Found the box of my most cherished and missed knife, the Camper

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I've only lost one knife in my life, and it still bothers me to this day, over 3 decades later.
I remember standing at the store counter, looking at the display trying to figure out which implements were most important to me.....it had to have a saw, until this day I still like saws in my knives.
The knife I chose was a 1986 Victorinox Camper.  I called the Camper, my Maui knife, a name of a former pet.
I always had the knife with me and I always remembered Maui.

Some 5 years after purchasing the knife, I lost it in a movie theater.  I went back in to find it, but it was gone.  Since I had a habit of tapping my pocket to make sure Maui was still there, not much time elapsed between losing it and realizing I'd lost it.  A few years ago I did buy another Camper, but it just wasn't the same.

I ran across the original box recently (wishing the knife was nestled in there).  The receipt states it was purchased April 20, 1986, total cost $14.81.  A lot of money for someone making $400 a month as an instructional assistant at the local elementary school.

I'm now seeking another knife to be the special one and I may have found it, it's up in Canada getting some spa treatment, so once it's done I'll post photos of it.

Here's the box that brought back all the memories of my cherished knife.  My camper had a foil stamped teepee on it.




The knife that will hopefully be my new special one....at least it has a pocket clip on it for a little added security:  It's getting spa treatment, and likely get a saw added! 


Thank you for indulging me, I hoped you all can understand having an attachment to a knife.

[Barry Rowland]

Absolutely!  I've lost a select few that really get to me, including my Dad's super early production PST.  I hope that new knife does the same for you Folder!  To this day, I either have mine in my back pocket where I constantly do a check to make sure it's there, or under a handkerchief in my front left pocket.  I took to carrying mine that way after I lost an Uncle Henry lockback in the woods many years ago.  I did an equipment check on my Craftsman today, safely (so I thought) secured in a clip on sheath on my belt.  I came to discover that it was about one good step from falling off my belt and into oblivion.....

[Huntsman]

I know exactly what you mean FB.

I had a Huntsman that I had carried for about 30 years stolen by some removal men (I was using it to open boxes)
Of course it is easy to get another one - And I have done so - But it is just not the same - emotionally
And even physically - it is different too, as my old one was a scissors with screw / pre hook model etc etc

To have one of the things that has been with you for over half your life taken away is pretty devastating
And I had it way before my SAK collecting madness started (only a couple of years ago)
- So if I still had it it would have been 'the one that started it all'

Amazed you still have the box - Maybe a little but of comfort/history there.

[JamesJ]

I love a nail file/scissors combo...and that IL phillips really takes it over the top with usefulness for me anyway. And I'd add a saw for sure.

Also...GEMCO! OMG...I remember when they closed down, they had 10% off sale, then next week 20% etc until the final days were like 90% off of whatever was left.

I got an original Transformers Soundwave there in the 80s (I was like 9 years old or something) and recently sold it on ebay for a decent profit...after like 30 years.

I remember they had those little pocket TVs in the electronics department.  Basically battery operated TVs with tiny B&W screens waaaaaay before anybody had a display on their phone.

I remember the shiny display case of knives but I never got one from there.

[Aloha]

WOW Gemco, talk about bringing back memories. 

Bummer to hear about your knife.  I see the possible replacement certainly looks up to the task. 

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Barry Rowland, is the early production PST a Leatherman?  I'm sorry to read about the loss of that, I know how much of a gutting feeling that can be especially when tied with a memory of a father.

Huntsman, I totally get that about the replacement not quite being the same.  The newer scales on the Camper seemed lighter and different, and mine were a deeper red color, so I had to buy a USED one that had the deep color, but I just didn't have the same warm feelings for it....now if I could find a NEW deep red Camper, that might be different.

JamesJ, yep Gemco,   You're right that IL phillips is nice and I know a saw will make it the bees knees!

Aloha007, thank you for posting, I'm sure hopeful about the new one.

[cali-SAK-attack]

GEMCO  What a blast from the past!
My Mom worked there when i was a toddler..... I now live a block from where the old building sat on Mooney Blvd. 

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Glad you all are enjoying the blast from the past.    So after missing my Maui knife back in the 90's, I shopped at Fedco and bought this one.  Sure was pricey.  I guess since I was a full time teacher by then, I splurged for myself.

[cali-SAK-attack]

We never had a FEDCO here in Visalia.... ( I don't think I have ever heard of 'em? )
BUT!!.............. My son was born the same year ya bought thatn'!  1993 was a GOOD year! 


COOL Knife 

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Yep, 1993, seems I waited a couple of years after losing my Camper before buying this SwissChamp.
Seems as though I bought more things brand new back in those days, pre-eBay.

[Poncho65]

Good memories I wished you hadn't lost the old Camper and i do hope that the new replacement is up to the task I like to keep receipts sometimes as well Just having it brings back that moment in time sometimes for me

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Thank you Poncho65.
I am tracking the knife that is in Canada and I believe it will be delivered today and soon get the makeover it deserves. 

[Barry Rowland]

Hard to beat a Swisschamp Folder!!  Yes the PST was a Leatherman.  Post pics of your new one when you get it!

[Aloha]

I remember FEDCO too.  Nice to see the Swisschamp didn't go looking for your Camper. 

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Barry, I sure will post photos when she arrives back from holiday. 
Aloha, I'm with you, thank goodness the SwissChamp didn't stray.

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I might carry this replacement Camper I bought and have had it for a while.  It is a pretty nice one.  I think I'll buy a new toothpick for it. 

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Silly me, I forgot to pull out the saw. 

[Poncho65]

Good pics of the Camper and I can't wait to see your SAK after it's spa day treatment

[Barry Rowland]

 

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Thank you Poncho and Barry!  I'm over here 

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Here's some good news.  The gentleman I bought the Camper from said it is new.  I guess I always thought it was used because it didn't have a box.  I've had it since 2014, not bonding with it because I thought it was used.    Guess I won't need that new toothpick after all. 

[Poncho65]

Here's some good news.  The gentleman I bought the Camper from said it is new.  I guess I always thought it was used because it didn't have a box.  I've had it since 2014, not bonding with it because I thought it was used.    Guess I won't need that new toothpick after all. 

 

[Barry Rowland]

  

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Thank you. 

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Found a new in box Camper w/foil stamped teepee and words Camping, just bought 'em.  There were two, one to keep and one to use. 

[Barry Rowland]

  Way to go Folder!!

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Way to go Folder!!

Thank you.    I bought these because they're older...like my former one.

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Quick question about the corkscrew.  I can't recall if mine was fluted or not.  The ones I just bought both are fluted.
If my original one was purchased in 1986 would it have had the flutes?

[Barry Rowland]

It should have Folder, as I believe the non-fluted corkscrew was introduced in '91.  You really did score with these Campers!!

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Thanks Barry good to know!  Just got notification they've shipped!


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