I commissioned a pair of handmade Frank Beltrane Stilettos for my brother and me for Christmas one year that were made from the same Buffalo horns for the handle. They feel completely different from one of the cheapies we had as kids. It feels more like a quality made tool or handgun compared to a carnival one we had as kids. Ended up being a good purchase for the both of us.
The Beltrane family is a noble GUILD of brothers and cousins who are the bulk of SKM Brand (Switchblade Knife Makers). I had their Armando Beltrane Birdshead Lever Lock in REAL DAMASCUS steel (folded once more from what is usually called good "Damascus Steel.) A magnifying glass revealed the incredible fine grain of the metal. It was absurdly sharp, and STAYED SHARP, the perfect handling pocket knife! The Beltranes are the pinnacle of the art, and worth the price...........................elsullo
@@elsullo2 Damascus is a term that can apply to any folded steel. The "real" vs "good" qualifications are marketing hype. The number of folds used in modern Damascus is usually a matter of aesthetics rather than quality.
@@osbaldohernandez9174 I don't remember exactly. I think I paid something like $20 for it. I was in the Navy at the time and we were there for a port visit. I picked it up after a night out partying. I actually used it just today.
I am 70 and have loved these knives since I was a Kid! Now then, I am pleased to own several F. Beltrame made Picklocks that were made by him! Red Dot knives with the finest handles ! Italian craftmanship of the highest quality! One thing about Italy, is that there are so many family firms that do not skip on Quality! Shall I also tell you my favorite pasta maker or San Marzano Tomatoes? Great Video!
Who cares? I own 2 switchblades and they are weak and poorly made compared to a similar length pocket knife! They just look scary when you open them suddenly
Another thing: I was told by my mother that, back in the day, every woman had a small switchblade knife in her sewing kit. She could open it, cut threads and then put it back, one-handed. Don’t know if that is true but good story. I’m 74 and my mother was born in the 1910’s, for reference. Good video, thanks
As a young kid I always loved the Italian switch blade. They were hard to get for a while in the 50s. I was told they were illegal. Once in a great while a flee market seller would have one or two. Later on in the years I heard they were no longer illegal and they started to come out of the wood work. Their' was a time when someone was making a switch blade that resembled the old "Boy Scout pocket knife" but not as popular. Later on I ended up making both hunting and lock back knives by hand. Showing my knives to a vendor in a knife and gun show we talked about the Stilettos'. He said he often had requests for repairs. Mostly broken springs. I gave him my information and he sent me a lot of customers for making new springs. By this time the knife was cheaper costing and so I could not charge what the job was really worth. I mostly enjoyed bringing an old Stiletto back to life. The old Italian ones were cheaply made. I eventually made one in the 90s and just sold it a couple of years ago. To a very persistent buyer. Somewhere in my shop I have an exact replica/copy of the stiletto that is twice the size but not a push button,
@corbinace I got one of these in a random box at an auction. I gave it to my man (who has a bit of a knife obsession😅). However, it isn't in working/carry condition. Trying to find someone, locally, is impossible. If you've done some like this before, would you be interested in connecting to see if it might be something you'd like to restore and for what price?
It started with Japan, then Korea, Taiwan, and now china. Btw we had switchblades here in the US before the Italian switchblade made it over here after WW2. Have you ever heard of the press button knife company? There was a Schrade connection that I can't quite remember correctly, but the press button knife company in New York was making automatic 2 bladed equal end pen knives starting around the turn of the century. There were also hammer brand switchblade toothpick patterns in the 20's. And don't forget that the American paratroopers carried a switchblade emergency knife during ww2, made by Schrade and Camillus if I remember correctly. Also ad far as Italian switchblades being the 1st one handed knives, I do believe the balisong type knife predates it. We also can't forget the 1 armed Jack knife that came after the civil war, made for amputated veterans. They're like a single blade Barlow with sort of a straight razor looking blade. A notch of sorts in the end of the blade so a one handed man could use the edge of his pocket to pull his pocket knife open. If I'm not mistaken the automatic knife was actually invented by some guy in Sheffield England and the technology spread throughout Europe eventually finding it's way to Italy, but Italy may be one of the last places to adopt this technology in the early 1890's.
I am off subject here but I had to input this. I still have a Hammer brand slip joint knife that my Grandma bought me 70yrs ago. I have never seen a reference to the Hammer brand before your mention and this is what prompted my response. P.S. it takes an unbelievably sharp edge.
@@patrickgriffitt6551 hammer brand was 1st used by the New York knife company, then later by Imperial who used it for inexpensive shell construction slipjoints. If you're not familiar, they look like a regular knife with a bolster on each end and handle scales between them but that's just a stamped sheet metal side panel attached with tabs folded over at each end. The handle scale will just be a sheet of thin plastic heat formed over it.
George Schrade patented most familiar switchblade features, and founded the Press Button Knife Company in NY in the 1890s. He also founded two other knife companies with the name Schrade, one of Walden, NY (that merged with Imperial) and one in Bridgeport, CT. Anyway, there were a bunch of American companies mass manufacturing switchblades from the 1890s to 1958. Check out the book "Antique American Switchblades" by Mark Erickson.
I found a burlap sack filled with real high quality Italian stilletos. They were decades old, AND COMPLETELY CRUSHED, only the blades survived. There were different sizes and different handle materials. We think my elderly relative (who was very paranoid/ PTSD from Vietnam War) collected them years ago, and destroyed them when they became illegal. He had an irrational fear of cops, feds, and all authorities. We were going thru his garage, because he died recently. There were also pistols, bullets, and small shotguns and rifles in many hidden areas of the house, garage and property....long story tho
We used to go hunting with a guy who had guns hidden in the walls of his cabin and he kept his wheeler under the back porch with a door in the floor to get to it. We had to be careful what we said because he had voice activated recorders hidden there too He ended up selling the cabin with all the guns still in the walls when he became disabled.
Several decades ago I acquired three Italian stiletto switchblades probably at a gun and knife show. One is 13 inches and the other two are 15 inch knives in two different colors. I keep them open in mailer tubes and well covered in Vaseline to prevent rust. I also keep them wrapped in Saran wrap for protection. I keep them open so as not to wear out the leaf springs from constantly being compressed should those knives be closed for long periods of time. While they are nice to look at but I am not sure that they have any practical use except for stabbing an intended target.
Another great video! I love the look of stilettos, and while they're not the most practical knives, I can definitely appreciate their craftsmanship and history!
One should consider the locale, lifestyle, and era in which it is being used when judging the practicality of a knife. Remember kids, a stilleto is a cutting weapon, you slash with it... never stab.
That's the one that started it all for me. I've been an automatic knife nerd for about 40 yrs. I still have my first one that I carried with me everyday starting in JR. high....Looks just like the black beauty in the video. Then I saw the OX Forge black Knife and I was hooked for life......
I got an antique tortoise shell handle stiletto Italian from between the wars , I thought someone stole it a few weeks ago I reported it to cops because I didn’t want it on streets , don’t think cops were happy with me . I showed them how I could drop them dead in an instant with one through their armour . I think I got marked up from psyco level 4 to five 😢
I had one of these cheap replica stiletto as a kid. A great knife design. It got destroyed because i miss used it as a throwing knife to many times against a tree. 😅
I have an AGA Campolin I bought many years ago that has always been flawless in their function, and their construction. The difference between an Italian stiletto and all the others is just night and day.
Having worked in Italy I can say there are a lot of cheap mass produced Italian switchblades available, the cheap ones are not all Chinese! I personally like some of the high quality German made ones that are available in Europe. Interestingly the first known patent for an automatic knife was granted to Samuel Leatherman in England in 1790.
I have been collecting Italian Stiletto switchblades for years as well as some of the current ones like Macrotech's. The Italian ones are made by makers like Frank B., Ab, etc. My favorite though is my Walts Latama pickguard which is expensive but worth every penny. The Italians from the 1950s like in Rebel Without A Cause were picklocks, the bolster locks came along later. Great presentation..
I bought my first one over 35 years ago mail order as a kit (they didn't ship them assembled back then). I think it was around $35. Still works perfectly today.
I have two that I bought at a truck stop in the 90s. They're pearloid handled, decently constructed with a really strong spring that you can feel when you release them. They have been in my closet for nearly 30 years, coming out occasionally to play with for a minute. They are stamped Italy or maybe Milano, not sure which.
Just got an old B.V.&F. Stamped picklock at a fleamarket. From what I found out it was made in the time between 1958 and 1961 by Vittario Beltrame and is kind of rare nowadays.
Nice someone shows how it's done. I get bored of explaining it to people. I was taught how to make Stilettos . There is a lot that goes into making the various designs. Also most people don't know how to open and close one of properly. Good video.
Great video! I've been collecting knives for 40 years, and like you, I dismissed Italian stillettos a long time ago as cheapy novelty knives. It's great to see quality stilettos now available.
My Great Grandfather had a 1950s Japanese automatic knife with the flip lever on the side. He disabled the spring mechanism so it wouldn’t close anymore. My Great Grandma carried it in her fishing tackle box.
Thanks for the video. I have a friend going to Italy in a few days. I asked him to pick me up one from there. He told me he had mailed some kitchen knives to himself back here in the states. Hoping he remembers and mails one back here for me.
Thank you for the content, this answers some questions I've had for a while about these knives and starts me down a new research rabbit hole. Another one handed opening/closing knife from the WWII time period is the gravity knife, these were used by the German Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers).
I have a latama with Brazilian horn scales that's the pick lock style. Got it from my great uncle. The lock is sheared off so it won't stay closed. I'm just now learning the history of it after almost 25 years that I've had it!!!
They were sooooo cool! 😍 Portugal was awash with them until some twenty years ago, when their sale was forbidden together with many other folding knifes. Nowadays they are classified as "Forbidden Weapon", like Butterflies and Brass Knuckles. I bought several; their sale was free, but you couldn't carry them on the street. Go figure. As of today I use one to open the Mail and they work flawlessly. The smaller button in the slot is a sliding safety catch that must be pulled away from the push button to open the blade. These knives are riveted and I see no way of disassembling them, but on the other hand they're inherently simple and reliable. Those I have were all manufactured in Portugal and have a black plastic handle. Some have their blade beautifully decorated. In the eighties I had a charming blond girlfriend who permanently carried a Spanish made Stiletto, whose blade was some six inches long! Before I knew her, she had endured not less than two rape attempts between age 15 and 18 and fought back both. In the second case she was well aware that some sexual agressor had been active in the area and was carrying his Father's .22 LR Walther PPK hidden inside a cap that she carried on her hand. And she was indeed followed and jumped by a little guy in swimming trunks that had been following her. (that was on the seaside) She pulled out the loaded PPK, aimed at the guy and shouted "Do you want to get shot? No? So get outta here!" The guy stepped back, stumbled, fell, stood up again and run away like hell. She ran in the opposite direction, totally terrified! And so she never left that long Mother of Pearl Stiletto. Personally, I do believe she would have used it if forced to... 😬
I live near Solingen/Germany and there is a tradition of this knife design, too. I really like the Huberts version that’s actually manufactured by Otter. Thanks a lot for the cool content.
I believe Germany actually adopted the automatic knife technology before Italy, and the German lever locks are generally known to be better knives than the push button Italian automatics. A lot lot of the Italian switchblades were inexpensive novelties.
I had a collection of Gustav Emil Ern knives made in Solingen when I was a chef. They came with a lifetime guarantee but somebody stole them from me some years ago.
Zac this hit my current itch on every level! Been on a hunt for a decent Italian side opener and love the Redemption just need the budget version 😢😢. Love your channel man!
While I live in Florida and attend gun and knife shows regularly , a few decades ago I stumbled on a couple of higher end Italian stiletto switchblades that open up to 15 inches each. I have been keeping them open and in mailer tubes , covered in Vaseline, and wrapped in Saran wrap. I have no idea as to why I bought them but they are interesting to fondle and keep on hand. Just to let you know, these things are way too big to carry and more than anything they are conversation pieces. I am not sure that I have seen switchblades made from high quality steel but if so then companies like Benchmade probably would make them at high end prices and I doubt that they are catalog items. Switchblades are novelty knives and are interesting to open and close but I believe that other fixed bladed knives are more suited to actual fighting weapons.
A few years ago I got Bosco from a coworker who found it at an estate sale It's a real work of art. It has a antler (I think) handle an every bit of it shows real craftsmanship. One thing that surprised me was the fact it had no edge on it. looks like it came from the factory like that
I have an A.G.A. Campolin and it's very well built. I do believe though that carrying one is somewhat of an acquired skill, as most flippers are more practical.
Great video, very informative. I've had a stiletto for 40 years now, that I bought in Paris; don't remember how much I paid for it, but it probably wasn't cheap. Still works perfectly. It says "Rostfrei" on the blade, so I guess it was either made in Germany, or for the German market.
1902 Sears Roebuck catalog lists 3 different button-opening "spring knives", one of which is a pen knife style where both blades are automatic, a button on each end in the bolsters.
I bought a couple Italian-made on FB. The grips are thick plastic, but it otherwise seems to be fairly well-made and sturdy. (It locks solidly, and there is no side to side blade wobble). They resemble the expensive one, except for the grips.
To begin with stelleto have always been illegal in my State. The best one of these knives I ever saw was being carried by a sheriff's deputy. It was German made, had stag scales, and a Damascus blade. He took it from a suspect but just could not turn it in because it was so beautiful.
Hey Zac! Great location for a video. You are talking about stilleto knives and I am staring at the Joy shuttle car in the background and the loving the sight of a (It looks like a Fairchild) longwall miner/weapon of mass destruction. Was this a knife video or a trip of my days working as an accountant/controller of a coal coampany many years ago. Great video and thanks for making an old fart (not quite that old yet) think about getting out of college in the mid-90's and working their first years at coal companies in Appalachia.
Okay, nobody doubts the quality of a good Italian Stiletto. BUT, the can sometimes sell for north of $1,000 (just ask S Stallone). The Italian ones I have are AKC and A G Campolin. IF, you can find anyone who has them in stock then you can purchase for $150 to $300. NOW, if you don’t want to spend that kind of coin, it is very, very possible to get an excellent stiletto for as little as $50 to $80. Many new stilettos now use a coil spring instead of a leaf spring. Several dealers make a double action OTF stilettos that customers rave about. Shop around and find a dealer you can trust. Also, know your states laws.
I just received a couple of autos, one of which is a Stiletto. I'm looking to scoop up another official Stiletto, but can't make up my mind on which one yet. They're great knives, but quite intimidating when it comes to non-knife people. I just love the action, but that's just my take on them.
Just like the anti-gun laws in the US, it's an unconstitutional violation of the 2nd Amendment. (They are legal in AZ, along with brass knuckles and shurlekons.(sp?).
@@elultimo102technically, telling me I'm not allowed to build a remote warfare-capable drone, or setting up a nuclear facility in my backyard, is also a violation of the second amendment. Nuclear bombs are "arms" after all. And if Trump gets a football, why can't I?
I've got 3 stiletto knives from China. They are illegal to own here in the UK, which is dumb because they are just knives. I have one large stiletto and two smaller ones. One of the smaller ones has some issue where it often doesn't open when you press the button, so I got another one and it works perfectly. The workmanship on them is great (apart from the one that has the button problem, which is probably easy enough to sort out).
If your old slip joint is heavy enough, something like a Schrade Walden 250T, you can grab the large blade and open it with one hand. Probably not safe, but it can be done.
Schrade Cutlery Company made push button knives back in the 1920's 30's and 40's. They are very collectible now. Also, the paratrooper model with the hook blade parachute cord cutting blade, also highly collectible now. (also made by Camillus)
Yeah I have 3 or 4 cheap stilettos no joke from 7-12 dollars very cheap I love them but feeling a proper one would be cool, there all the way from 4” to 8.5” overall length
I was in Italy in 1981 when in New York totally illegal and still is. In Italy the prices were dirt cheap but the dollar was strong then. There was an entire shop in Milan that only had stellettos from the smallest to the largest. I bought 6 of them some with onyx some with varied horns and put them in my mom’s luggage unknowing to her. When we arrived at Kennedy Airport going thru customs we were an entire happy family and nothing was searched and I have them to this day. They are beautiful.
Nice primer on Italian stilettos. However, there are a couple of mistakes-while the stiletto was originally made in the middle 1800s in Italy, switchblades were mass produced in the US starting around 1900, with literally many millions made until 1958. Also the bolster unlocking mechanism was not used on the vintage 1950s stilettos. This mechanism became common in the mid 1960s.
I have a folder that I am carrying over 25 years now. Simple folding blade that I can open with a flick of a wrist. Never had a switchblade that would be that reliable and the time to open my folder is same as with a switchknife. Switchblade is just a cool factor, nothing else.
for playing around on your sofa stick to 20ny and for real enjoying and part time "few clicks" on day take a 120ny . that leaf spring do not last long if constantly clicking doesent matter if is 20ny , 120ty or 1000 "burn" custom one .
I have a couple of Italian switchblade knives, one stag handle and one black wood, both 8". I've been lookin for a stag handled switchblade knife with a 5mm thick blade spine but the prices are way too high. BTW, the knives in the original West Side Story movie were lever lock switchblades, not push button.
The mustache really threw me through the loop 😂 But I’ve had an Italian style stiletto for almost a year now, and I didn’t even realize before this video that the bolster moves for a reason!!! I feel so dumb, but that’s why I love your videos Zac, I always learn something so Thank You!!!
I may have missed it in the comments, but I too had given up on the Stiletto. I was wondering where you got yours? Asking about the real Italian Stag handled one you primarily show in your video, I'd really like to add one to my collection. Thanks.
I commissioned a pair of handmade Frank Beltrane Stilettos for my brother and me for Christmas one year that were made from the same Buffalo horns for the handle. They feel completely different from one of the cheapies we had as kids. It feels more like a quality made tool or handgun compared to a carnival one we had as kids. Ended up being a good purchase for the both of us.
How did you manage that transaction and how much were they?
The Beltrane family is a noble GUILD of brothers and cousins who are the bulk of SKM Brand (Switchblade Knife Makers). I had their Armando Beltrane Birdshead Lever Lock in REAL DAMASCUS steel (folded once more from what is usually called good "Damascus Steel.) A magnifying glass revealed the incredible fine grain of the metal. It was absurdly sharp, and STAYED SHARP, the perfect handling pocket knife! The Beltranes are the pinnacle of the art, and worth the price...........................elsullo
So where do I buy one made by that 82 year old Italian craftsman ?
You’re a good brother.
@@elsullo2 Damascus is a term that can apply to any folded steel. The "real" vs "good" qualifications are marketing hype. The number of folds used in modern Damascus is usually a matter of aesthetics rather than quality.
Bought one 35 years in Naples, Italy, and still have it to this day. And it still works as well as ever, and gets used as much as ever.
How much was it back then
@@osbaldohernandez9174
I don't remember exactly. I think I paid something like $20 for it. I was in the Navy at the time and we were there for a port visit. I picked it up after a night out partying. I actually used it just today.
Gets used for what? They're for killing people.
Does airport customs give you any trouble bringing these back home ?
@@libramoon9968 it was different then but I think now you gotta get them shipped to your address
I am 70 and have loved these knives since I was a Kid! Now then, I am pleased to own several F. Beltrame made Picklocks that were made by him! Red Dot knives with the finest handles ! Italian craftmanship of the highest quality! One thing about Italy, is that there are so many family firms that do not skip on Quality! Shall I also tell you my favorite pasta maker or San Marzano Tomatoes?
Great Video!
Ah, the traditional knife that’s now illegal in most of europe
No. 8,5 cm legal in germany
@@Jason-Voorhees541switchblade makes it illegal in germany
@@remdy3839 No. Switchblade 8,5 cm Blade legal to own in Germany. You can legal own but carry is ilegal
Who cares? I own 2 switchblades and they are weak and poorly made compared to a similar length pocket knife! They just look scary when you open them suddenly
Illegal here😒🇨🇦
Another thing: I was told by my mother that, back in the day, every woman had a small switchblade knife in her sewing kit. She could open it, cut threads and then put it back, one-handed. Don’t know if that is true but good story. I’m 74 and my mother was born in the 1910’s, for reference. Good video, thanks
As a young kid I always loved the Italian switch blade. They were hard to get for a while in the 50s. I was told they were illegal.
Once in a great while a flee market seller would have one or two.
Later on in the years I heard they were no longer illegal and they started to come out of the wood work. Their' was a time when someone was making a switch blade that resembled the old "Boy Scout pocket knife" but not as popular.
Later on I ended up making both hunting and lock back knives by hand.
Showing my knives to a vendor in a knife and gun show we talked about the Stilettos'. He said he often had requests for repairs.
Mostly broken springs. I gave him my information and he sent me a lot of customers for making new springs. By this time the knife was cheaper costing and so I could not charge what the job was really worth. I mostly enjoyed bringing an old Stiletto
back to life. The old Italian ones were cheaply made. I eventually made one in the 90s and just sold it a couple of years ago.
To a very persistent buyer. Somewhere in my shop I have an exact replica/copy of the stiletto that is twice the size but not a push button,
@corbinace
I got one of these in a random box at an auction. I gave it to my man (who has a bit of a knife obsession😅). However, it isn't in working/carry condition. Trying to find someone, locally, is impossible. If you've done some like this before, would you be interested in connecting to see if it might be something you'd like to restore and for what price?
It started with Japan, then Korea, Taiwan, and now china.
Btw we had switchblades here in the US before the Italian switchblade made it over here after WW2.
Have you ever heard of the press button knife company?
There was a Schrade connection that I can't quite remember correctly, but the press button knife company in New York was making automatic 2 bladed equal end pen knives starting around the turn of the century.
There were also hammer brand switchblade toothpick patterns in the 20's.
And don't forget that the American paratroopers carried a switchblade emergency knife during ww2, made by Schrade and Camillus if I remember correctly.
Also ad far as Italian switchblades being the 1st one handed knives, I do believe the balisong type knife predates it.
We also can't forget the 1 armed Jack knife that came after the civil war, made for amputated veterans.
They're like a single blade Barlow with sort of a straight razor looking blade.
A notch of sorts in the end of the blade so a one handed man could use the edge of his pocket to pull his pocket knife open.
If I'm not mistaken the automatic knife was actually invented by some guy in Sheffield England and the technology spread throughout Europe eventually finding it's way to Italy, but Italy may be one of the last places to adopt this technology in the early 1890's.
I am off subject here but I had to input this. I still have a Hammer brand slip joint knife that my Grandma bought me 70yrs ago. I have never seen a reference to the Hammer brand before your mention and this is what prompted my response. P.S. it takes an unbelievably sharp edge.
@@patrickgriffitt6551 hammer brand was 1st used by the New York knife company, then later by Imperial who used it for inexpensive shell construction slipjoints.
If you're not familiar, they look like a regular knife with a bolster on each end and handle scales between them but that's just a stamped sheet metal side panel attached with tabs folded over at each end. The handle scale will just be a sheet of thin plastic heat formed over it.
George Schrade patented most familiar switchblade features, and founded the Press Button Knife Company in NY in the 1890s. He also founded two other knife companies with the name Schrade, one of Walden, NY (that merged with Imperial) and one in Bridgeport, CT. Anyway, there were a bunch of American companies mass manufacturing switchblades from the 1890s to 1958. Check out the book "Antique American Switchblades" by Mark Erickson.
Thanks for that information I truly enjoyed it.
Does anyone make a flat blade screwdriver that "deploys" or "fires" as a switch blade?
I found a burlap sack filled with real high quality Italian stilletos. They were decades old, AND COMPLETELY CRUSHED, only the blades survived. There were different sizes and different handle materials. We think my elderly relative (who was very paranoid/ PTSD from Vietnam War) collected them years ago, and destroyed them when they became illegal. He had an irrational fear of cops, feds, and all authorities. We were going thru his garage, because he died recently. There were also pistols, bullets, and small shotguns and rifles in many hidden areas of the house, garage and property....long story tho
Shit!
We used to go hunting with a guy who had guns hidden in the walls of his cabin and he kept his wheeler under the back porch with a door in the floor to get to it.
We had to be careful what we said because he had voice activated recorders hidden there too
He ended up selling the cabin with all the guns still in the walls when he became disabled.
They could have been rebuilt
Shur 😏
@madtownangler - after what I seen...I believe you , some people live that way
Several decades ago I acquired three Italian stiletto switchblades probably at a gun and knife show. One is 13 inches and the other two are 15 inch knives in two different colors. I keep them open in mailer tubes and well covered in Vaseline to prevent rust. I also keep them wrapped in Saran wrap for protection. I keep them open so as not to wear out the leaf springs from constantly being compressed should those knives be closed for long periods of time. While they are nice to look at but I am not sure that they have any practical use except for stabbing an intended target.
Another great video! I love the look of stilettos, and while they're not the most practical knives, I can definitely appreciate their craftsmanship and history!
One should consider the locale, lifestyle, and era in which it is being used when judging the practicality of a knife.
Remember kids, a stilleto is a cutting weapon, you slash with it... never stab.
@@stinkyfungus stiletto is a stabbing knife, what are you talking about
That's the one that started it all for me. I've been an automatic knife nerd for about 40 yrs. I still have my first one that I carried with me everyday starting in JR. high....Looks just like the black beauty in the video. Then I saw the OX Forge black Knife and I was hooked for life......
Cool! Have you ever had to use your knife in combat? What did you learn and change because of it?
Hi Zac, thanks stopping by and saying hi in maniago, was really surprised to see you there, can’t wait to watch the documentary! Cheers!
A traditional Italian stiletto is a must have❤
Where can you order one?
Very expensive. When I sold knives in 2010 they could cost 800 bucks and take 6 months to get if you ordered it custom.
@@That-guy916Stiletto. Look the company up.
@@That-guy916try Blade HQ
I got an antique tortoise shell handle stiletto Italian from between the wars , I thought someone stole it a few weeks ago I reported it to cops because I didn’t want it on streets , don’t think cops were happy with me . I showed them how I could drop them dead in an instant with one through their armour . I think I got marked up from psyco level 4 to five 😢
I thought this one was going to bore me to tears. Nope! Fascinating history and display of old world craftsmanship. Great video as usual.
He only left out the most important part of any knife. What type of steel is the blade?
Even before you mentioned West Side Story, it was the first thing I thought of after seeing Stiletto Switchblade. Another great video, thanks!
I love the old stilettos. That Redemption is on my saved to get asap list. I fell in love immediately.
It’s really cool! I’ve been carrying it a lot.
I had one of these cheap replica stiletto as a kid. A great knife design. It got destroyed because i miss used it as a throwing knife to many times against a tree. 😅
Yep. I ruined my cheap switchblade the same way.
I have an AGA Campolin I bought many years ago that has always been flawless in their function, and their construction. The difference between an Italian stiletto and all the others is just night and day.
There’s a big lack of knowledge among the knife community when it comes to stilettos. Thank you for the information zac
this solidifies my decision !! i’m purchasing a stiletto and cherishing it till i die !!
thank you for the information 💕
Having worked in Italy I can say there are a lot of cheap mass produced Italian switchblades available, the cheap ones are not all Chinese!
I personally like some of the high quality German made ones that are available in Europe. Interestingly the first known patent for an automatic knife was granted to Samuel Leatherman in England in 1790.
I have been collecting Italian Stiletto switchblades for years as well as some of the current ones like Macrotech's. The Italian ones are made by makers like Frank B., Ab, etc. My favorite though is my Walts Latama pickguard which is expensive but worth every penny. The Italians from the 1950s like in Rebel Without A Cause were picklocks, the bolster locks came along later. Great presentation..
I bought my first one over 35 years ago mail order as a kit (they didn't ship them assembled back then). I think it was around $35. Still works perfectly today.
Inflation yk?
@@monkegaming6416 yep, just sayin it doesn’t have to be Italian to be good. 😎
My favorite thing about your channel is that I feel like I get value from each vid! Thank you for the effort
I have two that I bought at a truck stop in the 90s. They're pearloid handled, decently constructed with a really strong spring that you can feel when you release them. They have been in my closet for nearly 30 years, coming out occasionally to play with for a minute. They are stamped Italy or maybe Milano, not sure which.
Just got an old B.V.&F. Stamped picklock at a fleamarket. From what I found out it was made in the time between 1958 and 1961 by Vittario Beltrame and is kind of rare nowadays.
Hang on to that one.
Oh man, I stopped watching knife content for a few months and when I come back Zac has a mustache..... digging it! Very Magnum PI of you!
Nice someone shows how it's done. I get bored of explaining it to people. I was taught how to make Stilettos . There is a lot that goes into making the various designs. Also most people don't know how to open and close one of properly. Good video.
Great video! I've been collecting knives for 40 years, and like you, I dismissed Italian stillettos a long time ago as cheapy novelty knives. It's great to see quality stilettos now available.
My Great Grandfather had a 1950s Japanese automatic knife with the flip lever on the side. He disabled the spring mechanism so it wouldn’t close anymore. My Great Grandma carried it in her fishing tackle box.
Thanks for the video. I have a friend going to Italy in a few days. I asked him to pick me up one from there. He told me he had mailed some kitchen knives to himself back here in the states. Hoping he remembers and mails one back here for me.
Wich exact models are the knifes in the video
Great video Zac, thanks for sharing the greatness of these knives with a huge audience!
I bought my first Piranha from you guys!
Thank you for the content, this answers some questions I've had for a while about these knives and starts me down a new research rabbit hole. Another one handed opening/closing knife from the WWII time period is the gravity knife, these were used by the German Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers).
i used this knive 1997, it was to heavy and not a good knive. now it is forbidden - and the question is why ?
Used to see those in junk shops when I was a kid
I have a latama with Brazilian horn scales that's the pick lock style. Got it from my great uncle. The lock is sheared off so it won't stay closed. I'm just now learning the history of it after almost 25 years that I've had it!!!
They were sooooo cool! 😍 Portugal was awash with them until some twenty years ago, when their sale was forbidden together with many other folding knifes. Nowadays they are classified as "Forbidden Weapon", like Butterflies and Brass Knuckles. I bought several; their sale was free, but you couldn't carry them on the street. Go figure. As of today I use one to open the Mail and they work flawlessly. The smaller button in the slot is a sliding safety catch that must be pulled away from the push button to open the blade. These knives are riveted and I see no way of disassembling them, but on the other hand they're inherently simple and reliable. Those I have were all manufactured in Portugal and have a black plastic handle. Some have their blade beautifully decorated.
In the eighties I had a charming blond girlfriend who permanently carried a Spanish made Stiletto, whose blade was some six inches long! Before I knew her, she had endured not less than two rape attempts between age 15 and 18 and fought back both. In the second case she was well aware that some sexual agressor had been active in the area and was carrying his Father's .22 LR Walther PPK hidden inside a cap that she carried on her hand. And she was indeed followed and jumped by a little guy in swimming trunks that had been following her. (that was on the seaside)
She pulled out the loaded PPK, aimed at the guy and shouted "Do you want to get shot? No? So get outta here!"
The guy stepped back, stumbled, fell, stood up again and run away like hell. She ran in the opposite direction, totally terrified!
And so she never left that long Mother of Pearl Stiletto. Personally, I do believe she would have used it if forced to... 😬
I live near Solingen/Germany and there is a tradition of this knife design, too. I really like the Huberts version that’s actually manufactured by Otter. Thanks a lot for the cool content.
I believe Germany actually adopted the automatic knife technology before Italy, and the German lever locks are generally known to be better knives than the push button Italian automatics.
A lot lot of the Italian switchblades were inexpensive novelties.
I had a collection of Gustav Emil Ern knives made in Solingen when I was a chef. They came with a lifetime guarantee but somebody stole them from me some years ago.
Zac this hit my current itch on every level! Been on a hunt for a decent Italian side opener and love the Redemption just need the budget version 😢😢. Love your channel man!
Glad it lined up with some stuff you’ve been thinking too! 👊
I have the kerchaw launch 8 i love it its an awesome modern stiletto and pretty cheap for what it is.
Have a couple of Frank Beltrame collectors. Work of art. Gotta have a Frankie blade if you truly are a stiletto lover.
This channel keeps getting better. Do kinda miss Ben and Zac together though.
While I live in Florida and attend gun and knife shows regularly , a few decades ago I stumbled on a couple of higher end Italian stiletto switchblades that open up to 15 inches each. I have been keeping them open and in mailer tubes , covered in Vaseline, and wrapped in Saran wrap. I have no idea as to why I bought them but they are interesting to fondle and keep on hand. Just to let you know, these things are way too big to carry and more than anything they are conversation pieces. I am not sure that I have seen switchblades made from high quality steel but if so then companies like Benchmade probably would make them at high end prices and I doubt that they are catalog items. Switchblades are novelty knives and are interesting to open and close but I believe that other fixed bladed knives are more suited to actual fighting weapons.
A few years ago I got Bosco from a coworker who found it at an estate sale
It's a real work of art. It has a antler (I think) handle an every bit of it shows real craftsmanship.
One thing that surprised me was the fact it had no edge on it. looks like it came from the factory like that
Zero mention of the picklock being the precursor to the pivoting guard.. for shame! Lol
Beautiful knives. A piece of Italian history. 🇮🇹👍☺️
I have an A.G.A. Campolin and it's very well built. I do believe though that carrying one is somewhat of an acquired skill, as most flippers are more practical.
Very true. I wouldn’t say this would be a main all the time carry but dang is it fun to carry around every once and a while
Great video, very informative. I've had a stiletto for 40 years now, that I bought in Paris; don't remember how much I paid for it, but it probably wasn't cheap. Still works perfectly. It says "Rostfrei" on the blade, so I guess it was either made in Germany, or for the German market.
I got a stiletto from a shopping center and it's very good quality. I've had it for 2 years and it's incredibly strong, almost as good as new.
1902 Sears Roebuck catalog lists 3 different button-opening "spring knives", one of which is a pen knife style where both blades are automatic, a button on each end in the bolsters.
I bought a couple Italian-made on FB. The grips are thick plastic, but it otherwise seems to be fairly well-made and sturdy. (It locks solidly, and there is no side to side blade wobble). They resemble the expensive one, except for the grips.
To begin with stelleto have always been illegal in my State.
The best one of these knives I ever saw was being carried by a sheriff's deputy. It was German made, had stag scales, and a Damascus blade.
He took it from a suspect but just could not turn it in because it was so beautiful.
A very good deal, at that price, especially if you want an example of a marlin knife in the collection, thanks for showing it.
Zach you gotta dive into Great Eastern Cutlery, and the huge influence they have making the best traditional slipjoints in the world.
Ive used one for a number of reasons. Very convenient with one handed operation, wet conditions etc.
I pick one up while stationed in Siginela,Siccily back in 1981 for NATO excersises it’s the medium size with a greenish bone colored handel 😎🇺🇸🤙🏼
Hey Zac! Great location for a video. You are talking about stilleto knives and I am staring at the Joy shuttle car in the background and the loving the sight of a (It looks like a Fairchild) longwall miner/weapon of mass destruction. Was this a knife video or a trip of my days working as an accountant/controller of a coal coampany many years ago. Great video and thanks for making an old fart (not quite that old yet) think about getting out of college in the mid-90's and working their first years at coal companies in Appalachia.
Your small documentary style videos are amazing
👊
Where can you get those? Do you have a link to the traditional Italian stilettos?
Zac be lookin fresh with a fresh new video as always
I am glad I watched this. Thanks for giving me another knife to look into. Lol.
Okay, nobody doubts the quality of a good Italian Stiletto. BUT, the can sometimes sell for north of $1,000 (just ask S Stallone). The Italian ones I have are AKC and A G Campolin. IF, you can find anyone who has them in stock then you can purchase for $150 to $300.
NOW, if you don’t want to spend that kind of coin, it is very, very possible to get an excellent stiletto for as little as $50 to $80. Many new stilettos now use a coil spring instead of a leaf spring. Several dealers make a double action OTF stilettos that customers rave about. Shop around and find a dealer you can trust. Also, know your states laws.
One of my favorite knives along with the buck 119,the Kabar, and the Kukri
great video, is there a website you recommend that sells quality Italian knifes?
I just received a couple of autos, one of which is a Stiletto. I'm looking to scoop up another official Stiletto, but can't make up my mind on which one yet. They're great knives, but quite intimidating when it comes to non-knife people. I just love the action, but that's just my take on them.
Who makes the Italian made knife featured in the video and where can you get one in the states?
Great video. Learned a lot about stiletto knife. Thanks!
The method of deployment does not determine the lethality. The ban is ridiculous.
Just like the anti-gun laws in the US, it's an unconstitutional violation of the 2nd Amendment. (They are legal in AZ, along with brass knuckles and shurlekons.(sp?).
@@elultimo102technically, telling me I'm not allowed to build a remote warfare-capable drone, or setting up a nuclear facility in my backyard, is also a violation of the second amendment. Nuclear bombs are "arms" after all. And if Trump gets a football, why can't I?
What about the one with the blade that came out from the front what i mean is the blade dont come out from the side when you push button
Sick as hell man, now I need me a stiletto!
A lot of great information, thanks for sharing Zach, be safe.
Dam dude ! Thank's ! I've been wondering if I was the only one who flicked his knives on the couch watching TV. It's a type of meditation 🙂
I love my protech malibu because of the stiletto. I will definitely be checking out the Knifes mentioned! Thanks 🙏🏼
Bought my first "flip knife" in Italy in 1982. Super cool knife.
Great content sir! 😊
I've got 3 stiletto knives from China. They are illegal to own here in the UK, which is dumb because they are just knives. I have one large stiletto and two smaller ones. One of the smaller ones has some issue where it often doesn't open when you press the button, so I got another one and it works perfectly. The workmanship on them is great (apart from the one that has the button problem, which is probably easy enough to sort out).
If your old slip joint is heavy enough, something like a Schrade Walden 250T, you can grab the large blade and open it with one hand. Probably not safe, but it can be done.
I have a couple Frank B and aga campolin. Great knives. The swinguard and sicilian are my favorites
Hey, you look like Mario Stiletto with the
mustache😁👊🏻
Do I have to fly to Italy to buy one or is there a website I can order one from? I live in pa and I’ve always wanted one
Cool! CRKT is selling a high end knife with a very nice steel. Thanks CRKT for going to Hogue to make a top quality knife for you.
Schrade Cutlery Company made push button knives back in the 1920's 30's and 40's. They are very collectible now. Also, the paratrooper model with the hook blade parachute cord cutting blade, also highly collectible now. (also made by Camillus)
Who makes the small one with the black handle?
I have an Italian Stiletto in my collection, not a switchblade, but a very well made,SHARP knife.
Yeah I have 3 or 4 cheap stilettos no joke from 7-12 dollars very cheap I love them but feeling a proper one would be cool, there all the way from 4” to 8.5” overall length
How was the price for them in Itaily? Did you have any problem bringing them back to the states?
I was in Italy in 1981 when in New York totally illegal and still is. In Italy the prices were dirt cheap but the dollar was strong then. There was an entire shop in Milan that only had stellettos from the smallest to the largest. I bought 6 of them some with onyx some with varied horns and put them in my mom’s luggage unknowing to her. When we arrived at Kennedy Airport going thru customs we were an entire happy family and nothing was searched and I have them to this day. They are beautiful.
How did you bring the knife through the airport check in?
My dad was a ww2 paratrooper, they were issued an automatic to cut the shouds in the event. I'd like to hear
Nice primer on Italian stilettos. However, there are a couple of mistakes-while the stiletto was originally made in the middle 1800s in Italy, switchblades were mass produced in the US starting around 1900, with literally many millions made until 1958. Also the bolster unlocking mechanism was not used on the vintage 1950s stilettos. This mechanism became common in the mid 1960s.
A familiar name Mr. Bill DeShivs!
I have a folder that I am carrying over 25 years now. Simple folding blade that I can open with a flick of a wrist. Never had a switchblade that would be that reliable and the time to open my folder is same as with a switchknife. Switchblade is just a cool factor, nothing else.
for playing around on your sofa stick to 20ny and for real enjoying and part time "few clicks" on day take a 120ny . that leaf spring do not last long if constantly clicking doesent matter if is 20ny , 120ty or 1000 "burn" custom one .
I have a couple of Italian switchblade knives, one stag handle and one black wood, both 8". I've been lookin for a stag handled switchblade knife with a 5mm thick blade spine but the prices are way too high. BTW, the knives in the original West Side Story movie were lever lock switchblades, not push button.
10:10 nah, im pretty sure it was quickdraw and not fidgeting that made it catch on
AKC and Bill Dishives makes some good ones too. I been collecting Italian switchblades and leverlettos for years.
The mustache really threw me through the loop 😂
But I’ve had an Italian style stiletto for almost a year now, and I didn’t even realize before this video that the bolster moves for a reason!!! I feel so dumb, but that’s why I love your videos Zac, I always learn something so Thank You!!!
Also!! Jaime I loved seeing the scene from Second Hand Lions at the beginning of the video, one of my favorite movies!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
the actual review starts ~ 3:00
I may have missed it in the comments, but I too had given up on the Stiletto. I was wondering where you got yours? Asking about the real Italian Stag handled one you primarily show in your video, I'd really like to add one to my collection. Thanks.
Was wondering where do i get a maniago stiletto switchblade?
Love the video man, always been a fan of stilettos! 🤙
Thanks!
I still got a stag horn stiletto, it doesn't shoot open anymore. definitely needs a new spring. still a great looking thing and it's very old.
I have a Frank B. Blade is wobbly and the leaf spring is pretty weak.