Camillus Demo knife - where to buy in the UK?

[magentus]

A member of the BCUK (Bushcraft) site has asked if the Camillus Demo knife is available in the UK.

I have replied that I don't think so, and offered up the alternative of a Wenger SI or Vic Soldier/Pioneer.

Does anyone know any different?

[hiraethus]

Heinnie stock Camillus so probably worth contacting them to see if they can get one.  Agree on the Pioneer/Soldier as an alternative - reckon it's a nicer looking knife than the Demo.

[magentus]

Cheers H - I'll try that. 

[cody6268]

First of all, realize the Demo Knife has an extremely fragile backspring.  I hear that they break even with normal use. I have one with a broken backspring (a 1978), and finding ones with a broken backspring or two is easy.  Plus, a Victorinox Soldier adds an extra screwdriver (that can be used on No. 2 Phillips!) and better awl design.  Plus, older ones have the scraper in the bottle opener (1993 and before).

Ontario retired their production of the US Army Utility Knife this year, after they took over from Camillus after they went bankrupt in '08.   Those can be found for around $35 new, less than a used Camillus.   Vietnam era issuesof the Camillus command a large premium.  Imperial made one too for military issue around the same time as Camillus, those are cheaper than the Camillus on the secondary market.

Marbles makes a cheap, Chinese made copy for less than $10. Camillus (the new version who makes all their products in China) makes a repro called the Trench (which is same except for lacking the "US" stamp on the handle and a dated blade, which is around $20

My only guess would be to find some US-based seller who ships to the UK.

[magentus]

Cheers cody - good information. Like I said in my original post I have tried to steer the requestor in the direction of Vi/Wenger SI because IMO they are much better knives, and the Demo is relatively scarce nowadays.

I've contacted Heinnie Haynes to see if they can come up with anything.

Thanks for your help 

[magentus]

Well, good old Heinnies acme back with the following;

Dear Sir,

Although we don't stock this knife we can get it for you. Our part number is CM19184 and the price is £21.95.

It would take 5-7 days to get into stock.

If you would like me to back order one for you please let me have your delivery address and a contact telephone number so that I can contact you for payment details once it arrives.


Cheers H! Good call.

[hiraethus]

 

[ToolJoe]

Good stuff. 

[Zed]

Sorry a bit late  these guys do a U.S army style knife for £6.99 ,sorry i couldnt do a link too the item for some reason,ive has a few items from these guys with no problems 

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/

[magentus]

Sorry a bit late  these guys do a U.S army style knife for £6.99 ,sorry i couldnt do a link too the item for some reason,ive has a few items from these guys with no problems 

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/

Cheers Zed - I bought one of these for my daughter years ago and it was good as a cheap practise knife, but as soon as she'd got the hang of handling and sharpening it I gave her a Sapphire Climber to replace it. She still uses it from time to time - especially the awl, and when she wants to practise sharpening.
 

[Zed]

Ive been tempted a few times but always thought i wouldn'tbe happy with it,glad she got too practice with it