A.G.A. Campolin classic 'switchblades'?

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
Messages
4,675
I stumbled across the A.G.A. Campolin brand of switchblades by accident and like what I see from their website.

It looks like the pin in the scale 'blocks' the blade from firing which is a nice feature. They look attractive too with classic Italian flair and style, and are made in Italy too!

With a few online samples in the USA being in the $150 range, I'm unsure why I haven't seen them before. Maybe they are overshadowed by cheap Chinese imitators which have destroyed the reputation of this style of knife. Regarding legalities of transport, I guess this is an issue as well though, Microtech fanatics don't seem to be deterred! :)

Does anyone own one of these or something similar? Who else makes good to high-quality versions of this style? The bayonet and dagger blade profiles seem to call to me! :D

I also wonder about 440C and better blade steel options though, I don't need nor expect something like M390 either!

Thanks and Best Regards,
Sid
 
http://www.agacampolin.com/collection.html

dominus_23cm_-_9_damascus.jpg

swinguard_23cm_-_9.jpg
 
I've owned 2 AGA Campolin switchblades, and I've done a lot of research on them.

Well, how can I say this nicely, they are made in an old school, old world fashion. Basically what I mean by that is- they hammer them together, and if the knives function, they sell them. But the quality of fit and finish is often sub-par (to put it nicely).

Both of the Campolins I have owned, including one of their more deluxe models, had serious blade play. The side-to-side play being so bad that I could feel the blade wobble and bounce between the liners when lightly shaking the open knives. One of the knives was just junk, with so many serious problems I won't bother listing them.

Over the years I've read many negative reviews of Campolin knives for things like blade/lock play, gaps between handles and liners, blades that won't open all the way, etc.

Many people who love/collect switchblades are often willing to overlook such flaws in Italian-made switchblades just to own genuine Italian-made switchblades.

I'm sure Campolin makes some very decent, perhaps even quality knives, I'm just relating my own firsthand experience, and what I've read.
 
Last edited:
there's a whole auto switchblade forum here on this site and they sometimes get discussed. I own a few of them. others on that board own many more.
 
Don't knock chinese made traditional pattern switchblades until you see one. Some are crap, but some are as good or better than Italian made.
 
Those Zero knives look good. Where are the best places to find them? What sort of price range are they?

TIA,
Sid
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top