Good quality is a must, can be pretty, but function over form.

I would like one like the 1940s US Army Switchblades with the black bone handles.

in Oregon automatic knives are legal to own.

What do you mean by "classic?"

Like an Italian style?

The only GI issue I know of is the one they issued to paratroopers and pilots. It was to cut rigging, and was an auto in case one hand was tied up. They had a clip blade and a cord cutting, hook blade. I have my father-in-law's example. Camillus made the ones I have seen. They have plastic, orange handles.

The orange handled Camillus are what I have. I have one still in the wrapper! The handles are plastic with a simulated bone texture. It was actually labeled a survival knife, with the hook blade being a gutting hook. The hook blade was used by paratroops and riggers for cutting paracord.

My father gave me an orange pilot's (?) switchblade. The handles are disintegrating. Can the grips be replaced?

Ths US Army SB sounds neat. An original might be spendy.

To clarify, yes, an Italian style.

I remember one as a kid with the US marking on it like the US Army insignia, but the knife I buy doesn't have to have that marking.

I've only bought parts from "Adams", but they also sell vintage knives.

https://www.adamsknifeworks.co...?manufacturers_id=48

Or link below. I've never dealt with them though.

https://latama.net/collections/walts-new-swinguard

And PVK, I've have dealt with them.
Good guys and ship fast.

https://www.pvk.vegas/Classic-...-Automaica-s/327.htm

.

Found this at a large gun & knife show

I bought it for my B.I.L.'s 75th birthday

quote:

Originally posted by Z06:
Found this at a large gun & knife show

I bought it for my B.I.L.'s 75th birthday

That is gorgeous... yes this is the design I am looking for.

Pretty classic looking stiletto. Very nice.


Lizardman, I don’t know a thing about them, but the name Frank Beltrame comes up any time I’ve ever looked at traditional stiletto autos.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works used to sell stilettos; don't know if they still do. Many of them were the "European Dime Store" versions that had the classic styling, but blade steel made from recycled Fiat bumpers. They also carried the "Hen & Rooster" brand which was better quality.

AKC, AGA, SKM, and Frank Beltrame are the large mid-tier makers for Italian stilettos. Find which one has the blade profile you like the most, as they have differences for each type, especially a bayonet blade. Find what type of lock you want, bolster, pick lock, or lock back (swing guards). They are all batch made, so you might have to wait for the combination of blade style, length, handle material, lock, and finish to get imported.

If you want something a bit more contemporary but with the classic Italian look check out the Godfather from Protech.

arizonacustomknives dot com has Italian switchblades

Apparently not today but occasionally some are posted for sale.

Forgot to include this 4" blade AKC auto I got my wife (also Italian) for Christmas 2009:

TJ. Anywhere down on Revolucion.