Italian Stiletto Switchblades! Cheap VS Expensive Everything You Need To Know.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ค. 2024
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There are a lot of bad cheap Italian Stilettos out there and I had given up on the entire category years ago so I was so stoked when we went to Maniago Italy (the birthplace of Italian Switchblades) and found out exactly how the traditionally constructed/properly made Italian Stiletto is basically a work of art.
Frank B. and Latama Knives are great places to find a proper Italian made Stiletto.
0:01 Are Italian Stilettos Any Good?
1:00 How Did Italian Switchblades Get Popular?
3:00 Breaking Down Cheap Stiletto Switchblades.
4:25 Breaking Down Expensive Stiletto Switchblades.
6:06 Factory VS Traditional Construction And Why It Matters
8:39 Italian Switchblades Were The First Mass Produced One Handed Knives!
10:43 Cheap Modern Constructed Switchblades Can Be Interesting
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 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.
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 😢
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
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 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
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
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?
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. 😅
Who makes the Italian made knife featured in the video and where can you get one in the states?
My favorite thing about your channel is that I feel like I get value from each vid! Thank you for the effort
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 Zac, thanks for sharing the greatness of these knives with a huge audience!
I bought my first Piranha from you guys!
There’s a big lack of knowledge among the knife community when it comes to stilettos. Thank you for the information zac
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?
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.
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! 👊
A lot of great information, thanks for sharing Zach, be safe.
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!
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?
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 love my protech malibu because of the stiletto. I will definitely be checking out the Knifes mentioned! Thanks 🙏🏼
Great content sir! 😊
Where can you get those? Do you have a link to the traditional Italian stilettos?
this solidifies my decision !! i’m purchasing a stiletto and cherishing it till i die !!
thank you for the information 💕
How was the price for them in Itaily? Did you have any problem bringing them back to the states?
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
I have the kerchaw launch 8 i love it its an awesome modern stiletto and pretty cheap for what it is.
Solid content bro!
Zac be lookin fresh with a fresh new video as always
I have a Latama switchblade from Italy. I keep it in my car. It is very awesome piece of work and very sturdy.
Do you have any links to the stores where you bought these? Any way I could buy them online?
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.
Cool video Zac. If there is one knife that I really want, it’s an Italian stiletto. I had the chance to buy one last year in Italy, but we could agree on the price. In hindsight I shouldn’t have walked away. A well, maybe next time, right?
These videos are awesome 👌
Awesome history lesson love the content
They have always been my favorite. And great tactical..
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.
Great video. Learned a lot about stiletto knife. Thanks!
Thanks for making such a great video!
A very good deal, at that price, especially if you want an example of a marlin knife in the collection, thanks for showing it.
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.
Love the stash!
Love the stache! ❤
Love the video man, always been a fan of stilettos! 🤙
Thanks!
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... 😬
Hi Zac. Great video. Can you recommend a brand or place to get a good Italian stiletto? The only quality brand Ive heard of is AG Campolin, and theyre a lot more than $120.
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.
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..
Where did you purchase your knife? Great video brother 👍
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.
I love this knife history video.
Your small documentary style videos are amazing
👊
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.
Beautiful knives. A piece of Italian history. 🇮🇹👍☺️
Zac where did you get the black one if I may ask!
Sick as hell man, now I need me a stiletto!
Sure would like to know the manufacturer of that stag knife
Zac we need the link to their online store of the company that you got those from. My dads been looking for a proper Italian for a while and I smell a Christmas present.
Great updates mate. Cheers from Australia Bike trip soon.?
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
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.
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)
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!
I have an older falcon knives one, non auto lockback. Its not my best knife but i do love it
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.
One of my favorite knives along with the buck 119,the Kabar, and the Kukri
Great video! Great information 🤩🤩🤩
Love the video keep up fantastic video
Thanks!
Awesome video, I've always wanted one but have been hesitant because of crap repros, now I have to get me one.
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.
Zac what is the manufacturer or site to get one? Switchblade sisters is one of my favorite films since I was 14. Bought a few cheap boys also only to be disappointed. Btw, love the ‘stache brother.
looking for a recommendations for a
Italian Stiletto
Epic video. Epic stache.
great video, is there a website you recommend that sells quality Italian knifes?
Does anyone know where we can get some of these high-quality ones? I was hoping to find some links In the description.
I am glad I watched this. Thanks for giving me another knife to look into. Lol.
Just got a lever action switch that I posted a short about. For the life of me I can't figure out the make. This video gives a little reason behind why it's hard to identify vintage switch blades.
I’ve been wanting to get a traditional stiletto for awhile now, but was hesitant because I haven’t done any research on them. After watching this video, I ordered myself a Frank B. Italian stiletto with a stag bone handle.
Thanks for the cool information Zach.
I've got one of his as well. Classic black 9".
Where you order it from
@@Scandaloustruth Arizona Custom Knives have several in stock. All the major online players carry his work.
I honestly always thought theese looked horrible with the thin handles, but i can see how they're a practical tool to have afterall they're fairly compact and easy to operate. The only thing i'd be worried about is storing it closed and the spring setteling and loosing it's strenght
I've got a number of automatic knives. One of my A.G.A. Campolin stiletto's has a weak lockback.
I tried contacting A.G.A. Campolin to inquire about having the knife repaired but got no response. I have no idea what to do with it now.
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
Type of knife is not my taste (better not to carry in public) at the beginning but I think I can be happy to have and play with a beautiful hand made one :)
Thx for these video
thank you brother!!!
Just bought Old Bear classic L (Antonini, Maniago)
Amazing blade for the price, simply amazing
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.
I use mine myriad times a day around the house. Everything from cutting cheese,opening packaging,etc
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!!!
Can you review the Ganzo G729-BK
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 😎🇺🇸🤙🏼
Thank you very much sir it’s very very good to have on at all time,,,,,
I have an 11 inch Frank B, it is beautiful!
Zero mention of the picklock being the precursor to the pivoting guard.. for shame! Lol
Zac,
Could you please put a link where we could get one of the more expensive Montego switchblade knives? thank you
Where do I buy an Italian stelleto switchblade knife 🔪?
Zach you gotta dive into Great Eastern Cutlery, and the huge influence they have making the best traditional slipjoints in the world.
This channel keeps getting better. Do kinda miss Ben and Zac together though.
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!
... totally should have had some to waits playing through this post, maybe you can catch that.
Thanks for the post in any case, because it wasnt just the one generation that was a bit geeky for that knife.
(...always absolutely appreciated.,...)