Is this a decent knife?

[Tim K]

I've had this for 30+ years, but my dad is the one who bought it and dyed the sheath and handle black. I have no idea how to tell if it's junk or reasonable quality.

I'm putting together a little car emergency bag and I need a knife to put in it. If this is Chinese crap, I don't want it.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c173/tkulin/knife_zpsa8eee383.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/tkulin/media/knife_zpsa8eee383.jpg.html)

[ray1970]

Looks like a pilots survival knife. I imagine if it is decent quality it should have some sort of markings on the blade somewhere near the tang (hilt). As far as I know, all of the military contractors marked their stuff. The last one I had was made by Camillus in New York.

Also, it probably doesn't really matter too much for your intended use even if it is a Chinese copy. I mean, it is just a sharp piece of metal, right?

[StagLefty]

I'm thinking because of the age it's Camillus. Like Ray said it should be decent quality.

[ray1970]

The brass tip on the sheath is leading me to think it might be the real deal. I can't imagine the reproduction stuff putting that kind of detail into the sheath. Especially that long ago.

[th3w01f]

If it's authentic it could easily be worth a couple hundred bucks. Might be worth finding out and maybe putting a quality new knife in the kit that's worth a lot less if it gets beat up.

[ray1970]

If it's authentic it could easily be worth a couple hundred bucks. Might be worth finding out and maybe putting a quality new knife in the kit that's worth a lot less if it gets beat up.

Excellent point. I am partial to knives from Tops, ESEE, and DPX myself.

http://www.topsknives.com/index.php

http://www.eseeknives.com/

http://www.dpxgear.com/

[Great-Kazoo]

looks like one i had during my cub & boy scout years. Nice little whet stone in the small pouch.

Ah the days of carrying a knife as a child and no cops, CPS ,or teachers getting involved.

[mcjhr]

Any stamps on the blade?

[Mattallen0506]

+ 1 on a Tops and ESEE. Have both, love both. But for a car knife, you could consider a Becker BK 2. All brands mentioned use 1095 steel primarily. High carbon, very tough and easier to field sharpen in a pinch than other steels. You'll find the Beckers to be a bit cheaper than Tops and ESEE, but just as good functionally. I'd rather beat the shit out of a BK 2 than a cool old blade like yours. Just my $.02.

[Tim K]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c173/tkulin/191593beccd3c3fa16ff1676ab2cab95_zps42c6a2d7.jpg

If this is valuable, I'll sell it. How should I go about that? I'm not a knife guy...

[mcjhr]

Here's one that I believe should be somewhat similar that was sold on eBay....

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Ontario-1-1973-Pilot-039-s-Survival-Knife-w-Sheave-amp-Sharpener-Great-Condition-/390576305198

Not extremely valuable but still a cool thing to have IMHO.

[Tim K]

Thanks for the link. Not very valuable, I see.

If anyone thinks they want it for its collectibility and wants to trade for a similar valued modern knife, I'm open. Otherwise, I'll just leave it buried in the bag.

I knew you guys would have the answer.

[th3w01f]

Looks like it may be perfect for your first plan to use it. More info - http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/359871-Ontario

[Tim K]

That was a fun read. Thanks for the link. It's living happily at the bottom of my kit now.