Italian Stiletto

mike101 · July 13, 2007, 01:54 PM

Hi guys. I'm new to the non-firing weapons forum. I have never really been into knives, but I've always wanted a stiletto. I know it's illegal to import them, but the ones I'm looking at are in stock, at variouis dealers in the US.

I'm seeing a lot by Frank Beltrame. They're not the most expensive, but not the cheapest, either. I was wondering what the quality is like.

One dealer seems to be making excuses for the fit, finish, and construction, while the others speak very highly of them. Does anyone have any personal experience with them?

Another question. Just looking for opinions. Why are they illegal in so many parts of the country? They're certainly no deadlier than any other type of knife. Is it some kind of stigma, from West Side Story, and biker movies?

Gorgoroth · July 13, 2007, 03:40 PM

More or less, yes. I think in some states they are treated like any other knife but in other states they are an equivalent of a black rifle in the knife world. I have a Cold Steel Ti-Lite, which is EXACTLY like a stiletto EXCEPT that it is non-automatic and AUS-8 steel.

**hso** · July 13, 2007, 04:10 PM

Do a little reading here in Non-Firearms on switchblades and you'll see that Federal law prohibits importation and severely restricts interstate commerce in switchblades while each state has it's own laws on the books regulating them. The state laws range from treating them like any other knife to permitting ownership while banning carry to banning carry for everyone except LE and Mil to banning them altogether.

F.Breltrame switchblades are nice enough as long as you purchase the higher priced ones. If you're just getting one, I'd purchase a classic pic lock with blond horn scales.

CZ.22 · July 13, 2007, 05:12 PM

Stilettos are switchblades? I always thought they were fixed bladed Renaissiance era daggers intended for stabbing. They were easily concealed. Artillery officers carried them.

kellyj00 · July 13, 2007, 05:14 PM

I got mine for $20 a few years ago. I don't ever touch that thing, it's cheaply made and I really don't like it too much.

I don't do knives any more. I'd love to sell off the 10 or so that I have and buy one decent pocket knife....except according to hso's post, it's illegal for me to sell that darned stilleto piece of garbage....and I believe that to be true.

I don't even think it's legal for me to have the thing now that I'm reading about it. Probably just throw it in the barrel with the rest of the trash tonight.

mike101 · July 13, 2007, 06:29 PM

You're right. The original stiletto was similar to a big ice-pick, with a fancy handle. Now, they're switchblades.

22-rimfire · July 13, 2007, 08:38 PM

I have looked at a lot of them, handled many, and owned a few. They really aren't very good knives for anything other than.... click... ooh, that's cool. I have one that needs a new home, come by. Not allowed to sell it in my state. How about trade for 22 shells-one brick of Wolf Match Target? (Just kidding.) The German switch blades are better quality although they don't look as cool.

mike101 · July 14, 2007, 01:00 AM

Funny tou should mention. I was looking at Bokers, too. The Speedlock 3000 has apparently been discontinued. MSRP was $115, but a couple of places have them for $60. The Kalishnikov looks pretty nice too.

Geno · July 14, 2007, 02:05 AM

In Michigan only "...one-armed people..." can legally possess a switchblade.

mike101 · July 14, 2007, 04:31 AM

That's a riot. Still better than NJ, though. No swithblades, regardless of number of arms.

No logical reason for these to be restricted. I'd rather face a bad guy with a stiletto, than a bad guy with a Bowie.

**hso** · July 14, 2007, 10:30 AM

The Kalishnakov autos are junk. Stay away.

mike101 · July 14, 2007, 01:59 PM

I'm disappointed to hear that. Is the knife itself junk, or do they do a poor job converting it?

What's a good brand, that isn't a fortune? Are the S&W's any good?

CZ.22 · July 14, 2007, 02:54 PM

Anybody make a real stilletto?

Joe Demko · July 14, 2007, 03:05 PM

If you mean the Rennaissance-type fixed blade,lots of people make them. Here is just one example.

**hso** · July 14, 2007, 07:05 PM

The knife starts out as a Boker Chinese economy line that has the springs put in here. Often badly done.

What are you looking for? Something specific in an auto or just anything of quality that isn't too much quality?

mike101 · July 14, 2007, 07:21 PM

Well, I wanted something practical and useful, first. The stiletto is not for any logical reason, other than I've always wanted one. It's just for kicks.

I thought the Kalishnakov looked like it would be practical. I'm looking for something decent, that has a lot of bang for the buck. I'm unfamiliar with knives, so I really don't know how much I need to spend.

What about the Bokers that are made in Germany, like the Speedlock and Toplock?

Vonderek · July 15, 2007, 11:43 AM

The German Bokers are very nicely done although not something you would want as a working knife. A great knife to collect and admire though.

**hso** · July 15, 2007, 02:46 PM

M101,

If you want a switch that looks like a switchblade (

) then an Italian pick lock fits the bill nicely.

If you want a switch that is a practical EDC then a good Boker or Heubertus traditional toggle lock will do that well.

If you want a switch that looks like any other boring "tactical" folder then buy a CRKT auto conversion.

mike101 · July 15, 2007, 03:22 PM

Thanks guys. That Columbia River knife looks like what I had in mind, as far as a practical, bang for the buck knife.

**hso** · July 15, 2007, 06:12 PM

They "MSRP" for just a little more than the unconverted manual knives. That means you should be able to get one for between $50 and $100.

Joe Demko · July 15, 2007, 06:17 PM

Where?

mike101 · July 15, 2007, 07:13 PM

www.jaxknives.com
www.bladehq.com
www.nicnac.net

and just about anywhere else that sells automatic knives. I found a lot of them. Prices seem to be running from 74.95 to 79.95.

Hawk · July 16, 2007, 08:01 PM

Too rich for my blood, but if I was bitten by the auto stiletto bug, I'd seriously consider saving my pennies for this one.

Ralph

W.E.G. · July 16, 2007, 08:13 PM

I think you will be real pleased with any of the choices at http://www.jaxknives.com/f__beltrame_classic.html

These are solid knives - but not exactly what I would use for a daily all-purpose knife.

Great action, great sound.

If you need a working knife, get a $5 CETME bayonet and abuse the heck out of it.

eliphalet · July 17, 2007, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Do a little reading here in Non-Firearms on switchblades and you'll see that Federal law prohibits importation and severely restricts interstate commerce in switchblades

I believe this is incorrect, importation is fine and the laws are state by state.
To my knowledge I can buy from this web site and my state laws allow me to Carry any size automatic knife as long as it is not concealed. If hidden one much have a CCW.
http://www.skm.to/

July 13, 2007, 01:54 PM	#1
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	Italian Stiletto Hi guys. I'm new to the non-firing weapons forum. I have never really been into knives, but I've always wanted a stiletto. I know it's illegal to import them, but the ones I'm looking at are in stock, at variouis dealers in the US. I'm seeing a lot by Frank Beltrame. They're not the most expensive, but not the cheapest, either. I was wondering what the quality is like. One dealer seems to be making excuses for the fit, finish, and construction, while the others speak very highly of them. Does anyone have any personal experience with them? Another question. Just looking for opinions. Why are they illegal in so many parts of the country? They're certainly no deadlier than any other type of knife. Is it some kind of stigma, from West Side Story, and biker movies? __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 13, 2007, 03:40 PM	#2
Gorgoroth Member Join Date: September 5, 2006 Posts: 271	More or less, yes. I think in some states they are treated like any other knife but in other states they are an equivalent of a black rifle in the knife world. I have a Cold Steel Ti-Lite, which is EXACTLY like a stiletto EXCEPT that it is non-automatic and AUS-8 steel. __________________ Future 13-Bravo

July 13, 2007, 04:10 PM	#3
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 16,447	Do a little reading here in Non-Firearms on switchblades and you'll see that Federal law prohibits importation and severely restricts interstate commerce in switchblades while each state has it's own laws on the books regulating them. The state laws range from treating them like any other knife to permitting ownership while banning carry to banning carry for everyone except LE and Mil to banning them altogether. F.Breltrame switchblades are nice enough as long as you purchase the higher priced ones. If you're just getting one, I'd purchase a classic pic lock with blond horn scales. __________________ Forum Rules Remember - When seconds count, the police are only minutes away Some of these internet commandos are closer to special ed than special forces. Try being informed instead of opinionated.

July 13, 2007, 05:12 PM	#4
CZ.22 Member Join Date: November 19, 2006 Posts: 925	Stilettos are switchblades? I always thought they were fixed bladed Renaissiance era daggers intended for stabbing. They were easily concealed. Artillery officers carried them. __________________ "The most pervasive and least condemned form of dishonesty is not doing the best you can."-Col. Jeff Cooper "Armchair warriors often fail and we've been poisoned by these fairy tales"-Don Henley, "The End of the Innocence"

July 13, 2007, 06:29 PM	#6
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	CZ You're right. The original stiletto was similar to a big ice-pick, with a fancy handle. Now, they're switchblades. __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 13, 2007, 05:14 PM	#5
kellyj00 Member Join Date: April 12, 2007 Posts: 798	I got mine for $20 a few years ago. I don't ever touch that thing, it's cheaply made and I really don't like it too much. I don't do knives any more. I'd love to sell off the 10 or so that I have and buy one decent pocket knife....except according to hso's post, it's illegal for me to sell that darned stilleto piece of garbage....and I believe that to be true. I don't even think it's legal for me to have the thing now that I'm reading about it. Probably just throw it in the barrel with the rest of the trash tonight.

July 13, 2007, 08:38 PM	#7
22-rimfire Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Location: TN Posts: 5,117	I have looked at a lot of them, handled many, and owned a few. They really aren't very good knives for anything other than.... click... ooh, that's cool. I have one that needs a new home, come by. Not allowed to sell it in my state. How about trade for 22 shells-one brick of Wolf Match Target? (Just kidding.) The German switch blades are better quality although they don't look as cool.

July 14, 2007, 01:00 AM	#8
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	Funny tou should mention. I was looking at Bokers, too. The Speedlock 3000 has apparently been discontinued. MSRP was $115, but a couple of places have them for $60. The Kalishnikov looks pretty nice too. __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 14, 2007, 02:05 AM	#9
Geno Member Join Date: June 11, 2005 Posts: 8,442	In Michigan only "...one-armed people..." can legally possess a switchblade. __________________ "A Shootist’s Prayer" Guns are good; Guns are great; Please Lord help those who us hate. Give us this day our daily lead, and hunting land we’ll call a spread. If I should die here on this day, I pray for guns in Heaven with which to play. Amen, Doc2005 02-Nov-2006

July 14, 2007, 04:31 AM	#10
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	That's a riot. Still better than NJ, though. No swithblades, regardless of number of arms. No logical reason for these to be restricted. I'd rather face a bad guy with a stiletto, than a bad guy with a Bowie. __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 14, 2007, 10:30 AM	#11
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 16,447	The Kalishnakov autos are junk. Stay away. __________________ Forum Rules Remember - When seconds count, the police are only minutes away Some of these internet commandos are closer to special ed than special forces. Try being informed instead of opinionated.

July 14, 2007, 01:59 PM	#12
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	I'm disappointed to hear that. Is the knife itself junk, or do they do a poor job converting it? What's a good brand, that isn't a fortune? Are the S&W's any good? __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 14, 2007, 02:54 PM	#13
CZ.22 Member Join Date: November 19, 2006 Posts: 925	Anybody make a real stilletto? __________________ "The most pervasive and least condemned form of dishonesty is not doing the best you can."-Col. Jeff Cooper "Armchair warriors often fail and we've been poisoned by these fairy tales"-Don Henley, "The End of the Innocence"

July 14, 2007, 03:05 PM	#14
Joe Demko Member Join Date: December 30, 2002 Location: Just two minutes from sanity. Posts: 5,434	If you mean the Rennaissance-type fixed blade,lots of people make them. Here is just one example. __________________ "What have I become, my Swedish friend? Everyone I know goes away, even Sven." Jöhnny Cåsh

July 14, 2007, 07:05 PM	#15
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 16,447	The knife starts out as a Boker Chinese economy line that has the springs put in here. Often badly done. What are you looking for? Something specific in an auto or just anything of quality that isn't too much quality? __________________ Forum Rules Remember - When seconds count, the police are only minutes away Some of these internet commandos are closer to special ed than special forces. Try being informed instead of opinionated.

July 14, 2007, 07:21 PM	#16
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	Well, I wanted something practical and useful, first. The stiletto is not for any logical reason, other than I've always wanted one. It's just for kicks. I thought the Kalishnakov looked like it would be practical. I'm looking for something decent, that has a lot of bang for the buck. I'm unfamiliar with knives, so I really don't know how much I need to spend. What about the Bokers that are made in Germany, like the Speedlock and Toplock? __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 15, 2007, 11:43 AM	#17
Vonderek Member Join Date: July 9, 2006 Posts: 508	The German Bokers are very nicely done although not something you would want as a working knife. A great knife to collect and admire though.

July 15, 2007, 02:46 PM	#18
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 16,447	M101, If you want a switch that looks like a switchblade () then an Italian pick lock fits the bill nicely. If you want a switch that is a practical EDC then a good Boker or Heubertus traditional toggle lock will do that well. If you want a switch that looks like any other boring "tactical" folder then buy a CRKT auto conversion. __________________ Forum Rules Remember - When seconds count, the police are only minutes away Some of these internet commandos are closer to special ed than special forces. Try being informed instead of opinionated.

July 15, 2007, 03:22 PM	#19
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	Thanks guys. That Columbia River knife looks like what I had in mind, as far as a practical, bang for the buck knife. __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 15, 2007, 06:12 PM	#20
hso Moderator Join Date: January 3, 2003 Location: 0 hrs east of TN Posts: 16,447	They "MSRP" for just a little more than the unconverted manual knives. That means you should be able to get one for between $50 and $100. __________________ Forum Rules Remember - When seconds count, the police are only minutes away Some of these internet commandos are closer to special ed than special forces. Try being informed instead of opinionated.

July 15, 2007, 06:17 PM	#21
Joe Demko Member Join Date: December 30, 2002 Location: Just two minutes from sanity. Posts: 5,434	Where? __________________ "What have I become, my Swedish friend? Everyone I know goes away, even Sven." Jöhnny Cåsh

July 15, 2007, 07:13 PM	#22
mike101 Member Join Date: July 12, 2006 Location: SOUTH Jersey Posts: 1,443	lots of places www.jaxknives.com www.bladehq.com www.nicnac.net and just about anywhere else that sells automatic knives. I found a lot of them. Prices seem to be running from 74.95 to 79.95. __________________ Gun-Free Zones are only gun-free, until somebody brings a gun.

July 16, 2007, 08:01 PM	#23
Hawk Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 3,426	Too rich for my blood, but if I was bitten by the auto stiletto bug, I'd seriously consider saving my pennies for this one. Ralph

July 16, 2007, 08:13 PM	#24
W.E.G. Member Join Date: September 26, 2006 Location: all over Virginia Posts: 2,566	I think you will be real pleased with any of the choices at http://www.jaxknives.com/f__beltrame_classic.html These are solid knives - but not exactly what I would use for a daily all-purpose knife. Great action, great sound. If you need a working knife, get a $5 CETME bayonet and abuse the heck out of it.

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