New switchblades

[Graybeard]

Hello. Was looking at Frank B. And Latama. What’s everyone’s thoughts on the to?? Thanks.

[Fishtail Picklock]

Latama is far more expensive but has a better build quality. (I have yet to see a Latama that wasn't nearly flawless). I have some very nice Frank Beltrame pieces, but I tip my hat to Latama for making some of the most beautiful Italian Automatic Knives that aren't custom-built (bespoke) for the most discriminating buyer.

This is just MHO.

[Killgar]

Current production Latama stilettos are actually made by Frank Beltrame, but the owner of Latama (a US vendor) has higher standards, so as a result Frank Beltrame makes the Latama's to a higher level of quality than the Frank Beltrame brand knives.

A few differences between the two brands, other than Latama's having better fit and finish-

The Latama's have solid nickel silver bolsters, the standard Frank B's have hollow stainless steel bolsters.

The Latama's have thicker blades and springs than the Frank B's. Latama- 5mm thick, Fran B- 4mm thick (older Frank B's are 3.5mm).

Unless you buy a single-edged Frank Beltrame with a flat grind, neither brand are any good for actually cutting anything, the edges are too narrow and steep to achieve a cutting edge .

There is also a line of cheaper Frank Beltrame stiletto switchblades, the "Switch" line. They are all 9" long and have handles that are held on by tiny screws rather than pins ("Classic" line). These knives are made of cheaper materials than the "Classic" line, are not as durable, and are more prone to breakage.

I've never owned a Latama, only handled a few, and they were well made.

I have owned 13 Frank Beltrame stilettos, 2 9" "Classic" models, and 11 11" swivel bolster models (1 older version, 10 current version). And out of the 13 Frank B's I would only describe one of the current 11" as being "decent". All the others had serious issues, like sloppy blade and lock play, blades that were seriously canted backwards when open, and various other fit and finish issues. Fortunately for me I was buying all of the 11" knives to take apart and harvest certain parts for making other switchblades, so I didn't care about the issues I described.

Also, from what I've read of other peoples experience, the owner of Latama is a very good guy who cares about the satisfaction of his customers. On the other hand, I've never seen anyone who was ever able to get Frank Beltrame to replace a knife or provide a refund. Which is why I suggest only buying from vendors who will accept returns.

[Tom19176]

I agree with most of what Killgar said, but I guess I had better luck with the 11" Franks Bs over the years. The new Frank B 2.0 have thicker blades and back spring and better fit and finish. I can say I have handled over a 100 of them and only found a few with a slight banana blade. The Frank B made Latama line are very well made as noted above.

[fastr19]

Walt, the owner of Latama.

[RON K.]

Thanks for the great info.RON K.

[Graybeard]

Thanks for all the information.

[Tom19176]

Thanks for the picture of Walt....Missed him at Mystic show

[fastr19]

This year Walt had a brand new design. It won an innovative design award last year and this year he had some for sale. It's a sliding scale with a different activation mechanism than other sliding scales Very neat, but not cheap.

[Graybeard]

We’re are all the good shows at?? I live in Ohio Valley. Thanks

[JulesVane]

Walt, the owner of Latama.

Allen, thanks for sharing the photo..Walt looks great.

[Tom19176]

Can you post a picture of the new knife from Walt?

[fastr19]

I have one and will show more detailed pictures later when I unpack it and play with it. It is priced in the 4 figures range.

[sammy the blade]

I'm thinkin it ain't $19.95

[boots]

PVK Has a Frank B 11" Kris blade for sale for $206.00. They did have one in dark horn, but I think I got the last one.
https://www.pvk.com/Frank-B-Italian-Sti ... 1k-blh.htm