
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The scabbard is of leather construction. Heavy cotton stiching is applied around the edges and is
furthered strengthen by using metal rivets in key locations. The scabbard was originally brown in color.
The fact that is is black indicates one of two thing; the knife was re-issued for the Vietnam
war. some of the scabbards were dated or had the name of the
manufacturer stamped on them. The one featured here does not have any markings.
The base of the blade contains the following markings: Camillus, New York, USA.
The blade is of thick construction. Single edge. The tip is reminiscent of the bowie style.
The pommel consists of a flat round piece. It is attached to the handle by wedging a rectangular
piece of metal through the center. This was a common manufacturing practice at the time. Some
samples have markings in the pommel - This one does not have any.
This edge weapon is currently being reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other fighting knives, you can do so by going to our
Military Fighting Knives Price Guide
identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force, USMC and other organizations.
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