Vintage Hammer Brand “Kamp-King” Scout Knife – 1950s–60s USA Made – 4-Blade Camp Knife – Celluloid Handle – Folding Pocket Knife

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Description:

This well-aged utility knife hails from the Hammer Brand line, a budget-friendly division of the Imperial Knife Company, which was one of the largest producers of pocketknives in the mid-20th century. This piece, likely made in the 1950s to early 1960s, is part of the popular Kamp-King series — designed for campers, scouts, and outdoorsmen who wanted a rugged, multi-use pocketknife without the price tag of premium brands.

The knife features the traditional four-blade scout knife layout:

Spear-point main blade

Can opener

Bottle opener/screwdriver

Awl/punch tool

It’s dressed in pearl-toned celluloid handles with the stamped KAMP-KING shield inlaid into the front scale. While the handle shows some cracking and discoloration with age, and the lanyard bail is missing, the knife still opens and closes well — a testament to the working-class durability that made Hammer Brand knives a staple of toolboxes and tackle boxes across America.

Historical Note:
The Hammer Brand trademark, with its iconic arm-and-hammer logo, was introduced by New York Knife Co. in the 1800s and later acquired by Imperial Knife Company. By the 1950s, Imperial was mass-producing millions of affordable pocketknives under the Hammer name, offering dependable tools for soldiers, scouts, farmers, and factory workers alike. The Kamp-King series in particular became a go-to for young scouts and working-class outdoorsmen — a low-cost alternative that didn’t skimp on practical design.

Specs:
Brand: Hammer Brand (by Imperial)

Production Era: 1950s–1960s

Tang Stamp: HAMMER BRAND (with logo) / USA

Handle: Pearlized celluloid (some discoloration, age cracks visible)

Bolsters: Nickel silver

Closed Length: Approx. 3 3/4"

Country of Origin: USA

Bail Loop: Missing (hole present for replacement)

Condition Notes:
All blades open and close with moderate snap

Missing original lanyard bail

Handle shows discoloration and cracks but remains intact

Blades show age-related wear and patina

Fully functional and solidly built

All knives in this shop are vintage or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. While many are in excellent condition, they may show normal signs of age or handling such as scuffs, blemishes, or blade wear. I try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos. Feel free to reach out with any questions!