Italian switchblades the most rare, collectible, and valuable Latama and others.

[@frankiegee6135]

Love the antique knives. But I recently purchased one of the 18 inch limited edition AGA picklocks and it's the best constructed knife I've ever held in my hands. They really went all out with these ones. Immaculate construction and flawless in every way. Just an extremely exceptional quality example of what AGA has been doing these days. It's the most wonderful beautiful knife I've ever seen. It has all nickel silver fittings and full D stamped liners. Even the pins were polished out nickel silver. Except of course the pivot fitting.

[@C.R.5]

Thank you for showing your collection. It's beautiful.

[@sherlockbatmanholmes892]

These are all beautiful. I recently got a Frank B cocobolo 11” dagger blade stiletto and I am excited for it to arrive

[@scottdunn2178]

In the 70's down in Nogales, we used to buy the Rizzuto Es Stiletto swing guard switchblades for $5 (along with bags of M-80's and Cherry Bombs) 🤣

[@geneobrien8907]

I grew up in Brooklyn, NY during the 1950's to mid 60's, switchblades were around then but as a kid I could never get my hands on one, even if I did I probably couldn't have afforded to buy it anyway. There were plenty of fireworks though, on the 5th of July the streets looked like there had been a ticker tape parade, we'd get up early and scour the streets for duds and other fireworks that didn't go off. BTW, I haven't seen a genuine cherry bomb or M80 since those days!

[@wsmaga]

So so awesome. I have an old switchblade that I would love to get looked at by this guy.

[@davepowell7168]

I bet you have 3

[@DetectIQsmarter]

I had to say one thing I want to compliment you on the way you push the button to close the blade because most people just close the blade and don't realize that they're messing up their knife the pin that holds the knife is very thin and can break and eventually will stop closing all together, so I want to say more people should know how to close the switchblade knives by depressing the button before fully closing it!

[@ManWithNoName.]

The button that you press to open? I never knew that and I aspire to be a collector in the future. So as your closing depress the same button that opens it. I always thought it might ruin if you press that while closing

[@chiefslief1886]

Yes indeed. I always do this. Especially with closing them French Bargeon Switchblades.👍🏻♥️

[@cryogenic7737]

You do this with swing guards as well? I tried closing mine like that and it wouldn't close

[@pendragonfilm]

Great to come across this as I was left a 5 inch one in perfect condition with the flat s . Has a mark on one side of blade but have no idea if it’s real apart from the action and finish which is A1 .

[@TrilobiteTerror]

6:36 There are modern makers of very well made Italian switchblades with swivel bolsters (such as A.G.A. Campolin).

[@Gute_Laune_Boy]

nope, AGA do not have Stilettos with swivel bolsters, they make flat- and swing guards.

[@Gute_Laune_Boy]

@@TrilobiteTerror ok...AKC makes those, which is another company owned by Campolin, but there are no "classic" switchblades with swivel bolsters by campolin, at least not under that name. maybe there are antique, but no "modern" ones. i should know that, because i collect AGA knives for almost a decade dude^^

[@TrilobiteTerror]

@@Gute_Laune_Boy I'm not sure if I this link will send but I'm referring to ones like this: www.3knives.com/en/product/1470/stiletto_45cm_-_18_fa-s45b-c.html The blade is marked AGA Campolin (not AKC) and it is a swivel bolster.

[@Gute_Laune_Boy]

@@TrilobiteTerror ok there's a 18 inch one. i never were interested in such huge ones lol

[@TrilobiteTerror]

@Tristian Thiago @Otto Lyle, Nice try spammers (or should I say spammer since it's clear that both accounts, both made on March 6th, 2021 with no content, are your own).

[@oakjoiners]

Seen this video about 20 times it's great

[@chiefslief1886]

Beautiful!!! Nice Channel Leroi! just beautiful into my favourites! Nice to know the history.

[@StratBurst92]

I have a Latama Walts Flatguard piklock Best one in the collection.

[@ralphvaccaro2638]

Thanks for showing them

[@jahnwishart-ly6ov]

The tang stamp "INOX", means in French, *not* Italian, literally, "acier inoxidable", which means stainless steel. Same thing goes for the German knives marked as "Rostfrei", meaning "Rust-Free", a.k.a. stainless steel as well. Well, we all learned something today. Have a nice day, sir and greetings from Quebec, Canada

[@VinEllis]

Pretty sure Inox means Stainless in Italian too. My Beretta 92FS from Italt is marked Inox.

[@omargovoni6412]

Even in italy we use inox

[@extremathule982]

jahn wishart You're funny.

[@attiliobarcados8178]

a swichblade was bought for me in Geneva, at Christophe in early 70s, looks handmade. it has inox but no oyher identifier. maybe I could make pics, if yyou are interrested.

[@leroiprice1586]

I'd say take it to a knife show or some antique shops to get opinions on what it's worth. Ebay might not allow sale of automatics but many times I have seen them sold there.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

i need a spring for my switchblade. i have no idea who made it the only thing stamped into the tang is rostfrei and it doesn't have the pin behind the lock that would hold the spring in, it just has that slot in the pommel that looks like it just pops in and works

[@richardmcginnis5344]

If I knew where I could send a pic I would

[@leroiprice1586]

Maybe somebody turned your switchblade into a non switchblade or did the spring just fall out? There are some places that sell stiletto springs but it might be cheaper to buy a Chinese reproduction and try to use that spring. Either way these springs might not fit and would need to be taken to the shop and modified to make work. The best way is to give it to a knife maker and get a new spring fabricated, but that likely won't be cheap. If you think your knife is valuable it could be worth it. If there are no factory stamps on the tang it is likely not very valuable.

[@joshglover2370]

Rostfreis are junk. You'd be better off to just get a new knife. I would recommend AKC. They are decent knives, actually made in Italy but they don't break the bank. Even their better ones are under $100. You can buy them on Blade HQ.

[@rayhilton6233]

I was thinking the same thing if only those knives could talk they would have a tale to tell that's for sure.

[@jeffsmith50001]

Wow they look good!. And the guy is good, talks without giving too much away. As Paddy the Knife would say "they are all capable of doing a days work". Its just business.

[@craigdamage]

Dang. Must have had an open bar at the knife show that year.

[@nenadcubric2663]

Could watch that for hours

[@SwitchbladeWadesEDC]

those flat gaurds

[@ralphvaccaro2638]

Beautiful knives

[@EmilCorpuz-hj1jy]

I have just like that 1948

[@Ringo_ChanSan]

I have a swivel bolster one its pretty neat, but its a bit banged up/cracked, poorly resharpened, spring removed ect.

[@pskemster]

Knife shows rock

[@sassy3198]

That's an amazing collection I'd value that whole collection around $100,000 from my inexperience maybe i should say higher but the value of a nice fast accessible knife these days is becoming a higher demand I believe each day of high grade steel and generational mechanism.

[@leroiprice1586]

And although it may be a labor of love I think there was a lot of work put into getting that collection together.

[@seanshields86]

I'm new to these knives, can anyone tell me the value range of these? What's a good knife for a beginner collector, what can I except to pay for a good, budget knives to start ?

[@italiancampers8300]

Pre-1957 Italian switchblade knives are in the thousands of dollars. Campers, Stilettos etc.. If you want vintage or antique, you can find some Shrade, Flylock knives for under $1000. You really aren't going to find anything "budget friendly". I have been collecting over the years and the knives that I will keep for the rest of my life are 5, all of which value well over $10,000. So if you want to Start out, you first have to decide if you want a variety of different kinds of switchblades or if vintage is your thing. If it is the former then A.G.A Campolin is a good place to start with Italians and they range from production knives all the way to one of a kind customs

[@seanshields86]

@@italiancampers8300 yeah I knew they were expensive but damn 10k is crazy! So 1k for one isn't bad for a beginner, is say around 1k is budged friendly! Thanks for the info and the brands! I'm going to look some stuff up! Thank you!

[@italiancampers8300]

@@seanshields86 For Italian knives you can find some A.G.A Campolin for anywhere between $500-1000. As for some of the older German Hubertus stuff from the 1980's-1990's you can cop something from around $500 that is a great knife and very high quality. The older American stuff you can find for around the same price range. $10k is the value for the 5 knives I have combined. For instance a 1950's Latama, like you see Mark has in the video are around $4000-$6500

[@nordland2235]

What era was the picklocks and the shell pullers ?

[@coaltrain4423]

Who repairs vintage switchblade stilettos?

[@leroiprice1586]

Your best bet is to find a knife maker who makes folding knives. The guys who make these modern "tactical" folders with a CNC mill I'd think would be less likely than guys who make automatics that get made with common machinery. There are plenty of people around who make folders. People who repair? I don't know muskratmanknives1 and Flying W Forge but i see they have videos on knife repair and there are likely others. Also check out the Gator Cutlery Club and others for people who make auto knives. Gator just had their show otherwise I could have got you some contacts.

[@sandorpikali6786]

nice blades

[@MartinSage]

I bought a New German switchblade in ‘64 while in Germany. The blade is 5” The handle + blade 11” It’s thin with double sided blade and razer sharp. Well made stainless. I love the size☠️

[@kz11377]

"Inox" means stainless in French, not Italian.Stems from the word "inoxydable"

[@yirickarzoumanian9396]

Hey leroi , how much these automatic knives are ?

[@leroiprice1586]

Some are about $2,000 but can go to $5-6,000 I would guess. But collectors are not motivated to sell. So the price could be astronomical at times! I'll ask Marc in January at the next show if I see him.

[@yirickarzoumanian9396]

@@leroiprice1586 Thank you so much for Information These Collection Are So Awesome

[@tacticalteen4342]

Wow, I walked by as you were putting away your camera!

[@bailey2913]

Anyone know anything about “Vicom” as a maker of Italian switchblades, I’m just looking for some info? Thanks I have one similar to the latama but doesn’t have the square button, but is 13” with a wavy blade

[@johnemmons9087]

How bout some prices?!!!!

[@leroiprice1586]

These collectors travel to several shows to find knives that they collect and also sell. The antique knives have a general value but no set price. In general they start at $600 with the more collectable at the mid $2,000s. Like with anything collectable the price can be much higher.

[@10MinutestoRouletteFortune]

Where are you suppose to carry it?

[@name5949]

Hello there I've just found one of those in the🗑 and it's all working fine and I've put some oil on it now the blade comes out very quickly very fast how would I know the one I've got it's got inox on the blade ???? Thanks guys

[@beardedloon77]

These are rarer than rocking horse sh!t in the UK due to them being banned by law. But I was lucky enough to own a very old swingguard and a modern otf when I was a naughty teen. Aesthetically these are very beautiful objects and it's easy to see why so many people are collectors. Just that click when they open conjures up so many images it's an iconic thing no doubt.

[@leroiprice1586]

"Rare" with several adjectives in front of the word, or, the way you describe it! These knives are highly sought and the fact there are on 6 or 7 in the world just boggles the mind.

[@paddyglenny]

Hey Doug, I'm 63 and we used to go on holiday all over the continent throughout my childhood because my dad was European sales manager for Wedgwood china and got offered all sorts of freebies. I have always loved flick knives and every time we were in Italy, Spain or France I always bought as many flick knives as I could and smuggle them back in the family Austin Cambridge and later Cortina estate. Brought dozens back, blank firing pistols too. Those were the days!

[@knifetechnician]

Nice Knives, But Marc owes me money from a knife he sold me that was reworked and I wanted to return it!

[@dafodilist]

So er that Belgium knife Thats from er italy, no its from Belgium?

[@magnoliabladeandgun6046]

I would love to see if he had a website where he was selling those knives

[@1978garfield]

Hard to do on line. Legally they can't be shipped across state lines.

[@joshglover2370]

@@1978garfield That's an outdated law that nobody enforces. Just go on bladehq.com they have a massive selection of automatic knives and they ship anywhere.

[@davekiddie4467]

@@joshglover2370 except New York and Canada

[@uchoosajosh9473]

Those knifes are like shiny Outsiders

[@jeffmurphy9894]

Estilletto Milano sound familiar to anyone ?

[@Texasmilitarydepartmentvid9654]

A Stilleto isn't a Knife it's a Dagger

[@montiemilner]

Be very careful when dealing with Marc. I purchased a knife that was misrepresented, so I simply returned the knife. Marc failed to reimburse the full amount, very unprofessional. Just saying be careful when dealing with Marc.

[@stinker1822]

Thanks

[@DocWhiskey1776]

I was thinking that as watching he doesn’t go into detail its a red flag for me.

[@thug4life51]

Can anybody helplp me please.I need advice and informations about one really rare stiletto knife? Thank U really mutch.I can send pictures

[@leroiprice1586]

I suggest contact Marc or Brad or Latama knives, Walt Haluca, or go to a knife show where these guys hang out. The likely would love to talk switchblades with you.

[@thug4life51]

LeRoi Price Thank U very mutch, I am from Bosnia. I dont know how i can contact that collector? Can I sand u some pictures on e mail, facebook or something lile that?

[@leroiprice1586]

I will be able to help you in June if I go to the Blade Show. For now try to email Marc at [e-mail] to see if he has any clue. Let us know.

[@thug4life51]

Thank U really mutch.U are great. Thank U for help.I will try contact Marc. We will stay in contact.Greetings from Bosnia * republic of Srpska (

[@devildust1003]

apis crna ruka what do you have that you need info about? Are you looking for values on an item to sell or just information? Can you post a link to a picture maybe. I collect vintage auto's and I'm within Europe. That 'one of a kind' latama swing arm square button was mine for a short time. It has been around the world, I can tell you that!

[@ดนัยล้ําชม]

สังซื่อได้ที่ไหนครับ

[@jpavlvs]

A felony to have one in California. Stupid law that didn't solve any problems with crime.

[@leroiprice1586]

People are working on that. The law has good intentions I'm sure but seems to be punishing law abiding citizens only. It is a slow legal process but it is in the works.

[@ald.5147]

Doesn't seem like this guy gives a crap about answering any questions about knives. Acts like hes being bothered.

[@GunsandGearNetwork]

Sadly many dealers are like this in the knife and gun world. They suck when it comes to being a business "gentleman". It's like they are guarding the secrets of the Kings or something. Thye would have more customers and sales if they would help educate people about their items and what makes them worth the prices they are asking. I realize that some people can be annoying with all the questions but that just comes with the territory of working with the public and in sales.

[@michaelmendillo4614]

Did you say something ?

[@chessmckenzie8319]

Same

[@ibberman]

@@GunsandGearNetwork He closed up rather quickly when he noticed the guy was not listening. He was showing a knife that he clearly said was from Belgium, after explaining the knife, the channel guy then says, "so that's from Italy" ?

[@VoiceoftheRight0341]

I think the guy did a pretty good job answering some truly stupid questions. "So that's a real antique, huh?" Jesus...pay attention, he's telling you all about how rare it is and nobody wants to hear stupid comments like that.

[@alanaliyev456GT]

For 40, Chinese can do a true ebony wood/440 c decent steel ! Chineses can do the worst ( too cheap.. 15/25$ ...) or tne better for 40/50 and beat al. Others builders on their feld . Like Chinese mammuth ivory knives 3x cheaper than same quality europeans knives

[@leroiprice1586]

Yes they have come a long way from making junk to making quality knives and making them cheap. But most collectors still like antique knives.

[@williamgee6654]

Your 100 year old knife would not have a bolstered release and catch, are you aware of this?

[@steeveanouanakoun1121]

Ces armes sont d'extrême gravité ,mais neccesaire pour les activité de la vie

[@roberthonan3492]

No, they are not. The Italian Switchblade was originally an art knife, with a lot of effort into making a beautiful piece of art, but they mostly had non-functional blades. I have a classic switchblade. It's the last knife I would choose in a fight. Granted, at that age I was working in professional kitchens, and legally carrying a razor-sharp butcher's knife. Yes, actual meat cutter, so I kept my knives razor sharp

[@leroiprice1586]

They are made with a great deal of craftmanship and also encompass a lot of tradition. Although the French began this automatic pattern with a thought toward a utility knife the Italians employed a thinner blade usually double edged. I am a "mechanism" guy so I believe the auto function as well as the art makes this knives desirable to collect.

[@mrglock2313]

How much does that cost? Its made in 1950...... 😆

[@zyklonBa]

Be careful purchasing any knife from this guy. Learned my lesson. Never again.

[@mottomotto1923]

Why

[@Biblicalgiants]

Because the dealer will lie in order to make a sale. Just like every other dealer at gun and knife shows. Research the product before you buy anything. Especially knives!

[@tphvictims5101]

What a STIFF the owner is.

[@celestefleury5946]

my son is such a fan of Italian shitchblades can I get one free

[@infidelhedningsson3532]

Beautiful knives but that's all they are.

[@jessiepellegrin1156]

Boring the hell out of me

[@Mark-jy4qt]

inox tha company lol =)

[@joejones9520]

youre so clueless and ask very mixed up questions, I can tell it frustrates the guys.. Glad you make these vids tho, thanks!

[@davepowell7168]

Mines superior,thx

[@rayhilton6233]

I'm thinking scary domestic violence murders and a myriad of other crimes too horrible to mention.

[@RIPPER334]

Gayblades. 🤣

[@pp38pp]

In Italy there is a whole universe of beautiful traditional knives with a very long history and you only speak of the "Italian stiletto" (in italiano "coltello a scatto", in napoletano mullett' o mulletton')? Open your mind and explore (just to name a few): Anconetano Balestra Aviglianese (coltello d’amore) Bergamasco Bersagliere Bisacquino Britola Brittedda Calabrese Castrino Cinque soldi Cu lu ramu Duca degli Abruzzi Due chiodi Favarese o Cozza di monaco Frabusan Garessino Gobbo di Loreto Aprutino Imolese Lapparedda Liccasapuni Maremmano Maresciall Masunin Molletta napoletana Mozzetta di Guardiagrele Mugellano Pattada foggia antica Piemontese Pistoiese Puragnin Rasolino catanese Resolza arburesa Resolza Guspinesa Resolza pattadesa Salitano San Fratello San Potito Saraga Saravalla Scaluni Scannaturi Sciacchitana Senese Serratore alla romana (da duello e d’amore) Sette soldi Sfarziglia napoletana Spaduzza Tajino Tempiese Tre pianelle Val Seriana (da pastore a due lame) Vernante Vernantin Zompafuosso Zuava And each with a thousand stories to tell: honor, revenge, passion, rebellion, oppression or simply the toil of shepherds and farmers.

[@leroiprice1586]

It is good that you provide some examples and it is an extensive list as well. Thanks. I am asked many times "the question" about knives. "The question" although coming in many forms is basically just one essential point. And that is this: "What is the mystery as to why this knife is collected and not that knife?" What makes it valuable? What makes it so valuable? The answer seemed so simple that for years I thought I must be fooling myself to imagine I knew the answer because so many people seemed to not understand. But finally I realized I do know. I did know. But I was confused about it. Confused because I have a brain that works much like everybody elses' brain. And it not only concerns knives but millions of objects as well as non tangible things. So, what sets the valve of an object? The short answer is this: Whatever the market will bear. That's it. Ok, but what sets the market? Demand for the product. Peoples desire. What causes the desire? Many, many factors. Advertising is a major factor. Italians make a lot of stiletto because people buy them, and not other knives. And for high prices. It is what the market will bear. And that is because, for what ever reason or reasons, stiletto is in demand. Some people are only interested in rare, old, (yes expensive),Italian stiletto. I'm just a reporter. If I find someone who will give info on other Italian knives I would love to report on it. We all have fun just learning about all knives.