Camillus "Demo Knife" Review

Editor's note: This article was originally published in January 2014 and was updated in May 2024 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

 

 

 

Camillus closed its doors a few years ago, and another company purchased intellectual properties from Camillus. The name lives on, but the knife does not. For years Camillus furnished knives to the Armed Forces. One of those knives was called the Demo knife and was commonplace in the military. The knives were either issued to personnel, added to survival kits, or could be found in toolboxes.  

The knives pictured below are what is known as the Camillus Model 1760. The Model 1760 is the Army version of the Demo knife. The two Army knives I own are stamped 1981 and 1991 at the base of the blade. The year stamp was the year that the knife was manufactured. 

The knife measures 3.625 inches long and weighs 3.5oz. 

Stamped on the center side of the scales of the 1760 knife are the initials of the U.S. You will also find Demo knives stamped U.S.M.C, U.S.N., and U.S.A.F for the 1763 model. Both models of the knife, are the same, other than the initials stamped on the knife.

Click on the picture below to enlarge it. You will see the words can opener stamped on the can opener. Why is this the only tool that is stamped as what it is? The can opener is a robust tool and one of the best I have used on a knife. The can opener can be used as a church key if needed.

Four of the most common tools are needed while in the field.

The demo knife is about as Soldier and Marine-proof as they get. Almost indestructible, they do make a great field pocket knife.

Soldier and Marine proof and almost indestructible.

The Demo Knife is an all-stainless steel knife, which I call overbuilt. The blade length is 3.250 inches and the closed length is 3.625 inches. It's not loaded to bear with a lot of tools. But you will find what you need and not anymore. In addition to the knife blade, the knife has the following tool types.

• Pen Knife Blade (awl).
• Medium Flat-Tip Screwdriver.
• Bottle Opener.
• Can Opener, flat-head screwdriver.

The Demo Knife was not refined in its craftsmanship or meant to be. If you are looking for a more refined knife. Look for a vintage Victorinox Soldier, Pioneer, or a modern Pioneer Alox. The Victorinox has the same tools as the Demo knife. The craftsmanship is what you expect from the Swiss knife maker. I had a vintage Pioneer, which would have been my go-to knife over the Demo knife.

If you are in the market for a classic pocket knife for camping, backpacking, or general outdoor use. The Demo knife is the bombproof knife that you are looking for. You can still find them at gun shows and online auction sites. Look at paying around $35 for a used Camillus Demo Knife. If you find it for less jump on it. Colonial Knife Company produced a version named the 2205 Military Scout. The NSN for the "demo Knife" is NSN 51100-00-162-2205. Now you know why 2205 is part of the name. That model looks to be no longer made. Colonial Knife Company is currently carrying  MIL-K-818D. 

 

Conclusion-

If you want a classic pocket knife for camping and general outdoor field use. Then the Camillus Demo knife is going to be your answer. Military tested, dependable, and has the right tools for everything you will encounter in the field. 

Now It's Your Turn-

Were you issued the Demo Knife when you were in the Service? Were you gifted a Demo Knife from a family member that served? What was their service story? Please leave a comment.