You made all us old vets smile. I had my grandfather’s MKII from WWII, my father’s MKII from the Korean War and mine. We were allowed to keep them or at least the Gov never asked for them to be returned. I was also issued a Gerber multi tool and serrated blade Gerber Gator folder with nylon case. I used the Gerber Gator for nearly everything followed by the multi tool. I gave the knives to my son, who added the collection to his MKII issued to him by the Marine Corp. 4 generations of MKII’s served the family and the United States with honor. And as a side note, I still use mink oil and saddle soap. Old habits die hard.
My brothers third oldest just graduated boot camp a few months ago, and when he came home before his next duty/training station, they threw him a party. I had bought the brand new Ka Bar USMC with the leather embossed scabbard. I told him every marine should have a Ka Bar. Later that evening he said I'm glad you got this for me but I don't want to mess it up. I told him it's meant to be used and if anything happens we will find another. I also told him we would have the scabbard embossed with his dates of accomplishment. I think the boy shed a tear after I left.
I'm n ot going to correct a marine but I will correct so-called knife experts. I had the same experience with my brother when I was younger. My brother was just flat-out wrong. He was an Army Officer.
my first ka-bar was found in the arizona desert, i was in my 20s and ditching work to go fishing at the verde river east of mesa, and while walking out of the desert to the parking lot, i saw a sheath just lying on the ground. i walked over picked it up and to my surprise there was a brand-new ka-bar u.s. marine so i looked around not a soul in sight i grabbed my pole and fishing box and ran the last 100 or so feet to the car popped the trunk tossed it and the tackle box in shut it and broke down the pole stuck it in the back seat and left. it was a good day to take off work to say the least, and when i got home i showed it to my brother-in-law who was a vietnam vet navy but still he loved it as soon as he saw it so i kept it for a few days then just gave it to him, sort of paid it forward
My neighbor when I was a kid in the 1960's gave me his brother in law's Robeson which had quite a layer of mold and grime. Now, it is clean and stored properly. Quite a nice piece and even though he has passed, I am still grateful for the gift.
I have an ontario knife company mk 2. Took the blade coating off, put a forced patina on, sanded the handle from round to oval, and put some leather conditioner on it.
I'm and old Viet Nam (USAF) vet. Shortly after joining, I purchased a commercial (civilian) pre '74 Camillus MK II in 1970. It was never used in combat, but has served me well ever since. It's been on countless camping trips for any thing you might need to cut with a sharp knife, and is still in the original sheath. Thank you for information on this knife.
Glad you found the video helpful. I was lucky enough to serve 10 years later (1980, Army). Thanks for your service during times of war. A Warm Welcome Home to a Vietnam Vet.
Love the history Tobias, thanks a bunch. I carried my dad's German hunting knife at times in the service. I liked it because I was able to fit the sheath into my pocket part-way to keep it from flapping around yet still was able to bend as needed. lol It only had a 4" blade but I never needed more. Keeping something of importance secure and handy is a life lesson.
I really enjoyed this video, I started collecting military knives when I was younger, I got away from it later, but I still have some really nice ones.
Thanks for the information Tobias. Great video and one of the knives I obsessed over before I starting collecting. Maybe I’ll need to make sure I pick up a Camillus made one. I oil and wipe down my carbon blades dry before storing and never have had an issue. Except for the knife in my pocket, dry as can be but gets occasional spotting. Turns out pockets can be pretty humid in the Texas heat lol
They'll do that. Some people like think they found a new family with a little kid and lived happily every after. Not me! I like to think it got ran over by a dump trunk. I'd hate to think it was happier with somebody other than me!
great content ,, i like the historical background , research , very nice examples ,and personal experience shared in all of your videos ,,,,, keep up the good work .
Tobias, thanks for sharing your beautiful example of your Camilus made Ka-Bar.......LOL! Just kidding, don't stick me with your Mark II fighting knife! Your man cave/garage looked great. You must have put a ton of work into that. I've got to do something with mine.
Very impressive collection! Thank you for the video. I have always loved the looks of that knife !! 42 year ago as a Navy snipe all I was issued was, an engine room Steam Plant! LOL👍👍🤠🤠🎯🎯
You see a tissue blowing down the road and you call it a Kleenex...same thing bro. The Mk2 fighter, mine from the folks in Olean NY, was the first fixed blade knife I ever purchased. I was just out of high school, found a new military surplus store and paid retail; it cost $29.95. Still have it and its still a beauty.
Not me, I call it a tissue. And I call copy machines "copiers" How about the $7 knife out Pakistan that is sold by Frost that is a copy of a Mk2. Are you going to call that a Ka-Bar.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias No, not I either, I just meant most people call things by familiar brand names, I call mine a Mk2 Fighter or USMC Fighter depending on present company. I'll bet Kleenex is tired of being blamed for all that tissue litter too. LOL
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Don't buy much of anything from Frost, he got me over many years ago and I learned a lesson. I did recently buy a Sunfish he labeled as a canoe, but that was the only Frost in over a decade. It was on sale and I wanted a sample of that pattern.
@@4449John I've probably bought way more Frost stuff than I should have but I did it with my eyes wide open, knowing pretty much what quality to expect. Trust me when I tell you I will never buy one of his "Marine Corps knives" no matter what he prints on the side of it!
How crazy, I was just looking at my silver bullet knife this morning. Then I see this video and you show the poster. Great video (CAMCO USA is what mine shows on tang)
Incredible history on these knives. Thank you for the research you do Tobias. From a collectors standpoint, are those lesser producing company’s knives, especially during those war years, more sought after? Or valuable? Like the Imperials or Colonials. Very interesting watch.
LOL! You’ll never escape it, Tobias. My WWII Marine friend called it a Ka-bar, and the one he used on Okinawa probably was. In the 60’s guys in Vietnam were calling them Ka-bars. We call adjustable wrenches Crescents, Linemen call their pliers Kleins, you can’t beat legend with mere fact. 😅 I love the history, though.👍
I don’t have an issue with the non knife people. After all many of the marines think it’s a K-bar and they think they are called that because they were issued like K-Rations! Incidentally, I have no issues with people calling it The Marine Corps Fighting Knife, especially when it is stamped USMC! I just have a probably with knife people who should know better, calling a Camillus or Case or Frost or Japanese, Chinese, or Pakistani made knife a Ka-Bar simply it looks like this knife.
This video is like a public service message. I was issued the Camillus in 71 . A very good knife and the first thing we (Army) did was remove most of the top guard and replace the sheath with a heavier water buffalo leather sheath. Traded that knife for an Australian military knife and found another Camillus at a gun show in the early 80s' . I have a few Kabars, but the Camillus is still used as a favorite knife for hunting in AK and New Mexico . Thanks for your history lesson and thoughts.
Thanks I also have a few knives made by KaBar but not a Mk 2 made by KaBar. I Find it interesting that Marines now call this knife a K-bar, many have no clue that their is a knife company of the same name!
@@KnifeChatswithTobias When Kabar began using the steel chemistry and production methods of Camilus, their knives greatly improved. Kabars "Cro Van" blades were the result. There was an American writer who wrote blade articles for magazines such as American Survival Guide. His name is Chuck Karwan . He passed in 2008 and is credited for the development of Kabars' - D-2 Extreme & Dogs Head Utility. Both knives made with a very reduced top guard. The D-2 Extreme with D-2 steel is the bomb. The Dogs Head Utility using Cro Van 1095 is also the bomb. Both Knives have been referred to as "Karbars".
Loved this video I never had a Mark 2 so when SMKW put the KaBar USSF Mark 2 fighting knives on sale for Memorial Day I picked two up one for myself and one for my son for Christmas
After seeing your sheath knives hanging on curtain rods a light went on in my head and I went straight to Menards and picked up a couple of their cheapest nice bronze ones and hung my small ones on one rod above large ones and it looks great I have all my expensive knives on one wall in my bedroom now Thanks for another great idea Tobias!
I have the K Bar USMC AND NAVY.and the Camillus . Navy K bar has the od green sheath, The USMC THE LEATHER. I have the Navy camillus in the gray sheath. That also irritated me when the camillus was referred to as K bar.
If you own an original Marine Corps USMC Ka-Bar then it should annoy you when people use the term "Ka-Bar" or "K-Bar" for any other version of the the knife. Don't get me wrong, I love my Camillus. It has a lot of sentimental value attached to it. But it is not a USMC WWII issued Fighting knife made by Union Cutlery and so it shouldn't be called a Ka-Bar. So I 100% understand why you'd be irritated!
What years did you Serve Sir? Your Camillus is in about the same Cond. as mine. my sheath finally went to hell though had to buy a new one about 15 years ago. we dipped ours in used motor oil in Honduras cause of the heat and humidity it did help some. Thanks for the Great vids on Military knives.
This knife is the one that got me into this hobby. In my opinion this is the most beautiful fixed blade. I know its not the best out there but i dont care. I have the Idf version of the ka bar since i was 9 years old, its been used so it looks alot like your camilus and i love it because of that. I also have a modern ka bar and it also great but it looks brand new since i will never have the chance to actualy use it in my urban way of life with knife laws and such.
The majority of the military contract Mark 2 Combat knives from WW2 to the mid 1970's were made by Camillus. kabar made no mark 2 knives for the military after 1945
@@KnifeChatswithTobiasServed in Honduras in the early 1980's U.S. Army All the mark 2 Knives we got were Made by Camillus. I still have mine. never seen a kabar. LOL
I found a Camillus fighting knife stuck in a tree in nearby woods. Tang stamp as one that began 1989. Following fall I hiked out wondering if the sheath was around somewhere...and it was! BUT, the sheath has staples vs rivets. ~ It was odd trying to research what found. ~ Younger knife, older sheath, it sure makes a dandy garage knife hanging at the ready. Kept pretty much shave sharp using my grandfather's kitchen steel. Old kitchen steel with no ridges/texture. ~~ TMI: I'm finding a kitchen steel used vertically, tip to a rag/handle up, slower 'n steady I can keep a more constant angle, than whipping like some chef. tips me hat ~
MK2 are Kabars. The Marines called them all Kabars whether they were made by Camillus, Robinson, PAL or Union Cutlery. The Conneta, MSI and Ontario are also referred to as such. When I show my buddies my MK2 collection, it's always referred to as my Kabar collection.
I actually mention in the video, that I give Marines a pass. My point is if you're talking about the knife in the collector community you should call it by the name of the manufacturer. Camillus and Ontario do not call it a kabar. Official Military nomenclature is not kabar. Ka-Bar was not the first company to get contracted to make it and have not produced a government contracted combat knife since World War II. Marines and other military personnel even think the knife is called K-Bar and referred to them being issued liked K-Rations (meals) during WWII.
Tobias, have you tried Hornady One Shot on knives? I hear it was respected in The Sandbox. I live in the Pacific NorthWET and rust is an enemy, but I don’t like oil attracting dust on metal I carry daily. BTW another experiment: I’m loading the stacked leather on a small “barn find” Estwing hatchet with Ballistol.
Yeah, I don't recall anyone in the Army (also in the 80s in Ft. Hood, TX, and Stuttgart, FRG) telling me not to carry the M-60 in the field. I'm pretty sure that damn thing took a couple of years off my life. LOL!
Yeah, but I wasn't even actually assigned as a squad M-60 gunner. I was in the Military Police Corp and every three man jeep had a M-60 mounted in it because in theory we would be responsible for controlling the crossroads and engaging any enemy paratroopers/special forces that dropped in the rear echelon. The MPs had become "integrated" with female soldiers and while they were mounted in Jeeps the ladies loved to hop in behind an M-60. But once we were dismounted and engaged in a forced march, I always seemed to end up lugging one around. LOL! The perils of having a strong back and a weak mind.
The one I have, that came from the daughter of WW2 vet. who was in the Navy,,, is stamped "U S Utica Cut. CO.",, like hearing the history of these knives,,,, I'm a collector,,, thanks
I got the KaBar USMC in '71. It was probably a left-over ww2 production, and somehow the blade had gotten CHROMED, (or nickled maybe, altho the guards were blued) never seen or heard tell of one like it altho I have looked. That KaBar went the way of many "young guys" knives and Ive since wished I'd kept it. Traded it to get a Buck 120 "general" which everyone was wanting at the time due to being strong and rust-proof. I did pick up a Camillus which has been around the world a couple times and now resides on my wall. Very informative posting, I had no idea that the Camillus was so much more popular than the KaBar. Now of course the original Camillus is out of business, having been moved to red China. I looked over the (new production) Case version, it looked ratty and not nearly as sturdy as either the KaBar or the Camillus... IMO. Granted, to be fair- I didn't buy one and test it... Thanks for this blog/article, interesting and informative hope you'll keep em coming! 🗡
These would be the ones that the Marines would not have wanted during WWII but because of the demands of war may have been issued anyways. I think this is why the Marines made a big deal about getting a "Ka - Bar" The bulk of the USN knives were made by Camillus. The Bulk of the USMC knives, were produced by Ka-Bar. Congrats on having a USN Camilllus.
That I really can't tell you. A good part of it has to do with the condition of the knives. As sad as it sounds the The Korean War also remains a "forgotten war." It seems the collectors gravitate toward to WWII and Vietnam.
Not to mention Camillus held the Government contract after WWII and would retain it well into the 1990s before Ontario got it. KaBar has been making it for the Civilian market
Oh, you're not crazy, well not too much really, just like the rest of us knife nuts. My Mk2 has been stored dry since it came home with me in 1975. I store it in the original box, not in the sheath either, been dry except when I take it to wear. Only ever lubed it and the stacked leather with LSA or Hoppe's oil.
I'm ex-Army, and have carried a Camlilus made, "Kabar", (MK2) for decades. It really IS a good hog sticker. I learned something today. I no longer have to put up with ex-Marine's smug remarks, that an Army guy carries a "Marine knife". I'm carrying the ORIGINAL MK2 Fighting/Utility knife, made for the US ARMY!
Mr. Tobias I enjoy all your videos, And their very educational when it comes to knives. I would appreciate it if you would send me one of your stickers With your white Kitty cat On them.
Currently, I'm out of the Cat Stickers. I do have other stickers for trade, however. I'll be placing an order for new cat stickers soon. Shoot me an email and I will keep you in mind. (email is in the about section of my youtube channel.
Absolutely. I just mentioned the top producers. I've heard in some instances select parts of the knives were also subcontracted so the major players could make contract quotas.
Wait Camillus also made the famous KaBar knife? Lol. Oh you're not to heavy Tobias, just a bit to short for your weight. The Mark II combat knife is a very recognizable design. Indeed widely known as the KaBar fighting knife. Well what did we know before internet? we allways thought about that knife as the KaBar knife, we were so unknowing. Later on in life you get to know more and more about the knife and you understand that the design has to do nothing with Kabar, other then they made them too. Still everybody who wanted a good knife in my youth, wanted a KaBar, because the name stood for good quality. A bit simular perhaps is the name Kaiser Wilhelm knife which is actually the Mercator knife. Thank you for the video and the rant.
I had this argument about the knife with my brother shortly after my dad gave us both one of these knives for Christmas. My brother said it was a "K-Bar" and ... well he was three years older than me, what did I know? But then I was at Baily's, an old Army Navy Store in Chicago and I saw a Camillus catalog the called it the Combat knife or the Fighting knife. And then I asked my dad, who said he carried it WWII (watch my other video on the knife) He said they called them "Trench Knives" in WWII. And then I found out Camillus and Ka-Bar were two different knife companies. When I told my brother Ka-Bar was a knife company and not a knife he told me I was wrong. Who was I to argue. I was 16 he was 19. Bu then again when I was seven and he was ten, he told me the Civil War was called the Civil War because when you mix Blue with Gray paint you get "Silver" and Civil was an old way to spell "Silver." Older brother are so smart! Who was I doubt his wisdom?
I remember Baileys. I went there a few times in the late 80’s with my older brother. I haven’t thought about that place in forever, thanks for the flashback.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Indeed never doubt the wisdom of an older brother(specially if he's bigger) Thank you for the story Tobias. Civil is Silver huh never knew that, learned something again hahaha.
I think OKCs version of this (the 498) still carries a NATO stock number and is likely the only current actual version of the Mark 2 combat knife. OKC seems to have inherited or made in conjunction with a few Camillus blades. Camillus also used to make all the Carbon V blanks for Cold Steel and that steel evolved into 1095 CV, which Kabar now uses. The current Kabar clone of the Mark 2 has several cost cutting issues, such as a powder steel pommel which can easily break when using it as a striking tool. RIP Camillus, the current company that carries the name is not amd will not ever be Camillus.
Everyone does this it’s the same thing as everyone calling a circular saw a “Skil saw” because it was a favorite brand or a reciprocating saw a “Sabre saw” because it was most common or a favorite.
Everyone I know calls a circular saw a circular saw. Same with Reciprocating. Also just because everyone dose something doesn't mean it is correct or accurate.
i collect bayonet and knives and KNOW that most of us collectors, amateurs, beggining collectors, and enthusiasts all have adopted kabar as a generic term so dont let it bother you. even vets call them kabars. i have a usn mk2 in a scabbard marked usn that i really like alot and i am a marine please dont tell anyone lets keep it a secret. although i do own some ww2 usmc ka-bars.
I am going to stick my neck out on this guess. The name Ka-bar is marked large shows up more easily on the balde marked ones and I believe many real Ka-bar made sheaths in WWII had Ka-bar on the sheath at one time. So, I think between those 2 things that type of knife became generically known as a Ka-bar knife. Camillus does not roll off of the tongue. Also, I have not read anything that said which company's knives the USMC got the most of and at what time. Could it be that the USMC at some point got a large number of real Ka-bar made Knives. Also, when a Marine was in the States and went to a PX what knives did he see selling there. Where they real Ka-bar made knives or other makes? Some knife companies pursued commercial sales more than others did. When you go on eBay you occasional see a real WWII Ka-bar Mark II with a real era sheath with Ka-bar right at the top of the throat of the sheath on the front and the Globe and Anchor and below that USMC. So, the Ka-bar knife company had their name right out there in the open and got brand recognition. Somewhat like when someone asked you in a restaurant if you want a coke, they mean some generic cola.
I will admit I myself am guilty of calling the mk 2 a kabar kinda generically. Plus most of the time it's jarheads to whom I am Speaking. It conjures up a certain image. Of course if I see one like at a gun and knife show I call it a mk2 . I guess it depends on the audience at the time. Good info and I really enjoyed the stats and the collection of swiss army knives is awesome and the hobo knives. Love those things. I use one at work on my lunch box everyday. Keep several in the vehicles for emergencies and such.
Thanks for watching and I’m glad you like the SAKs. I’m sure we all have called it a ‘K-Bar’ at one time. Some Marines even think they created the name in WWII and the knife company stole it from them!
Tuf Glide, KPL and others all make dry protectants for blades and I wouldn't oil any blade with the technology that they have today with substances to put on blades.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias yeah I'm in SoCal where there is next to no humidity and knives rusting is never an issue here like it is in some places but if you live very close to the ocean here than it becomes an issue and the salt air eats up metal quick
Good video,... but I don't care what knife enthusiasts think. I call my Kershaw my Kershaw. I call my Case xx my Case double x or just my double x. I call my K-Bar my K-Bar. I don't have to say it is a Trench knife, they know what it is before they see it when I say K-Bar. And I am a Viet Nam Vet. I've had my K-Bar since 1991.
😂😂 ...your "pet peeves" are kinda petty. Keep in mind there are some that might answer a snarky pedantic response by gifting a pummel lump on your noggin. Have fun with your toys.
The music was only played during the tour, which admittedly was pretty long. You may want to start at about the 5 minute mark if you interested in the Camillus fighting knife or so. Thanks for the input however. I rarely play music when I talk because of exactly the problem you you were having. Thanks for your honest criticism. Truly appreciated.
I SEE YOU STILL HAVE YOU EAR PLUGS AND CASE AS DO I 1971TO1975 SGT USMC GOD BLESS BROTHER AND I WAS IN CRASH FIRE AND RESCUE 7051 AND CARED A 5 IN CAMILLUS WITH A NAVY GRAY PUMMEL THAT I HAVE TILL THIS DAY 72 73 CAUGHT THE END .I ALL SO HAVE LIKE KNIVES AND GLAD I FOUND YOUR SITE
Hate to pee in your Wheaties... While complaining about people using the wrong name, you in fact are doing the same thing. Your knife is not a mark 2 mkii... mark 2 was a WWII designation. Your knife is post 62 as recognized by the 7 rivet sheath, US on the blade, the straight guard, and the black sheath.
Thanks. You are correct. the most accurate term for this one should be The Camillus 5684 Combat Knife or 5684 Marine Corps Combat knife as this is what it was called by Camillus around the time this one was sold (1973-1975). Regardless, it is not a KA-BAR and less than 1/2 of the so called Mk2 /Mk II knives were made by KA-BAR. Again, thank you for the information. I will be more attentive in the future and just call mine a "Camillus Combat Knife as this is the most accurate term for the knife.
You made all us old vets smile. I had my grandfather’s MKII from WWII, my father’s MKII from the Korean War and mine. We were allowed to keep them or at least the Gov never asked for them to be returned. I was also issued a Gerber multi tool and serrated blade Gerber Gator folder with nylon case. I used the Gerber Gator for nearly everything followed by the multi tool. I gave the knives to my son, who added the collection to his MKII issued to him by the Marine Corp. 4 generations of MKII’s served the family and the United States with honor. And as a side note, I still use mink oil and saddle soap. Old habits die hard.
My brothers third oldest just graduated boot camp a few months ago, and when he came home before his next duty/training station, they threw him a party. I had bought the brand new Ka Bar USMC with the leather embossed scabbard. I told him every marine should have a Ka Bar. Later that evening he said I'm glad you got this for me but I don't want to mess it up. I told him it's meant to be used and if anything happens we will find another. I also told him we would have the scabbard embossed with his dates of accomplishment. I think the boy shed a tear after I left.
My dad had been a Marine. He brought his mark ll home with him after the war. He always called it a Ka Bar even though it was marked Camilus.
I'm n ot going to correct a marine but I will correct so-called knife experts. I had the same experience with my brother when I was younger. My brother was just flat-out wrong. He was an Army Officer.
my first ka-bar was found in the arizona desert, i was in my 20s and ditching work to go fishing at the verde river east of mesa, and while walking out of the desert to the parking lot, i saw a sheath just lying on the ground. i walked over picked it up and to my surprise there was a brand-new ka-bar u.s. marine so i looked around not a soul in sight i grabbed my pole and fishing box and ran the last 100 or so feet to the car popped the trunk tossed it and the tackle box in shut it and broke down the pole stuck it in the back seat and left. it was a good day to take off work to say the least, and when i got home i showed it to my brother-in-law who was a vietnam vet navy but still he loved it as soon as he saw it so i kept it for a few days then just gave it to him, sort of paid it forward
What an awesome find
Thanks for the tour, it sure is impressive. The history of the Camillus and the Mark-2 Fighting knives have an interesting history.
Very cool and wonderful history! I appreciated seeing your knife room as well! All the best Tobias!
My neighbor when I was a kid in the 1960's gave me his brother in law's Robeson which had quite a layer of mold and grime. Now, it is clean and stored properly. Quite a nice piece and even though he has passed, I am still grateful for the gift.
A gift knife is also a special knife. It only becomes more special when it becomes a memory of friend or family member who is no longer with us.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Exactly
I have an ontario knife company mk 2. Took the blade coating off, put a forced patina on, sanded the handle from round to oval, and put some leather conditioner on it.
Sound like a plan. Ontario seems to leave knives half finished.
I'm and old Viet Nam (USAF) vet. Shortly after joining, I purchased a commercial (civilian) pre '74 Camillus MK II in 1970. It was never used in combat, but has served me well ever since. It's been on countless camping trips for any thing you might need to cut with a sharp knife, and is still in the original sheath. Thank you for information on this knife.
Glad you found the video helpful. I was lucky enough to serve 10 years later (1980, Army). Thanks for your service during times of war. A Warm Welcome Home to a Vietnam Vet.
Thank you giving us the tour of your knife collection walls, as always you give a lot of interesting info and history!
Love the history Tobias, thanks a bunch. I carried my dad's German hunting knife at times in the service. I liked it because I was able to fit the sheath into my pocket part-way to keep it from flapping around yet still was able to bend as needed. lol It only had a 4" blade but I never needed more. Keeping something of importance secure and handy is a life lesson.
Another awesome video. Thanks for giving us the history of these knives.
My first Mk II was an Ontario, bought it on Ft Bragg in the late 80’s early 90’s when I was in the Army
Had mine strappd to my unit 1 (first aid kit) while stationed on a ship.
I really enjoyed this video, I started collecting military knives when I was younger, I got away from it later, but I still have some really nice ones.
Thanks for the information Tobias. Great video and one of the knives I obsessed over before I starting collecting. Maybe I’ll need to make sure I pick up a Camillus made one. I oil and wipe down my carbon blades dry before storing and never have had an issue. Except for the knife in my pocket, dry as can be but gets occasional spotting. Turns out pockets can be pretty humid in the Texas heat lol
I had a pet peeve once , but it ran away .
They'll do that. Some people like think they found a new family with a little kid and lived happily every after. Not me! I like to think it got ran over by a dump trunk. I'd hate to think it was happier with somebody other than me!
I taught 95B reclassification and ANCOC courses one summer camp at Ft. McCoy one summer camp. I loved the area, friendly folks and a beautiful place.
It was a great training area. I believe it still gets a bit of use these days.
Love your man cave. But oh those SAK'S 🤩🦉
Thanks Man. And thanks for all your support! Really appreciate it!
great content ,, i like the historical background , research , very nice examples ,and personal experience shared in all of your videos ,,,,, keep up the good work .
Tobias, thanks for sharing your beautiful example of your Camilus made Ka-Bar.......LOL!
Just kidding, don't stick me with your Mark II fighting knife!
Your man cave/garage looked great. You must have put a ton of work into that. I've got to do something with mine.
Oddly enough, if you have one of the Ka-Bar. Marlinspike knives from the 1980s. You have a Camillus made Ka-Bar. 😂
Very impressive collection! Thank you for the video. I have always loved the looks of that knife !! 42 year ago as a Navy snipe all I was issued was, an engine room Steam Plant! LOL👍👍🤠🤠🎯🎯
Great video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
lol, I’m reminded of my cousin who ask me once “what kind of Coke do you want?”
Considering every brand of soft drink was a Coke.
Must've been from Texas!
@@KnifeChatswithTobias
lol
How did you know? 😉
But technically I’m a halfbreed. My Momma was from Tennessee.
Excellent Presentation ! Thank You For Sharing Your Knowledge ! Thank You For Your Service To Our Country !!
You see a tissue blowing down the road and you call it a Kleenex...same thing bro. The Mk2 fighter, mine from the folks in Olean NY, was the first fixed blade knife I ever purchased. I was just out of high school, found a new military surplus store and paid retail; it cost $29.95. Still have it and its still a beauty.
Not me, I call it a tissue. And I call copy machines "copiers" How about the $7 knife out Pakistan that is sold by Frost that is a copy of a Mk2. Are you going to call that a Ka-Bar.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias No, not I either, I just meant most people call things by familiar brand names, I call mine a Mk2 Fighter or USMC Fighter depending on present company. I'll bet Kleenex is tired of being blamed for all that tissue litter too. LOL
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Don't buy much of anything from Frost, he got me over many years ago and I learned a lesson. I did recently buy a Sunfish he labeled as a canoe, but that was the only Frost in over a decade. It was on sale and I wanted a sample of that pattern.
@@4449John I've probably bought way more Frost stuff than I should have but I did it with my eyes wide open, knowing pretty much what quality to expect. Trust me when I tell you I will never buy one of his "Marine Corps knives" no matter what he prints on the side of it!
@@KnifeChatswithTobias That makes two of us!🙃
Enjoyed the room tour, and knife history. Thanks Tobias 👍
How crazy, I was just looking at my silver bullet knife this morning. Then I see this video and you show the poster. Great video (CAMCO USA is what mine shows on tang)
Hi Ho! Silver! I miss the old CAMCO knives. Such a great knife for a low price!
Incredible history on these knives. Thank you for the research you do Tobias. From a collectors standpoint, are those lesser producing company’s knives, especially during those war years, more sought after? Or valuable? Like the Imperials or Colonials. Very interesting watch.
LOL! You’ll never escape it, Tobias. My WWII Marine friend called it a Ka-bar, and the one he used on Okinawa probably was. In the 60’s guys in Vietnam were calling them Ka-bars. We call adjustable wrenches Crescents, Linemen call their pliers Kleins, you can’t beat legend with mere fact. 😅 I love the history, though.👍
I don’t have an issue with the non knife people. After all many of the marines think it’s a K-bar and they think they are called that because they were issued like K-Rations!
Incidentally, I have no issues with people calling it The Marine Corps Fighting Knife, especially when it is stamped USMC! I just have a probably with knife people who should know better, calling a Camillus or Case or Frost or Japanese, Chinese, or Pakistani made knife a Ka-Bar simply it looks like this knife.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias I can empathize with that.
Thanks for the insight, I agree.
That's a beautiful collection
Thanks!
Great video Tobias!!
This video is like a public service message. I was issued the Camillus in 71 . A very good knife and the first thing we (Army) did was remove most of the top guard and replace the sheath with a heavier water buffalo leather sheath. Traded that knife for an Australian military knife and found another Camillus at a gun show in the early 80s' . I have a few Kabars, but the Camillus is still used as a favorite knife for hunting in AK and New Mexico .
Thanks for your history lesson and thoughts.
Thanks I also have a few knives made by KaBar but not a Mk 2 made by KaBar. I Find it interesting that Marines now call this knife a K-bar, many have no clue that their is a knife company of the same name!
@@KnifeChatswithTobias When Kabar began using the steel chemistry and production methods of Camilus, their knives greatly improved.
Kabars "Cro Van" blades were the result.
There was an American writer who wrote blade articles for magazines such as American Survival Guide. His name is Chuck Karwan . He passed in 2008 and is credited for the development of Kabars' - D-2 Extreme & Dogs Head Utility. Both knives made with a very reduced top guard.
The D-2 Extreme with D-2 steel is the bomb.
The Dogs Head Utility using Cro Van 1095 is also the bomb.
Both Knives have been referred to as "Karbars".
Loved this video I never had a Mark 2 so when SMKW put the KaBar USSF Mark 2 fighting knives on sale for Memorial Day I picked two up one for myself and one for my son for Christmas
After seeing your sheath knives hanging on curtain rods a light went on in my head and I went straight to Menards and picked up a couple of their cheapest nice bronze ones and hung my small ones on one rod above large ones and it looks great I have all my expensive knives on one wall in my bedroom now Thanks for another great idea Tobias!
I have the K Bar USMC AND NAVY.and the Camillus . Navy K bar has the od green sheath, The USMC THE LEATHER. I have the Navy camillus in the gray sheath. That also irritated me when the camillus was referred to as K bar.
If you own an original Marine Corps USMC Ka-Bar then it should annoy you when people use the term "Ka-Bar" or "K-Bar" for any other version of the the knife. Don't get me wrong, I love my Camillus. It has a lot of sentimental value attached to it. But it is not a USMC WWII issued Fighting knife made by Union Cutlery and so it shouldn't be called a Ka-Bar. So I 100% understand why you'd be irritated!
What years did you Serve Sir? Your Camillus is in about the same Cond. as mine. my sheath finally went to hell though had to buy a new one about 15 years ago. we dipped ours in used motor oil in Honduras cause of the heat and humidity it did help some. Thanks for the Great vids on Military knives.
This knife is the one that got me into this hobby. In my opinion this is the most beautiful fixed blade. I know its not the best out there but i dont care. I have the Idf version of the ka bar since i was 9 years old, its been used so it looks alot like your camilus and i love it because of that. I also have a modern ka bar and it also great but it looks brand new since i will never have the chance to actualy use it in my urban way of life with knife laws and such.
Move to South Carolina brother and strap that knife to your belt if you want. No restrictions on belt knives here.
@@johnelder4273 give me a green card and i'm there 😄
Good info and history. Sharing.
Anytime. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the tour 👌
Thanks for watching. Really appreciate it!
Case did make a nice quartermasters knife during WW2.
The majority of the military contract Mark 2 Combat knives from WW2 to the mid 1970's were made by Camillus. kabar made no mark 2 knives for the military after 1945
BINGO!
@@KnifeChatswithTobiasServed in Honduras in the early 1980's U.S. Army All the mark 2 Knives we got were Made by Camillus. I still have mine. never seen a kabar. LOL
I found a Camillus fighting knife stuck in a tree in nearby woods. Tang stamp as one that began 1989.
Following fall I hiked out wondering if the sheath was around somewhere...and it was!
BUT, the sheath has staples vs rivets. ~ It was odd trying to research what found.
~ Younger knife, older sheath, it sure makes a dandy garage knife hanging at the ready.
Kept pretty much shave sharp using my grandfather's kitchen steel. Old kitchen steel with no ridges/texture.
~~ TMI: I'm finding a kitchen steel used vertically, tip to a rag/handle up, slower 'n steady I can keep a more constant angle, than whipping like some chef.
tips me hat ~
MK2 are Kabars. The Marines called them all Kabars whether they were made by Camillus, Robinson, PAL or Union Cutlery. The Conneta, MSI and Ontario are also referred to as such. When I show my buddies my MK2 collection, it's always referred to as my Kabar collection.
I actually mention in the video, that I give Marines a pass. My point is if you're talking about the knife in the collector community you should call it by the name of the manufacturer. Camillus and Ontario do not call it a kabar. Official Military nomenclature is not kabar. Ka-Bar was not the first company to get contracted to make it and have not produced a government contracted combat knife since World War II. Marines and other military personnel even think the knife is called K-Bar and referred to them being issued liked K-Rations (meals) during WWII.
Tobias, have you tried Hornady One Shot on knives? I hear it was respected in The Sandbox. I live in the Pacific NorthWET and rust is an enemy, but I don’t like oil attracting dust on metal I carry daily. BTW another experiment: I’m loading the stacked leather on a small “barn find” Estwing hatchet with Ballistol.
Yeah, I don't recall anyone in the Army (also in the 80s in Ft. Hood, TX, and Stuttgart, FRG) telling me not to carry the M-60 in the field. I'm pretty sure that damn thing took a couple of years off my life. LOL!
6 to 9 round burst! 6 to 9 round burst! 6 to 9 round burst! We're they drilling that in your head when you hauling around your pig?
Yeah, but I wasn't even actually assigned as a squad M-60 gunner. I was in the Military Police Corp and every three man jeep had a M-60 mounted in it because in theory we would be responsible for controlling the crossroads and engaging any enemy paratroopers/special forces that dropped in the rear echelon. The MPs had become "integrated" with female soldiers and while they were mounted in Jeeps the ladies loved to hop in behind an M-60. But once we were dismounted and engaged in a forced march, I always seemed to end up lugging one around. LOL! The perils of having a strong back and a weak mind.
The one I have, that came from the daughter of WW2 vet. who was in the Navy,,, is stamped "U S Utica Cut. CO.",, like hearing the history of these knives,,,, I'm a collector,,, thanks
I got the KaBar USMC in '71. It was probably a left-over ww2 production, and somehow the blade had gotten CHROMED, (or nickled maybe, altho the guards were blued) never seen or heard tell of one like it altho I have looked. That KaBar went the way of many "young guys" knives and Ive since wished I'd kept it. Traded it to get a Buck 120 "general" which everyone was wanting at the time due to being strong and rust-proof. I did pick up a Camillus which has been around the world a couple times and now resides on my wall. Very informative posting, I had no idea that the Camillus was so much more popular than the KaBar. Now of course the original Camillus is out of business, having been moved to red China. I looked over the (new production) Case version, it looked ratty and not nearly as sturdy as either the KaBar or the Camillus... IMO. Granted, to be fair- I didn't buy one and test it...
Thanks for this blog/article, interesting and informative hope you'll keep em coming! 🗡
My Mark II is marked on the finger guard USN Camillus
These would be the ones that the Marines would not have wanted during WWII but because of the demands of war may have been issued anyways. I think this is why the Marines made a big deal about getting a "Ka - Bar" The bulk of the USN knives were made by Camillus. The Bulk of the USMC knives, were produced by Ka-Bar. Congrats on having a USN Camilllus.
I wish that eBay would monitor the way people label their knives for sale.
Yes and no! I found some gems out there because of the way the person described or labeled their knife.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias that is very true. I found some real good deals for the same reason. I guess you have to take the good with the bad.
i have a k bar and a robesen my dad carried in korea what are they worth
That I really can't tell you. A good part of it has to do with the condition of the knives. As sad as it sounds the The Korean War also remains a "forgotten war." It seems the collectors gravitate toward to WWII and Vietnam.
The camilus is the real deal! Definitely worth more than the kbar! Because it’s a collection item!
Not to mention Camillus held the Government contract after WWII and would retain it well into the 1990s before Ontario got it. KaBar has been making it for the Civilian market
Oh, you're not crazy, well not too much really, just like the rest of us knife nuts. My Mk2 has been stored dry since it came home with me in 1975. I store it in the original box, not in the sheath either, been dry except when I take it to wear. Only ever lubed it and the stacked leather with LSA or Hoppe's oil.
That's the best way to do in my opinion.
I'm ex-Army, and have carried a Camlilus made, "Kabar", (MK2) for decades. It really IS a good hog sticker. I learned something today. I no longer have to put up with ex-Marine's smug remarks, that an Army guy carries a "Marine knife". I'm carrying the ORIGINAL MK2 Fighting/Utility knife, made for the US ARMY!
i got a camillus...i like it nice & sharp dark brown
Same here. My Camillus from around 1973-4. Love that thing.
You didn't recognize Western Cutlery, they made MK ll knives as well. Check it out... 😎
Mr. Tobias I enjoy all your videos, And their very educational when it comes to knives. I would appreciate it if you would send me one of your stickers With your white Kitty cat On them.
Currently, I'm out of the Cat Stickers. I do have other stickers for trade, however. I'll be placing an order for new cat stickers soon. Shoot me an email and I will keep you in mind. (email is in the about section of my youtube channel.
Maybe you can tell me how too remove tarnish on my blade, I cut A hot roast with mY KNIFE AND WOULD
LIKE TOO CLEAN IT UP
OTHER CO;S made the MKII during WW2 utica, robeson ,pal, camillus, kabar ,and i think conetta.
Absolutely. I just mentioned the top producers. I've heard in some instances select parts of the knives were also subcontracted so the major players could make contract quotas.
Nice kabar video
😂 thanks for dropping by.
Wait Camillus also made the famous KaBar knife? Lol. Oh you're not to heavy Tobias, just a bit to short for your weight. The Mark II combat knife is a very recognizable design. Indeed widely known as the KaBar fighting knife. Well what did we know before internet? we allways thought about that knife as the KaBar knife, we were so unknowing. Later on in life you get to know more and more about the knife and you understand that the design has to do nothing with Kabar, other then they made them too. Still everybody who wanted a good knife in my youth, wanted a KaBar, because the name stood for good quality. A bit simular perhaps is the name Kaiser Wilhelm knife which is actually the Mercator knife. Thank you for the video and the rant.
I had this argument about the knife with my brother shortly after my dad gave us both one of these knives for Christmas. My brother said it was a "K-Bar" and ... well he was three years older than me, what did I know? But then I was at Baily's, an old Army Navy Store in Chicago and I saw a Camillus catalog the called it the Combat knife or the Fighting knife. And then I asked my dad, who said he carried it WWII (watch my other video on the knife) He said they called them "Trench Knives" in WWII. And then I found out Camillus and Ka-Bar were two different knife companies. When I told my brother Ka-Bar was a knife company and not a knife he told me I was wrong. Who was I to argue. I was 16 he was 19. Bu then again when I was seven and he was ten, he told me the Civil War was called the Civil War because when you mix Blue with Gray paint you get "Silver" and Civil was an old way to spell "Silver." Older brother are so smart! Who was I doubt his wisdom?
I remember Baileys. I went there a few times in the late 80’s with my older brother. I haven’t thought about that place in forever, thanks for the flashback.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Indeed never doubt the wisdom of an older brother(specially if he's bigger) Thank you for the story Tobias. Civil is Silver huh never knew that, learned something again hahaha.
Have a really nice Buck knife made by Schrade 😂
Ain't that the truth! Like every five inch lockback if a Buck Knife!
Okay but didn't buck actually have schrade make some stockman for them before they started making them themselves lol
I think OKCs version of this (the 498) still carries a NATO stock number and is likely the only current actual version of the Mark 2 combat knife. OKC seems to have inherited or made in conjunction with a few Camillus blades. Camillus also used to make all the Carbon V blanks for Cold Steel and that steel evolved into 1095 CV, which Kabar now uses.
The current Kabar clone of the Mark 2 has several cost cutting issues, such as a powder steel pommel which can easily break when using it as a striking tool.
RIP Camillus, the current company that carries the name is not amd will not ever be Camillus.
I'm a Marine! And we called them all Kabars. I don't care what you call them. They are to Marines KABARS!!
Everyone does this it’s the same thing as everyone calling a circular saw a “Skil saw” because it was a favorite brand or a reciprocating saw a “Sabre saw” because it was most common or a favorite.
Everyone I know calls a circular saw a circular saw. Same with Reciprocating. Also just because everyone dose something doesn't mean it is correct or accurate.
i collect bayonet and knives and KNOW that most of us collectors, amateurs, beggining collectors, and enthusiasts all have adopted kabar as a generic term so dont let it bother you. even vets call them kabars. i have a usn mk2 in a scabbard marked usn that i really like alot and i am a marine please dont tell anyone lets keep it a secret. although i do own some ww2 usmc ka-bars.
Marines get a pass in my book.
I am going to stick my neck out on this guess. The name Ka-bar is marked large shows up more easily on the balde marked ones and I believe many real Ka-bar made sheaths in WWII had Ka-bar on the sheath at one time. So, I think between those 2 things that type of knife became generically known as a Ka-bar knife.
Camillus does not roll off of the tongue.
Also, I have not read anything that said which company's knives the USMC got the most of and at what time. Could it be that the USMC at some point got a large number of real Ka-bar made Knives. Also, when a Marine was in the States and went to a PX what knives did he see selling there. Where they real Ka-bar made knives or other makes?
Some knife companies pursued commercial sales more than others did.
When you go on eBay you occasional see a real WWII Ka-bar Mark II with a real era sheath with Ka-bar right at the top of the throat of the sheath on the front and the Globe and Anchor and below that USMC. So, the Ka-bar knife company had their name right out there in the open and got brand recognition. Somewhat like when someone asked you in a restaurant if you want a coke, they mean some generic cola.
I will admit I myself am guilty of calling the mk 2 a kabar kinda generically. Plus most of the time it's jarheads to whom I am Speaking. It conjures up a certain image. Of course if I see one like at a gun and knife show I call it a mk2 . I guess it depends on the audience at the time. Good info and I really enjoyed the stats and the collection of swiss army knives is awesome and the hobo knives. Love those things. I use one at work on my lunch box everyday. Keep several in the vehicles for emergencies and such.
Marines get a pass. So-called knife experts don’t.
Thanks for watching and I’m glad you like the SAKs. I’m sure we all have called it a ‘K-Bar’ at one time. Some Marines even think they created the name in WWII and the knife company stole it from them!
My Ka-Bar is stamped " USN" and "Ka-Bar Olean N Y".
Nice KaBar. 😄
There's always that one guy! LOL!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 No the Army never did tell me that carrying all that weight from my 95 pound ruck was bad for my health.
Nope! it was usually more like "Pick up the Pace" you're not moving fast enough!
🤣🤣🤣🤣👍 and Sarge was riding in the medics jeep after miles, still screaming at you
Tuf Glide, KPL and others all make dry protectants for blades and I wouldn't oil any blade with the technology that they have today with substances to put on blades.
And nothing at all has been doing just fine and it cost less.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias yeah I'm in SoCal where there is next to no humidity and knives rusting is never an issue here like it is in some places but if you live very close to the ocean here than it becomes an issue and the salt air eats up metal quick
Now throw PAL and Robeson into the mix.
True! Very True! Two great companies that deserve to be recognized!
Good video,... but I don't care what knife enthusiasts think. I call my Kershaw my Kershaw. I call my Case xx my Case double x or just my double x. I call my K-Bar my K-Bar. I don't have to say it is a Trench knife, they know what it is before they see it when I say K-Bar.
And I am a Viet Nam Vet. I've had my K-Bar since 1991.
Saying you have a Ka-bar, is like saying you drive a Chevy. Or you call all lipless crankbaits, a Rattle Trap. Or all cokes, a Coke.
That's about it.
the music is too loud.
😂😂 ...your "pet peeves" are kinda petty. Keep in mind there are some that might answer a snarky pedantic response by gifting a pummel lump on your noggin. Have fun with your toys.
Sorry sir. I left because the music made it hard to hear you.
The music was only played during the tour, which admittedly was pretty long. You may want to start at about the 5 minute mark if you interested in the Camillus fighting knife or so. Thanks for the input however. I rarely play music when I talk because of exactly the problem you you were having. Thanks for your honest criticism. Truly appreciated.
@@KnifeChatswithTobias Thank you for not being offended. I'll check it out.
I SEE YOU STILL HAVE YOU EAR PLUGS AND CASE AS DO I 1971TO1975 SGT USMC GOD BLESS BROTHER AND I WAS IN CRASH FIRE AND RESCUE 7051 AND CARED A 5 IN CAMILLUS WITH A NAVY GRAY PUMMEL THAT I HAVE TILL THIS DAY 72 73 CAUGHT THE END .I ALL SO HAVE LIKE KNIVES AND GLAD I FOUND YOUR SITE
Hate to pee in your Wheaties...
While complaining about people using the wrong name, you in fact are doing the same thing. Your knife is not a mark 2 mkii... mark 2 was a WWII designation. Your knife is post 62 as recognized by the 7 rivet sheath, US on the blade, the straight guard, and the black sheath.
Thanks. You are correct. the most accurate term for this one should be The Camillus 5684 Combat Knife or 5684 Marine Corps Combat knife as this is what it was called by Camillus around the time this one was sold (1973-1975). Regardless, it is not a KA-BAR and less than 1/2 of the so called Mk2 /Mk II knives were made by KA-BAR.
Again, thank you for the information. I will be more attentive in the future and just call mine a "Camillus Combat Knife as this is the most accurate term for the knife.