A couple of comments: 1. Somebody messed up the Camillus when they cut away and rounded the top of the hilt guard. 2. I am a Viet Vet, and have had a Camillus with me, either in the toolbox, or on my belt in public, ever since 1970. I would not choose a different knife, because it works. I don't give a crap about stainless steel. In the field, where conditions are NEVER perfect, you need to keep your blade sharp, whether it is man, beast, or wood. The supplied stone can be used dry, with spit, or gun oil.The leather grip works, wet or dry. The pommel is used for stakes, nails, breaking shells, or other things needed to be smashed. the top of the hilt guard was made, as is that half-plastic Bear Grylls knife, for lashing the knife to a cut limb, for either fish, game, or you figure the rest out. Some folks have sharpened the upper tip of the blade, and used that for skinning and gutting out your game. Go find the milspecs on this knife, and you will see why it was carbon steel, and not stainless steel. Oh, this knife is not balanced properly for a throwing knife, but with a hammer grip, it will do and perform just right. Once again, that is why there is a full hilt guard.

@envirosponsible

8 жыл бұрын

+SFsc616171 Well said. This video is about 7 years old and I've learned much since then (thanks to people like you). I am now all about carbon blades. I still don't care for the Camillus knife but that's just personal preference. The video I made for the Camillus was goofy but fun to make. More entertainment than education. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience -- in a polite and constructive way.

@ethanbox2010

5 жыл бұрын

Why can't you just let the dude mod his knife? This is a pretty common mod, and a lot of folks like it. So, there must be some merit to it.

I went through the Air Force air crew survival course and we were told to hold the saw blade at an angle when cutting. The saw was not designed to be used on the flat (top) side as you demonstrated. Try turning it so the side contacts the material at an angle and you will get better results. The teeth are also spaced so they can be used to create sparks from a magnesium fire starter. Thanks for the gret vid.

I have had a survival knife for 41 years. Best bar none camp knife I have ever owned.

The saw on the Camillus is for cutting plexiglass canopies, from what we were told in the 60's.

@NCrdwlf

5 жыл бұрын

It will for a fact cut through safety glass. I have done so.

Thank you for making a good video. I have been camping for 40 years and have never batoned wood for kindling with a knife. . I got Estwing small hatchet 25 years ago at a garage sale for $5 and have been using it ever since. I have had several Camillus pilot survival knifes and found them clumsy. I dont go camping with a Huey Helicopter so I have no need to bust out of one. The seal pup is ideal for long hikes/ backpacking. Make sure that it has the kydex sheath. I have a SOG seki-japan. Awsome

Thanks for demonstrating and not just quoting specs! Great vid! Thanks.

Just bought the SOG Seal Pup for $50 cash from a guy moving to Hawaii. He used it ONCE to cut some rope. I couldn't even tell it had been used. Also came with the leather sheath. LOVE it! I also saw it for sale on Amazon for around $60. Sportsman's Warehouse, where I live, is selling the SAME knife for $94 right now. If you search hard enough you can usually find some great deals on knives.

1095 is superior. Allot of people think that edge retention and sharpening difficulty go hand in hand... this is not true.

Love seeing reviews from people who clearly USE their knives.

FINALLY someone shows what the SOG is, the SOG seal pup is NOT a survival/brush knife, it is a utility/combat knife and excels in those areas...

The Camillus blade by a long shot. But I prejudge in that I carried this blade for four years as a search and rescue helicopter crewman. I still use this knife it's tough and well made and does the job.

Your videos are so informative, interesting and so completely stay on issue that I watch them several times. Especially if you are talking about a piece of equipment I own.

great video.I was issued a camilus back in 1983 when I attended survival school ,when in the army.I still have and use it.thanks for the video.

Great comparison and demo of the knives

I agree with you 100%. Of course I would protect my blade and prefer a bush craft style knife. Thanks for weighing in.

Thanks for weighing in.

Good review & demo. You're good at knives.

Thanks for the comment. I do know the KaBar Marine Combat knife, and I would buy it over a Camillus/Ontario. There are many others I would buy before the Camillus. I bought this one because it was inexpensive and has an intriguing history. I'd buy a SOG SEAL Pup, Cold Steel SRK and many others by Cold Steel, a Gerber LMF II, KaBar and Becker especially or a Fallkniven. Make sure the sheath is safe too. Good luck, Chad

Nice review, btw. It actually showed practical aspects.

I agree with you about my knowledge, though I am learning thanks to people who leave comments. People like you. Thanks for pointing out the uses for the sawback.

Hi, Being a knife fanatic myself, I would like to say that overall what you say is right and this is a pretty good clip. The only thing I can say, and please take this as constructive criticism. With the Camillus the wide edge saw wasnt originally designed to saw through much. Its purpose is to rupture the air pockets inside someone or an animal if they are stabbed with the knife, allowing them to bleed faster and cause more damage.

Exactly, Fred - some people don't realize these knives were specifically engineered and designed with very specific purposes in mind. Every single feature, has a purpose designed for the pilot, or for the pilot's other survival gear.

I'd just like to share my two cents. If you're in an extreme survival situation and you don't have a lot of time for toolcare, the stainless is better - it won't rust up on you and that is invaluable when the sheest has hit the fan.

I have the exact same Camillus and that thing is amazing

As a rule, I never cut metal with metal, just a pet peeve of mine. I like my knives to last as long as possible with no unintentional scratches. I like to keep my knives razor sharp also. Cutting through those red bull cans will come in handy when in survival mode.

The new Ontario ASEK has some very nice new features. It is made from 1095 steel, partly serrated as is the SEAL PUP, has glass/plexiglass breaker, protective coating on the blade, saw back is much more aggresive, has glass/plexiglas breaker, kraton handle, spear and lanyard holes and comes with a strap/cord cutting tool with a flathead screw driver. It's probably less expensive than the SEAL PUP too.

Thanks for commenting. That's an interesting observation. For inflicting damage the Camillus saw back would likely be very effective.

I bought the same knife but the guard/bolster rattles or clicks when when pushed. Is this normal? If not, how can it be fixed?

That's why I make these videos, so people can help me learn. Thanks for pointing out a good use for the "saw" on the Camillus.

I have a stainless pilot. I got it long ago at a surplus store on a whim. I don't think it's ever been outside. Sheath is like new. Funny, since it didn't cost much I never figured it was worth much. I went and dug it out. Thanks. Now I think I will sit and put a real edge on it.

very excellent. Camillus was a great company when it was around.

Seal Pup serrations are for cutting rope. USAF knife saw is for cutting away an aircraft canopy. You probably know this by now, I suppose. BTW, your USAF knife was modified. It originally has a guard that spans across the joint between blade and handle. The top portion had 2 holes so you could secure cordage to make a spear.

Right on. Thanks for commenting.

The saw on the Camillus was originally designed for egressing from fighter jets and helicopter cockpits. The wide spine and large teeth are most effective when cutting aluminum, like through a fusilage for example. The butt was for smashing cockpit windows.

Great video

if what u want to do is open cans get swiss army knife and use its can opener

@totallyfrozen

4 жыл бұрын

The Clueless Geologist For sure! Because a fits in your pocket and if you have room for this large, fixed blade you certainly have room for a pocket knife.

It turns out that so do I. I have a Cold Steel SRK that I use more often than my SOG. Thicker blades better for sure. I have a Recon Scout too that's a big chunk of steel. Thanks for tuning in.

good demonstrations

No need to be sorry for having an opinion friend. Thanks for weighing in.

Im getting the Ontario 499 USAF Looking foward to testing it out

Well said and I agree.

Last time anyone mentioned Amazon prices was a year ago. For reference you can get the Ontario knife for 45 dollars new, and the Seal Pup for 55 dollars new. Dont know if that makes a difference to anyone or not. If you think the Sog is the superior blade then its easily worth a few dollars more.

Honestly the sog seal pup is meant more as a tactical fighting knife, as where the Camillus is more of a Egress Survival tool. Both have there ups and downs, but owning both. In a survival situation if I had to pick just one. It would be the Camillus, but I don't have to pick I got both.

Would you show or explain the mods you made in the sheath for carrying the other accessories? Great vid.

Well said. Me too. The Cold Steel SRK is better than both in my opinion. I'm gonna put them head-to-head soon and post it. Thanks for commenting.

some of the finest knives in the world

I doubt I'll be in the forest if TSHTF since I live in a suburb, but I get your point. Thanks for commenting.

Agreed. I wouldn't risk damaging my knife or hand like that in a situation. I did it to make a video more interesting knowing that I could get medical assistance if needed. Good point.

Used both, both are awesome, but the seal pup is my edc for sure

I took my SOG Seal Pup and found a new USGI Survival Knife Sheath and use it instead of that plastic SOG Sheath. Looks better too

I don't know if one exists. I've seen lots of people making their own Kydex sheaths though. Thanks for commenting.

I live in Florida and if shtf I'll more than likely have to hump through mangrove flats and a lot of wet salt water enviroments. Without spending over $100, the seal pup is one of the best knives that suits my enviroment . I know there are TONS of better knives out there but this knife is perfect for me.

That's an excellent point. Carbon will rust very easily, especially in a leather sheath.

It is definitely old school, and it's a different survival tool than the SOG. I can't say enough about how impressed I am with the hammering capabilities. Worth every penny.

Can you do a video just about the Seal Pup of some more demonstrations?

Thanks. I prefer the Pilot knife too. I like the straight edge and carbon steel much more than the AUS steel on the SOG. I'm all about my Cold Steel Recon Scout these days.

As a rule, I never cut metal with metal, just a pet peeve of mine. I like my knives to last as long as possible with no unintentional scratches. I like to keep my knives razor sharp also.

I like your review its very informing. I got my Camillus from my dad its been in my life for as long as I can remember and iv always loved the look of knife/sheath. Iv got the same model as in the video, im wondering if you could make an instructional video on the sling you put on the sheath.

Following on from my last comment they saw the potential of the grooves and realized that they could create them to rupture the airpockets and also cut materials, as you can see with the serration of the SOG but the well know one would be the Ka-Bar because it has the wide and long serration. the wider and longer the serration is on the blade the more damage it is capable of inflicting if it is used as a stabbing tool.

Good points Tony. I decided to compare them, with my limited knowledge and experience, since they're some of the most recommended knives in the survival world. It's time for me to compare the SOG to the Cold Steel SRK.

Correct me if im wrong, but the "saw" on the back of the camillus is for knotching not sawing

wow cutting through cans good way to keep your knives sharp

That's an astute observation.

I prefer a heavy, thick blade knife. I carry a sharpener. And I like the "hammer" butt end of a heavy knife. More durable over time.

Ha! I would have at one point but now I've changed my approach completely. A decent 4" blade is all I want these days.

The saw in the back of the Camillus is for notching traps in the woods. A task that blade serrations are not suited for.

Very good video. I do like the serations on the Seal Pup.......however, I think the Camillus wins in the unltimate showdown. Very informative video. Thanks.

Good video

Ok so I know this is a very vague question but which is better, sog or camillus? Let me further explain my question and reasons for asking. I have a camillus carbonitride titanium knife and I really like it cause it is versatile,sharp and easy open,I also have a SOG fielder knife that I like for the same reasons and I sharpen them both with a knife sharpening kit every few months but I'm asking because the SOG is a lot sharper than the camillus has ever been and I'm not sure if it's the knife itself or brand,the way I sharpen it or what but is one brand better than the other or are they pretty much equal

@ciora1980 I was just trying it out, and since I didn't have a fuselage handy I had to use whatever was handy. It's not a file though, it's for cutting through aircraft aluminum.

Good points. Really good points. I've learned lots since I made this video. While I still prefer the SEAL Pup over the 499, I have learned that the blade's steel and design are inferior to a non-serrated, carbon blade. My opinion on the finger-groove stands though, and I've modified my other knives for the same choke-up ability. Thanks for commenting.

That's true. I picked the can in this video from a tin tree. The Camillus is definitely cooler looking and I kinda regret selling it.

Isnt the partial serration on the sog designed for cutting through rope, nets, ect.

@joedacop thank you, it is also used for emergency use of cutting through your restraining devices (seat belts), but like i said, only for emergency use, because it does take a while.

The SOG BLADE MY CHOICE ALSO BRO IVE USED IT IN SERE TRAINING AND ONLY THANG THAT BROKE ON IT WAS THE TIP BUT HELL ITS STILL GOOD TO ME

I would too if it were the newer version. I would probably like a Field Pup even better though.

It is very possible I don't understand what I'm talking about, I agree. I do know that the SOG takes a lot of work to get an edge, where the camillus is much easier to sharpen.

Thanks for commenting and not just watching.

Strap a multi-tool in a pouch to the front of your sheath with velcro and paracord. You can put other things in the pouch too, like fire starting items. Good luck

@lordofthewatershed I had to use this knife in '72 in Panama; hard to find a rock in the rain forest. It isn't perfect (the lowest bidder, right?) but I think anyone who gets in trouble can use it successfully. btw: our narrator doesn't mention the "inferior " saw back is for a plexiglas canopy. It cuts plastic like a buzz saw. Fortunately, I didn't need that feature, and I'm not complaining!!

I saw another video on the Camillus in which the reviewer mentioned that the Ontario version had a reported habit of chipping. I spared myself the possible failure rating of the Ontario and found a Camillus.

Then also a small vise grips that I can use for many things, like an improv hammer, or gripping things, also wiire cutter. Would like to weld a big chain link onto the butt end of that. So I can tighten it up like tin knockers do (yeah, I used to be a tin knocker. That's how I learned that little trick. You do that so you can tighten up the vise grips more after you close them). But if I had to choose, Id go with the SOG.

If you were aircrew regularly in an aircraft, which knife would you prefer then? Aircraft skin, even the thinnest sections, are about 1mm thick...... of course it depends on pressurized or un-pressurized, but still, all are much thicker than the tin can you used to test with. Plus, it's harder aluminum, 6061 or such. Would be cool to see you test these knives in an aircraft type material, and see how they do, especially considering the areas of airframe, which is roughly every 6-12" apart.

Both of these knives are authorized for US Navy pilots to wear on their survival vests. Most pilots replace the standard cammilus for the SOG as soon as possible.

How do you take care of your carbpn-steel knives to keep them from rusting? I'm a huge fan of the strength, but not so much of oiling a knife every time I use it.

I prefer the Ka-Bar USN Mk 1 to both of these. You have a good blade profile, good for basic cutting, plus a butt cap for pounding. I'm not sure if there is a serrated version (mine is smooth). I do prefer a shealth with a stone pouch, but that's an afterthought. You can easily store a stone somewhere with your gear.

Hey man! Well just wanna let you know I got the kbar knife instead of the Camilus pilot knife cause my bro wasnt able to find any at the stores he visited in The States. I´m pretty glad about my kbar marine knife though, and I got the one with the serration on the blade, which is really cool! but, I´ll still try to buy a pilot knife from the ebay! I got a thing for that knife dont know why! I guess I like smashing things! Thank you for recommending the kbar and keep up the good reviews!

Oh, that's a big oversight on my part. Thanks for pointing that out. I don't know why SOGs are so expensive. I find all knives like the PUP to be pricey, like the Gerber LMF II, the Falkniven series, and the Cold Steel SRK.

The Ontario knife was designed over 50 years ago. The sawtooth purpose was to cut through the sheet metal of aircraft, not soup cans.

@envirosponsible

6 жыл бұрын

Ya, that was super goofy of me. Embarrassing to watch now but I've decided to put my ego aside and have a laugh at my own expense. Still fun to make that video though. Thanks for commenting.

The saw on the Camillus was meant to saw through the aluminum skin of a military aircraft, as it designed to help a crewman escape a downed craft, it was not meant for precision sawing.

@joedacop That is a great survival use for it, but it is actually used to allow a downed pilot to be able to cut through plane fuselage and escape the plane.

hey really really really great review.Good job.5/5

That's a cool story. The SOG is a lightweight tent peg compared to my SRK.

Thanks and I will.

I’m curious after 13 years of uploading this video, do still have these knives?

Well said.

Excellent comparison, i have the pilots knife and i love it, however wouldnt in the long run cutting metal with standard serrations of the seal pup eventually destroy them and make them usless for other task, but the aluminum cutter on the back of the pilots knife in the long run despite the fact that they arent as agressive cutters on the seal pup at first they would remain complelty in tact and the other aspects of the knife such as the edge woudnt be affected.

@KorumEmrys A seal pup now cost just $50 at walmart before tax, you can buy the seal pup elite for $100 which uses aus8 steel.

Is it Possible the "saw" was meant for notching and grinding bone in tool making?

@tomcatt1824

5 жыл бұрын

Maybe,,, i hv tryed mine on thin aluminum and its border line useless, makes a nice notch in wood tho

The Camillus is a full tang knife, though the tang is rather narrow. The back does not screw off.