Quality Stiletto?

[M.E.Eldridge]

I'd like to add one of those stiletto style switchblade knives to my collection, but I've had trouble finding a decent one--most of the ones that I find are cheap chinese copies that go for $20 or less. I'd like something of higher quality, but don't know enough to find one.

It seems that most of the reputable companies that make auto opening knives make more modern designs (like those made by Benchmade).

So do any of you guys know of a quality brand for me to look into?

Is it possible to get a decent example for around $100 or so?

 

[Baba Louie]

http://www.automaticknifestore.itcstore.com/Store/catalog.aspx?catId=417755
Better plan on adding another $20 - $40 to your $100. Hope the link helps

 

[scbair]

Best quality Italian-style auto I've seen is the "Leverletto." I saw some at a show last weekend for $90; probably cheaper sources online.

For the "non-auto" stiletto, Cold Steel's Ti-Lite series is my choice. I generally distrust liner-locks, but my Cold Steel Ti-Lite (original model) and recently purchased Ti-Lite VI (6" blade, plastic handles over metal liners) pass the spine-whack test, and lock up solidly.

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

Thanks for the info.

Do either of you know anything about "Frank Beltrame" brand stilettos? I've seen them available at a couple places fr about $80.

 

[hso]

Remember that every Italian manufactured auto that came into the country after the 1950's was smuggled into the US in violation of customs law.

That said Beltrames are good knives, but if you were just adding one to your collection I'd buy a preban antique from the days when they were hand made out of solid instead of stamped parts. Those will cost a lot more, but they have history.

 

[mike101]

How about this? http://www.bikersteel.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=SWGSNKHGWSB

I bought the black buffalo horn. It's due here tomorrow. The snakewood is the only one (swing guard) that Bikersteel has left (as of two days ago). It's very pretty.

These Frank Beltrame/WSB knives are apparently a joint effort between FB and WSB Knives. I think they are a custom knife outfit. Quality is better than the standard FB knives, as far as fit and finish. I can see in the pictures that they do a better job of matching up the horn scales. The same seems to be true of the wood. He might have some WSB swivel bolster models left. Glenn says his website is messed up, so I would order the knife, and then send him an email. He seems like a good guy to deal with. Once these WSB knives are gone, that's it. Bikersteel is the only WSB dealer in the country, according to them. I haven't seen them anywhere else.

The very best FB knives are reputed to be the Picklocks, according to hso, and a couple of knife forums I found. They are hard to find, as he only makes about 80 a year. I emailed Frank, and he is starting to make a batch for the holidays right now. He told me to contact him again between the middle and end of Sept.

One dealer I spoke with, www.uniqueblade.com, told me that he thinks the knives made by Frank's brother Armando are finished a bit better. I read that elsewhere on the internet, also. I tend to believe him because he didn't even have any of Armando's knives to sell me, just Frank's. Try these guys:

http://www.cherokeeoutpost.com/cart/view_product.php?product=ABDHDAMC11D.

http://www.switchblade-knives.it/

http://www.skmknives.com/pages/skm/index/m/default.html

Or, if you don't mind spending a couple of hundred, how about a forged stiletto?

http://www.duebuoi.it/bin/x.cgi/uk_usd/index/m2/default/35259-6412116143

These knives have a forged blade and bolsters. The liners appear to be stainless steel, and may be forged also. They weigh 6.35 oz. A 9" Bufallo Horn FB Classic weighs 4.25 oz. I have a Benchmade HK Snody that weighs 5.3 oz., and it's built like a tank. I might have to look into one of these forged babies myself.

 

[AJAX22]

Best quality Italian-style auto I've seen is the "Leverletto." I saw some at a show last weekend for $90; probably cheaper sources online.

I own a leverletto, and I highly reccommend it, the quality of workmanship and material is on par with knives many times the price.

 

[Hawk]

I'd like something of higher quality, but don't know enough to find one.

Enjoy