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, but another company acquired its intellectual property, allowing the brand to live on—though the knives themselves are no longer in production. For many years, Camillus was a trusted supplier of knives to the U.S. Armed Forces. Among the most iconic was the Demo knife, which became a standard issue in the military. These knives were either given to service members, included in survival kits, or kept in toolboxes for practical use.

The knives shown below are the Camillus Model 1760, which is the Army-issued version of the Demo knife. The two Army knives in my collection are stamped with the years 1981 and 1991 at the base of the blade, indicating the years they were manufactured.

The knife measures 3.625 inches long and weighs 3.5oz. 

On the center side of the scales of the Model 1760 knife, you'll find the initials "U.S." stamped. In contrast, the Demo knives of the 1763 model are marked with the initials "U.S.M.C.," "U.S.N.," and "U.S.A.F."—each corresponding to different branches of the military. The only real difference between the two models is the branch-specific stamping; the knives themselves are identical.

If you click on the image below to enlarge it, you'll notice the words "can opener" stamped on the can opener itself. It's interesting that this is the only tool labeled with its specific function. The can opener is a particularly robust and reliable tool, and in my experience, it's one of the best I've used on a knife. It’s also versatile enough to serve as a church key if needed.

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

The Demo knife is as tough and reliable as they come, built to withstand the demands of soldiers and Marines. Nearly indestructible, it makes an excellent choice for a field pocket knife.

Soldier and Marine proof and almost indestructible.

The Demo Knife is a robust, all-stainless steel tool that I’d describe as “overbuilt.” With a 3.25-inch blade and a closed length of 3.625 inches, it’s not overloaded with tools, but it offers exactly what you need—and nothing more. In addition to the main knife blade, the Demo knife includes the following tools:

• Pen Knife Blade (Awl)
• Medium Flat-Tip Screwdriver
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener / Flat-Head Screwdriver

The craftsmanship of the Demo Knife isn’t refined, nor was it ever meant to be. If you’re seeking a more polished knife, you might want to look into a vintage Victorinox Soldier, Pioneer, or a modern Pioneer Alox. These knives have the same tools as the Demo Knife but come with the meticulous craftsmanship you’d expect from the Swiss knife maker. I personally had a vintage Pioneer, which would have been my go-to over the Demo Knife.

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.

However, if you’re in the market for a classic pocket knife suited for camping, backpacking, or general outdoor use, the Demo Knife is tough as nails. It’s the bombproof tool you need. You can still find them at gun shows or on online auction sites, with a used Camillus Demo Knife generally running around $35. If you come across one for less, grab it. Colonial Knife Company also made a version called the 2205 Military Scout, and the NSN for the Demo Knife is NSN 51100-00-162-2205—hence the 2205 in the name. That model appears to be discontinued, but Colonial now carries the MIL-K-818D. 

 

Conclusion-

For a classic, military-tested pocket knife ideal for camping and general outdoor field use, the Camillus Demo Knife is the tool you need. Dependable, durable, and equipped with the right tools for almost any task you’ll face 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.