The Camillus Story, Part 2

June 2nd, 2005

After receiving every last Camillus CQB3 “Black Ops” the factory had left, I sent an email to Michelle Finizio thanking her and Camillus for their support. I also mentioned that the Hobbit Hole would soon be “in the hole”, because we had already sent out almost 500 pocket knives, and the two-dozen-or-so sheath knives would not last long. Especially when Marines and Infantry find out about these superb knives.

She wrote back with an offer we literally could not refuse. Based on their faith in our mission, Camillus offered us the same knives as the US government was buying for them, at the same price. I can’t mention the exact price here, but knowing what these great knives sell for, even at discount dealers, the taxpayer, and the Hobbit Hole, were getting a great deal.

This enabled us to expand our “product line” of knives, and now every knife we give away is a Camillus. Here’s a picture of the knives we offer:

From the top, first is the CQB3. This knife has been discontinued by Camillus, and when our last few are gone, there will be no more. Below that is the “improved” version, the magnificent CQB1SG. “SG” stands for “serrated balde, government packaging”. It’s the same knife, but made with the super high-tech 154CM steel, and a different style of sheath.

Below that is the Camillus/Becker BK2 “Campanion”. This is a bit more utilitarian in nature, while the CQB series is strictly a fighting knife. But don’t let the stubby looks fool you. The blade is massive, and the deep curve of the blade gives just as much cutting edge as the CQB.

The fourth knife from the top is the Camillus/Becker BK3 “Tactool”. It was developed for the FBI as an entry tool that can cut, saw, slice, dice, or smash its way into or out of any tight situation. The knife is quite popular with Combat Engineers. The one shown here has the old Hobbit Hole markings, while the others have the new logo. The story behind the logo is a topic for a future article.

Below the BK3 is the standard Hobbit Hole folding knife, the Camillus 904S. It’s for those troops who don’t want or need a large sheath knife. Small enough to fit in a pocket, but big enough to handle most tasks. Don’t deploy without one.

At the bottom is a specialized knife, the Camillus seatbelt cutter. It can cut away webbing or clothing, and so medics and corpsmen have an interest in it. It can also be used to safely cut off the plastic restraints used in transporting enemy prisoners.

The Hobbit Hole also has some very special knives, intended for very special troops. That will be an article for some future installment in the Hobbit Hole knife department.

Entry Filed under: Hobbit Hole Knives