Scout Knife/SAK Pattern -- History?

[ArfinGreebly]

I notice that the "Boy Scout knife" or "Swiss Army Knife" (SAK) pattern has been around a long time.

I have an Imperial "U.S. Officers Ulster" that my dad gave me in 1961. Four blades: main spear-point, can opener, screwdriver/bottle opener, punch/awl.

I have a Camillus U.S. Army issue that looks just like it, except for the bare stainless steel sides.

I have some Wenger and Victorinox SAKs that are essentially the same.

I've seen pictures here of old Imperials and other brands that are years and years older than my 1961 Imperial.

At some point, somebody began copying a very useful design, and now there are several manufacturers for whom this is a standard line (most famously, of course, the Swiss guys).


So, just wondering, does anybody know where this basic "scout style" knife pattern originated?

Where did it get its start?

Anyone?

 

[hso]

We may have to define what does, or doesn't, constitute such a knife. A knife with cork screw and blade is a pretty old design, but the addition of a screw driver and/or an awl may move it into the category we're discussing.

Victorinox's first knife was issued sometime around 1891.

 

[mustang_steve]

This site shows some of the first scout knives, made in 1911: http://www.mcbroom.org/scoutknives/index.php/boy-scout-knives/new-york-knife

As for the can/bottle/awl/blade scout knife idea, it probably pre-dates scouts. I haven't had much more luck looking into it, but there is a book that same site references that apparently can be had online for 50-60 bucks that supposedly explains the history behind them.

Even though I'm a former scout (got my Life badge back in 1994), I'm only interested in scout knives enough to want a Kamp-King like the vintage one I had when I was in scouts...I still have no idea where it went, but I want another, as that was a great knife.

 

[451 Detonics]

I think there is a wide difference between the "Scout" knife and the SAKs. A Scout knife is a pretty set pattern while the SAK has no single set pattern but has dozens of versions. Both date back about 100 years. The original 1893 SAK had the same basic blades as the Scout but was a barehead meaning it only had one bolster while the Scout has always had two. A Scout from a hundred years ago and one today will have the same basic 4 blades, spear/can opener/awl/screwdriver whereas a SAK today can have dozens of blades. For a lot of great ionfo on the SAKs go here... http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Some of my scouts...I have them scattered everywhere in my equipment bags...



and a few SAKS...again I have more in bags and vehicles...

 

[jpatterson]

Detonics, the top left knife in your first picture there, can you give me some kind of ID or information on that one? I was given one by my grandfather years ago.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Camillus

Detonics can confirm, I'm sure, but I have one of those.

It's made (was made) by Camillus for U.S. Army issue.

I picked up mine in Las Vegas where an outfitter had a box of them surplus.

Now, of course, I wish I had bought the whole box.

I pay close attention any time I'm in a pawn shop, second-hand store, or army surplus store. I figure another one of those will turn up one day, and I'll have a spare.

Interestingly, I also have an old (1961) Imperial knife of that design (with red handle), and mechanically they're nearly identical, even unto having exactly the same can opener blade with the same "Can Opener" lettering on it. Of the various can opener designs I've tried, that blade is hands down the easiest to use and most effective at opening actual cans.​

 

[451 Detonics]

It is commonly known as a Demo Knife and indeed was an issue item in the Army (and Marines) for many years. The name Demo knife implies it was used to prep demolitions but this isn't true. However the name stuck and it has been called a Demo knife since it was first issued. The Army calls it a U.S. Military Knife (United States Government) Spec MIL-K-818D or Knife, Pocket NSN: 5110-00-162-2205. The lists of makers of this knife have been Stevens, Kingston, Ulster, Imperial, Western, Case, Queen and Camillus

“A Special Forces Soldier”

(Author Unknown)

A Special Forces Soldier

As seen by his Post Headquarters:
A drunken, brawling, Jeep stealing, woman corrupting, Liar, with a star sapphire ring, Rolex watch and Demo Knife.

As seen by himself:
A tall, handsome, highly trained professional killer, female Idol, star sapphire ring wearing, Demo Knife carrying Gentleman who is always on time due to the reliability of his Rolex watch.

As seen by his wife:
A stinking member of the family who comes home once a year in the back door with a rucksack full of dirty laundry, a hard-on, and three months later goes out the front door for another Year.

As seen by his Commander:
A fine specimen of a drunken, brawling. Jeep stealing, woman corrupting Liar, with a star sapphire ring, Rolex watch and a Demo Knife.

As seen by the Department of The Army:
An overpaid, over ranked tax burden who is indispensable because he has volunteered to go anywhere, do anything at any time as long as he can booze it up, brawl, steal Jeeps, corrupt women, lie, wear a star sapphire ring, Rolex watch and carry a Demo Knife.

As seen by the enemy:
The meanest mother in the valley.

 

[hso]

451 Detonics,

Generally correct except for the knife.

Randalls went with the Rolex and the star sapphire ring for my SF buddies. They might hock the ring and/or the Rolex, but the last thing to go was usually the Randall.