- Joined
- Jul 23, 2016
- Messages
- 185
This is a big one for me. I finally completed my collection of Camillus-manufactured Premium Scouts from A.G. Russell. It's my understanding that a black "rucarta" run was done in 2001, and the jigged bone and stag runs were later done in 2004. Here are some screen captures of A.G.'s website from back then:
My father-in-law and I were overjoyed when we first saw these in A.G.'s paper catalog, but we never pulled the trigger on them. We figured that we'd wait for the price to come down a bit first, or see if we could snag some bargains from the A.G. Seconds bin of imperfect knives. But the seconds sold out too quickly for us to grab, and then they were all gone. We totally missed out.
There was a time a few years ago, that you could find one on auction for a less than the original price. That's how I got my micarta scout. But that time has gone now. The secondary market has gotten to where the prices are often far higher than original cost.
As you'll be able to see from the pictures below, the micarta and the jigged bone are the real deal. The blade etch is there. The stag scout was probably assembled after the closing of Camillus, and made from spare parts. According to A.G. himself:
I'd love to say that these are the holy grail of scout knives, considering their amazing beauty and the 154CM main blade, but there are some problems. First off, all of my Premium Scouts exhibit some fit issues. The walk and talk of the main blade on my micarta is a bit weak with a pull of maybe 3. The crinking on my jigged bone was done quite badly, so the main blade likes to close on top of the cap lifter. The counterfeit stag is probably my best one, with only a lazy cap lifter. These knives were made in the final years of Camillus, and the deteriorated quality shows a bit. My "average joe" Camillus 99's have far bet fit than my Premium Scouts. The grinds on the 154CM blades are also thicker behind the edge than the main blades on other Camillus scouts, which is unfortunate from a performance perspective.
But all in all, I'm overjoyed to finally have one of each of these Premium Scouts, 17 years in the making from start to finish. They're truly beautiful knives. I have a feeling that the stag will see some pocket time in the future.
Buzz - I enjoy your enthusiasm for scout knives. I like to read your posts . It relaxes me. And it is much better than some other activities.
I have bought several Craftsman utility knives NOS in the original box over the last few years at auction. You know - the 1927-1977 anniversary models made by Schrade. Black Delrin with heavy duty blades (no punch). I kept one in my car and gave the others to family members. I think it is the most useful knife I have ever had.
I spent the 1960s in Latin America. About the only Jack to be had were SAKs. In fact I remember buying one as I was standing in the boarding line of the Guatemala City Airport.
I could never get those SAKs to sharpen well. It was then that I vowed to never carry another Stainless steel knife. I have since broken my vow with the knives in the kitchen and garage. Keep up the good work. Joseph