Any Switchblade experts.......

[lawandorder]

on the Forum? Trying to help the family, of one our employees who passed away, part with some stuff and there were several of these knives.

Any particular brands that are more valuable ? Any tips on things to look for as I sell them for the family?

Thanks.

 

[The Tourist]

First step, look for info on the ricasso--that's the flat part of the blade blank in front to the pivot--for names, countries, etc.

You might flip over to PVK.COM and look for similar products. Josh Burbank also sells books on switchblades that can be used for research.

BTW, watch who you sell the collection to. Switchblades aren't the "bad boys" of the cutlery world now. But no sense buying trouble.

I have a resellers license and I am protected by the original 1958 federal act on switchblades. I still tell my wife that it's amazing I haven't been arrested already. One cop did tell me a DA was interested in me a few years ago, but after he researched the issue, the matter dropped.

I sell automatics to cops, for Pete's sake.

 

[lawandorder]

Thank you Sir, for the info, advice, and web site. I think most of these are of the Italian Stiletto style but some more modern styles.

 

[turnerriver]

I sold a large collection several years ago. I sold them at gun shows
but mostly online on a knife forum. I sold a couple on this forum as well.
These were mostly Microtech & Protech knives but there were all kinds
of switchblades. I had a lot of fun doing it, learned a lot
& ended up with a few nice ones myself.
This forum is actually a pretty good place to sell 'em.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[lawandorder]

Thank you John.

By the way the suspense is killing us waiting to see what treasures you pulled out of the Indian Territory.

 

[sipowicz]

I would donate them to a nice Italian family.

 

[The Tourist]

I would donate them to a nice Italian family.

...my Aunt Clara is a little old to be playing with switchblades, but I'll ask her if she has any interest...

 

[PA Reb]

I'd certainly be interested in buying a few when they go up for sale. Email me if or when you do.

 

[Gunslinger808]

Perfectly legal in many States.

 

[Stevens]

Some nice ones there I especially like #34
Steve W

 

[rimfired]

I would donate them to a nice Italian family.

A lot are German, or Germain to youse Hollywood types.

 

[rimfired]

I thought switchblades were illegal?

As said, depends on your State. Most are legal as collectable, not to be carried.

 

[sipowicz]

I have number 32....don't think it's worth much though.

 

[Raider]

The one to the left of #34 is a German made Hubertus. That's a nice knife.

Charlie

 

[labworm]

I have a made in Italy stiletto, but she's not a swithcha bladea.

 

[Stevie]

I bought a Italian style switch-blade at the local quick-stop a few years back. Didn't know they were even legal to sell!

 

[pownal55]

When you have descriptions and prices let me know, I am interested in some.

 

[labworm]

When you have descriptions and prices let me know, I am interested in some.

Always see them in the Hollis Flea Market in Hollis NH.

Quality has gone south on the new stuff, and they usually sell for around $70.00 4 1/2 inch blade.

 

[The Tourist]

I hope you guys know that typical Sicilian switchblades are more "decorative" than "useful."

Most of them have what are known as "bayonet" style blades. The blades are thicker, and have a false swedge, as the one pictured below. The edges are sharpened at +40 degrees, about like a letter opener. The knives are made for stabbing, not slicing.

The pivots are usually tantamount to being a rivet. There is no lateral strength.

The collectible knives are carbon steel. The newer ones are stainless, and can be purchased new for under 100 bucks.

Play with them, collect them, swap them with your friends. But don't try to cut anything with them in this bayonet style. Some of them have blades that look like a traditional grind, and will serve you better. If you find a switchblade called a "fish-tail" it's a better slicer.

Pacific Cutlery (Benchmade) Timba | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[410bore]

#21 is a Pirahna....semi custom company, worth in the $65-75 range. I had one of these with a black handle and a mirror-polished blade that you could see yourself to shave with.

Piranha Knives

#'s 24, 27, and possibly 28 are made by Pro-Tec Knives. 24 and 27 are either the Godfather or Godson, depending on size. They have some substantial value; probably in the $150-200+ range depending on condition and production #'s

ProTech Knives - Custom Automatic Knives

out of the bottom row (the italian autos) there could be some winners down there that are worth good money but i would say most of them are at least worth $75 in good condition.

 

[pownal55]

Thanks to "Labworm" for the tip.

 

[NYlakesider]

Possibly I missed it posted here, but is there a site that shows what the laws are in different states concerning switchblades and other knife laws.

I live in the people’s republic of NY and they outlaw or ban just about everything. NY does have a provision that allows a one handed/arm person to possesses a switchblade under certain circumstances!

Just curious, Thanks!

 

[swilli41]

If any of those are LATAMA brand, they are probably worth $100 and up.

 

[Texas Star]

I had a couple as a kid, and my father had a nicer Italian one. The springs broke on all.

I think Oregon is switchblade friendly.

I much prefer a one-handed opening conventional folder. Stronger, and usually, sharper.

I think the British call these flick knives. If you encounter one in a book, that's what it is.

 

[gunlovingirl]

I'm no expert, but I believe #34, 30, 16, 17, 31, 32 are Italian, possibly Due Buoi. They sell for $50-80 new. Here's three of mine. The top one is the one I constantly use for opening boxes, mail, etc. It's had a lot of use since I bought it about 8 years ago, and it still works like new.

 

[Jellybean]

I have several similar to some the ones pictured, other than a Benchmade brand, the most I ever paid for any of them was $35 and the least was $5. It's hard to tell by pictures because of the cheap knockoffs, and you really need to find someone that knows what they are looking at, or someone that doesn't and has a lot of money.

I haven't been looking at them much lately but the cheap auto's were selling for $15 at the local flea market today.

 

[amazingflapjack]

suggest they be stored with the blades out.

 

[rimfired]

Think #33 is a Hubertus also. Will be so marked and good quality.

 

[A10]

Frank Beltrame is a good name, should be stamped on the ricasso. Check the thickness of the blades, too, the thicker ones are usually a sign of a higher quality Italian knife. Blade length can also add value. As previously stated, several look like German knives.

Keep me in mind for #15 and the smaller stag handled one to the left of 34 when you decide to sell.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Frank Beltrame one posing here.

Couple of little Schrades with the 60-1

Have some others but no pictures