Long story short I unfortunately lost about half of my collection in a recent move. A few pieces were important and I miss owning them. I had an iconic picklock type classic 9" switchblade, I believe I was a Beltrame with buffalo horn handle, but it was many years ago when I bought it. I cannot seem to find any retailers online that carry these types of knives. Ive seen one or two with ridiculous prices, thats it. Any help is appreciated!
-
All For Sale threads must have a pic showing the knife being sold with written date listed & your username! - scammers hate this one trick! The rules for The Exchange can be found here. Please read and follow them. Stop using Paypal Friends & Family and follow our best practices to prevent getting ripped off or having a bad deal.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Good online retailers for Italian switchblades?
- Thread starter blueboost
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2021
- Messages
- 4,115
Okay, the thing is, they only come up sometimes, and I think all the larger ones are sold out right now but just keep checking and BHQ will get in a shipment of what they call, simply "Italian Stilettos" or switchblades or OTFs, like, traditional ones, like you mean. Made in Italy.
They ain't hard use peices, but they're the traditional thing. I wish a modern brand would make a nice version, of that old Italian design.
They ain't hard use peices, but they're the traditional thing. I wish a modern brand would make a nice version, of that old Italian design.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 7,184
The aga campolin zero is a modernized italian style switchblade. Really sweet knife.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2021
- Messages
- 4,115
Those are something! Very nice, needed that, thanks for the rec.
Glenn Goodlett
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2016
- Messages
- 1,390
I don't think I am allowed to mention non supporting companies in this forum, so I left you a message on your profile thingy.
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
I will mention one of my VERY favorite dealers. Walt Halucha from Latama.
He is as fine a man as we have in our industry.
You won't be disappointed.
He is as fine a man as we have in our industry.
You won't be disappointed.
killgar
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2002
- Messages
- 7,324
LATAMA
The best "classic" Italian stiletto switchblades you'll find in the 9" and 11" sizes are LATAMA's. They are made by Frank Beltrame for LATAMA, but they are made to higher standards than the Frank Beltrame brand knives. LATAMA demands a higher level of quality in the knives they sell. But that's not to say that LATAMA's are flawless, several people have had issues with them in the past few years. It would appear that quality has declined.
The LATAMA's are the most expensive of the modern Italian stiletto production switchblades. Between global inflation and Covid, I've watched prices rise over the past few years. You're not likely to find a new 9" LATAMA for under $300 (and that's at the low end). And it wouldn't surprise me if prices only get higher.
Now if you were hoping to use a classic stiletto switchblade as an actual cutting instrument, forget about the LATAMA's, as they have true "stiletto" blades, thick, narrow, with steep edges. They are not designed for cutting, only piercing. I don't believe you could put any kind of usable edge on them.
Frank Beltrame
Frank Beltrame brand stilettos are very much hit or miss when it comes to quality (and I'd say more miss than hit). So much so that I don't recommend them. And good luck getting a refund on them if you get a bad one. Been there, done that. The Beltrames do not look favorably on the topic of refunds or returns. So if a vendor accepts a return from a buyer, they are likely stuck with that crappy knife.
Quite simply, the Italians aren't really big on things like quality control or customer satisfaction. And why should they be? Since people keep buying their substandard products.
The lowest current prices I see for new "Classic" 9" Beltrames is around $140. I remember a few years back when you could get an 11" Beltrame for that.
There are two types of Beltrame 9" stiletto switchblades, the "Classic" line, and the "Switch" line. I advise against buying ANY frank Beltrame stiletto, but I especially advise steering clear of any that has the word "Switch" in the name (they typically have black blades). Those are the VERY low end of the Beltrame line of knives. Believe it or not, but on the official Frank Beltrame website they actually described the "Switch" line as, and I quote- "not for those seeking quality". They actually said that about their own product. They produced the "Switch" line to compete with much cheaper Chinese stilettos at the lower price point.
Any Frank Beltrame stiletto with a bayonet or dagger grind blade would also not be a good choice for cutting for the same reason as LATAMA'S (though not to the same extreme). Beltrame stilettos with flat ground blades are more suitable for limited cutting, and they used to be plentiful, but those are rare nowadays. I have two.
AGA Campolin
AGA Campolin makes 9" Maltese cross guard stiletto switchblades. The prices are comparable to Frank Beltrame 9" Classics. Campolins tend to hit the market less frequently than Beltrams or Latamas. Quality with the Campolins is hit or miss.
There are a few vendors I trust that have genuine Italian stilettos currently in stock, specifically LATAMA's and Frank Beltrames. But I won't mention those vendors here because they are not forum sponsors. If you do a Google search for "LATAMA switchblade", "Frank Beltrame", or "AGA Campolin" you should see them on the first two pages. If you intend to buy one, check first to see that the vendor has a return policy. And hope that they honor it. Good luck.
There are brands out there that are cheaper than Frank Beltrame, but considering the often poor quality of Beltrame knives, I'd hate to think what you'd get at a lower price.
There are also custom makers out there, but if a LATAMA is too expensive for you, then a custom would be way out of reach, Think over a grand.
Edited to add some AGA Campolin information.
The best "classic" Italian stiletto switchblades you'll find in the 9" and 11" sizes are LATAMA's. They are made by Frank Beltrame for LATAMA, but they are made to higher standards than the Frank Beltrame brand knives. LATAMA demands a higher level of quality in the knives they sell. But that's not to say that LATAMA's are flawless, several people have had issues with them in the past few years. It would appear that quality has declined.
The LATAMA's are the most expensive of the modern Italian stiletto production switchblades. Between global inflation and Covid, I've watched prices rise over the past few years. You're not likely to find a new 9" LATAMA for under $300 (and that's at the low end). And it wouldn't surprise me if prices only get higher.
Now if you were hoping to use a classic stiletto switchblade as an actual cutting instrument, forget about the LATAMA's, as they have true "stiletto" blades, thick, narrow, with steep edges. They are not designed for cutting, only piercing. I don't believe you could put any kind of usable edge on them.
Frank Beltrame
Frank Beltrame brand stilettos are very much hit or miss when it comes to quality (and I'd say more miss than hit). So much so that I don't recommend them. And good luck getting a refund on them if you get a bad one. Been there, done that. The Beltrames do not look favorably on the topic of refunds or returns. So if a vendor accepts a return from a buyer, they are likely stuck with that crappy knife.
Quite simply, the Italians aren't really big on things like quality control or customer satisfaction. And why should they be? Since people keep buying their substandard products.
The lowest current prices I see for new "Classic" 9" Beltrames is around $140. I remember a few years back when you could get an 11" Beltrame for that.
There are two types of Beltrame 9" stiletto switchblades, the "Classic" line, and the "Switch" line. I advise against buying ANY frank Beltrame stiletto, but I especially advise steering clear of any that has the word "Switch" in the name (they typically have black blades). Those are the VERY low end of the Beltrame line of knives. Believe it or not, but on the official Frank Beltrame website they actually described the "Switch" line as, and I quote- "not for those seeking quality". They actually said that about their own product. They produced the "Switch" line to compete with much cheaper Chinese stilettos at the lower price point.
Any Frank Beltrame stiletto with a bayonet or dagger grind blade would also not be a good choice for cutting for the same reason as LATAMA'S (though not to the same extreme). Beltrame stilettos with flat ground blades are more suitable for limited cutting, and they used to be plentiful, but those are rare nowadays. I have two.
AGA Campolin
AGA Campolin makes 9" Maltese cross guard stiletto switchblades. The prices are comparable to Frank Beltrame 9" Classics. Campolins tend to hit the market less frequently than Beltrams or Latamas. Quality with the Campolins is hit or miss.
There are a few vendors I trust that have genuine Italian stilettos currently in stock, specifically LATAMA's and Frank Beltrames. But I won't mention those vendors here because they are not forum sponsors. If you do a Google search for "LATAMA switchblade", "Frank Beltrame", or "AGA Campolin" you should see them on the first two pages. If you intend to buy one, check first to see that the vendor has a return policy. And hope that they honor it. Good luck.
There are brands out there that are cheaper than Frank Beltrame, but considering the often poor quality of Beltrame knives, I'd hate to think what you'd get at a lower price.
There are also custom makers out there, but if a LATAMA is too expensive for you, then a custom would be way out of reach, Think over a grand.
Edited to add some AGA Campolin information.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,336
Great synopsis. I did not know about the Beltrame production, but I've now been educated! Thank you.
Walt has me photograph EVERY Italian knife for him. You don't get a 'representative example', you get the exact knife shown.
This costs him money, yet is another reason why you must pay more for better quality. FYI.
Walt has me photograph EVERY Italian knife for him. You don't get a 'representative example', you get the exact knife shown.
This costs him money, yet is another reason why you must pay more for better quality. FYI.
killgar
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2002
- Messages
- 7,324
Thanks Coop. I've put a lot of time and research over the past 8 years into studying the Italian stiletto switchblade market.
I've been looking at those pictures on LATAMA's site for several years now. You take very good pictures. I was looking at his site just this morning (I check it regularly).
And it is nice that a person actually gets to see the individual knife they are buying from them. I also give credit to Walt at LATAMA for rejecting some knives from Beltrame that were not acceptable (something I read about). But still, I've seen issues with some of the knives they have sold that I would never find acceptable (canted blades, blade-peek or near-peek)
The following is not directed at you Coop. Just my general thoughts on the Italian stiletto switchblade market. I'm specifically going to reference LATAMA, because they are the most expensive of the "production" stiletto switchblades.
Let me preface this by saying that the folding stiletto has always been my favorite type of knife (I've spoken about this often on this forum). And that this love affair started with genuine Italian stiletto switchblades. So I have no animosity towards these knives or their makers whatsoever. And no disrespect is intended to the makers. But I gotta call things the way I see them.
When it comes to Italian stiletto switchblades, I think the prices being asked for what people are actually getting are ridiculous. This is something I've been thinking about for quite awhile now, so I'll take this opportunity to share my thoughts on the subject here.
As an example, the lowest price I currently see for a brand new 9" LATAMA swivel bolster is $315. Not on the LATAMA site, but on another very well-known and reputable site in the US for switchblades.
So lets see what a person gets for $315-
Thin brass liners.
440C blade steel (certainly not junk, but far from premium)
A blade not designed for cutting (a true stiletto, no sharp edges)
A very, VERY old-school back lock.
All pinned construction.
A blade pivot that cannot be adjusted. No screw pivot.
No pivot washers. Blade against liners.
Absolutely no manufacturers warranty. If you're lucky, you might get an exchange or a refund from the vendor.
That's not much for $315. Especially when one thinks of the knives a person could get here in the US (including knives from abroad) for $315, including switchblades from companies like Protech. Knives with premium steels, top-quality modern construction, a full warranty, etc.
Now some might say "But they're genuine Italian." Well, I have two genuine Italian knives, one from Viper (folder), one from Lionsteel (fixed-blade). Both are excellent, high-quality cutting tools with modern construction. The Viper cost me $140, the Lionsteel $150.
And then there's "but these are hand-made with old-world craftsmanship". If by "old-world craftsmanship" people mean a great attention to detail, with hours spent on each knife fine-tuning it to perfection, NO. If they mean the knives are made and assembled the same as knives were in the 1940's, being hammered together, and if they function they are sent out to be sold, then yeah. I've watched old videos of Italian stiletto switchblades being produced, including one featuring Frank Beltrames shop, and like I described, they are simply hammered together, tested for function, and if the blade opens all the way when fired, it passes.
And I don't see any sign of production methods or quality changing. After all, people in this country keep buying them. There are a few sites that sell Italian stiletto switchblades that I've been watching for several years now, and time after time I see their inventory, particularly on 11" and longer knives sell out.
On the other side of things, I also understand the risk that vendors in this country are taking by importing these knives into the US, and that such risk is likely factored into their prices. And then there's handle material. They charge more for some than others. But let's be real, cow horn and stag aren't exactly rare or precious.
In the end, I think it comes down to simple economics- prices reflect what people are willing to pay, And as long as they're willing to pay those prices, the makers don't really have any motivation to change materials, or production methods.
As always, to each their own. Different people want these knives for different reasons. Nostalgia, cool-factor, collectors, etc. I just happen to think they are highly over-priced for what people are getting.
And it actually saddens me to see that the style of knife that I like the most is still very much mired in the previous century. It is that sadness that motivates this post, because I would love to be able to recommend Italian or Italian-style stilettos to people, and have them receive a high-quality production-level knife at a reasonable price. But I can't, because the way I see it, such knives don't exist.
Last edited:
Hello, just in case someone finds this comment : I would like to buy a nice switch-blade from Italy for me and my brother, but I don't know anything about the blades market or history (I was only told by an Italian friend only that Frosolone is one of the cities in Italy where they make good knives). Which online shop would you recommend for good quality and reasonable price? I live in France.
Thanks
Thanks
killgar
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2002
- Messages
- 7,324
Welcome to Bladeforums Flububu.
Knifeshop.com is a major retailer of switchblades in Europe (they are in Austria), including genuine Italian switchblades. I've known several people here in the US who have ordered from them with satisfactory results. But this is not an endorsement because I have no first hand experience with them.
I don't know if there are still any switchblades made in Frosolone, but "Frosolone" is also the name of a type of stiletto switchblade (designed to be opened in the "icepick" grip, pressing the firing button with the index finger rather than the thumb. That's why the button is so low on the handle).
The major production switchblade makers in Italy today are AGA Campolin, AKC, and Frank Beltrame (F. Beltrame also makes knives for Latama). They are all located in Maniago. Maniago is, and has been the unofficial capital of the Italian switchblade industry for well over a century.
As far as Frosolone-style knives, Renzo Pascotto is well known for making some of the best, but they are very expensive (several hundreds of dollars), and that's if you can find one. I've seen demand, and prices, shoot up in the past few years. Pascotto also produces knives in Maniago.
Be sure to check the laws of France regarding the importation of switchblades before you place an order (if you haven't already). I don't know the switchblade laws in France, or how thorough their customs department is, but you don't want to find yourself on the wrong side of any switchblade import laws.
Last edited:
Thank you for your reply, I found the Beltrame ones to be perfect, and knifeshop was kind of the only nice shop. I wanted the 28cm size of the bayonet blades kind, but they were out of stock on their site and all the others. There were only plastic handles versions... I went for the 23cm buffalo horn and french bovine handle ones.
Hello, quick update on knifeshop.com
TLDR : they are bad.
I received the two knives pretty quickly including shipment. Both of them weren't pristine considering the price it wasn't acceptable. One was outright damaged. They said the ivory one didn't have anything on it. See for yourself. I hope they're just blind.
Anayway I contact them for a return, they take weeks after multiple messages and calls to answer that they can replace instead of refund upon receiving them. (Couldn't gift one for Christmas because of that)
Now they say they only have replacement for one of the two models and can only refund, excluding return cost.
TLDR : they are bad.
I received the two knives pretty quickly including shipment. Both of them weren't pristine considering the price it wasn't acceptable. One was outright damaged. They said the ivory one didn't have anything on it. See for yourself. I hope they're just blind.
Anayway I contact them for a return, they take weeks after multiple messages and calls to answer that they can replace instead of refund upon receiving them. (Couldn't gift one for Christmas because of that)
Now they say they only have replacement for one of the two models and can only refund, excluding return cost.
Unfortunately, thats not unusual for these type of knives in the lower cost Italian made. If you want a decent Italian made traditional switchblade, your going to have to pony up several hundred dollars for one of the Walt’s Latamas