Need help identifying 11" Derby Bolster Inox Switchblade

[camillusparatrooper]

Need help identifying 11" Derby Bolster Inox Switchblade. I Believe it is Italian from Maniago but don't really know. Not even sure what type of handle it is, stag horn?

I was told the knife is rare. I would like to have it restored but I want to make sure it is worth it. Would you recommend someone in particular to restore the knife

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[Bill DeShivs]

The handle is plastic imitation stag horn.
Unless there is something wrong with the knife, it doesn't need restoration.

[camillusparatrooper]

When the lock is on, sometimes the button will still trigger the blade, it goes down just enough to let it slide by

[Bill DeShivs]

Repairing your safety would end up costing about $80.
It's up to you to decide if it's worth it.
The knife was made in Maniago, and the 11" model is fairly rare.

[DonC]

X2 for Bill's comment. Relatively rare in the 11" (28cm) category. Sometimes referred to as a topless bolster (topless for the short upper bolsters) as "Derby" is often referred to when both ears on the bolster curve downwards.
DonC

[camillusparatrooper]

Thanks Bill and DonC.

Would having the handles replaced, maybe with wood reduce the value? There is a chip and some cracks in the current ones. Given that it is plastic I am assuming it wouldn't

[Bill DeShivs]

Yes, it would hurt the value.
You could replace them with several materials that were used on this type knife. Wood is not one of those materials. These were probably available with pearlex, horn, or genuine stag, in addition to plastic stag.
Cost to replace them would be prohibitive.

[big_slim]

that's a cool knife, thanks for posting, not a style you see very often. My advice would be to leave well enough alone and enjoy the knife as it is. I carry stiletto style switchblades fairly often and i never use the safeties, never had one accidentally open on me. So unless it just bugs you I wouldn't worry about it. Same thing with the scales, they look pretty decent to me. But if you would want to repair the safety I'm sure Mr. DeShivs would do a top notch job!

[camillusparatrooper]

thanks for the advise, I will keep it as is

[JimBrown257]

That is a really cool old Derby. Definitely don't mess with it.

[lance]

Shes a beauty,I have a few of these,they're definitely rare,been Woking on a set for Year's!! Ive found 4,and ice never seen an 11or 13 for sale.
Id leave it as is!! Enjoy it..and if ya wanna sell er hit me up!! Lol.bet you would be suprised what its worth