The first appearance I can find in a Camillus publication for this knife is in 1988 Camillus flyer. The last appearance I have been able to confirm it is 1999 in a Camillus price list. I don’t have been a complete set of Camillus catalogs or pricelists prior to 1988 until I get back to 1979 and the TL-29BX is not listed in the 1979 catalog. Camillus actually did not produce a catalog every year but would often send out new pricing sheets and maybe a brochure or flyer with new patterns, but even that didn’t happen every year.
Historically Camillus made a large Hawkbill knife they called a skinning knife that was used by electricians to remove the insulation from wires, especially larger wires with thicker and tougher insulation. This pattern is a nice compromise over the much bulkier large Hawkbill knife and though the blade is not as long the curve of the blade allows the user to get under the insulation and cut up along the wire to remove insulation. It also has the clevis to keep it attached to your tool belt, (a handy feature if you’re working on a ladder or on overhead electrical lines). It also has the screwdriver blade with the wire stripping notch.
BRAND: Camillus Cutlery Company
MAKER: Camillus
PATTERN: TL29BX
LENGTH (Closed): 3-5/8”
BOLSTERS: Nickel silver
HANDLES: Wood grained Delrin
BLADES: Hawkbill & screwdriver blade.
LINERS: Brass