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Vintage single-blade Navy/Coast Guard style sailor rigging rope pocket knife manufactured by the historic Camillus Cutlery Company in Camillus, New York. The blade tang features the highly collectible, pre-1946 four-line factory stamp reading "CAMILLUS / CUTLERY CO. / CAMILLUS N.Y. / U.S.A.". This genuine WWII military-contract tool dates precisely between 1941 and 1945.
The knife features beautifully preserved, dark molasses-black jigged hardwood handle scales patterned to replicate traditional jigged bone. These dense, non-slip resin-treated handles are securely pinned to thick steel liners with original flush pins. Built specifically for sailing and heavy marine rigging work, the knife houses a single heavy-carbon cutlery steel sheepsfoot blade designed to slice through thick hemp cordage without an accidental point stab. Based on the measurements shown next to the tape ruler, the handle measures approximately 4 1/2 inches when closed, housing a master blade extending to a length of 3 1/2 inches. A factory steel clevis rope lanyard bail loop is securely riveted through the rear bolster pin.
The item is in great, highly functional vintage shape. The authentic black jigged wood covers are superbly preserved, keeping a deep coloration and rich texture entirely free of cracks, pin fractures, or edge chips. The high-carbon steel sheepsfoot blade exhibits an honest, uncleaned dark gray age patina with widespread surface pocket scuffs, minor carbon tarnish, and fine spot pitting consistent with its historic age. The blade retains a full, thick profile with minimal sharpening loss. Mechanically, the knife is exceptional: it operates under tight tension and delivers a strong, highly audible good snap when opening and closing. Steel bolsters, brass liners, and the lanyard bail remain tightly integrated with zero loose blade play or side wobble. Please look at the high resolution photos for condition details, if you have any questions, just ask.
