Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
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Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Good morning! Hope you all are well.
I am a new member of this forum and joined to get some more clarity on a vintage switchback stiletto knife that I had won on an auction this past weekend.
I would like to find out more about it, as the seller mentioned it to be a switchback stiletto, yet it looks like any other vintage flick knife (as we refer to such knives in South Africa) to me in that the top bolster releases and unlocks blade. What does the "switchback" refer to? Also, it is stamped INOX on the back of the blade and on the front with "FBR ITALY". Checking on Google, I am unable to find any other flick knife with such stamping on the front. Does the FBR refer to a name of manufacturer? I was thinking Frank Beltrame, but not entirely sure.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
I am a new member of this forum and joined to get some more clarity on a vintage switchback stiletto knife that I had won on an auction this past weekend.
I would like to find out more about it, as the seller mentioned it to be a switchback stiletto, yet it looks like any other vintage flick knife (as we refer to such knives in South Africa) to me in that the top bolster releases and unlocks blade. What does the "switchback" refer to? Also, it is stamped INOX on the back of the blade and on the front with "FBR ITALY". Checking on Google, I am unable to find any other flick knife with such stamping on the front. Does the FBR refer to a name of manufacturer? I was thinking Frank Beltrame, but not entirely sure.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
David Snell
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Never heard of a switchback, my guess the seller meant switchblade. Welcome to talkblade.
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Hi David and welcome. You'll find lots of very knowledgeable members here on TB that love to help. I'm sure one of the first things to do, is to get some pics posted of your new knife in question. Helps so very much! Again...welcome!
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
The seller had no idea what he was talking about.
There is no "switchback" terminology in cutlery.
There is no "switchback" terminology in cutlery.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
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Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Thank you for the welcome! I am guessing the same in that the seller meant "switchblade".sammy the blade wrote:Never heard of a switchback, my guess the seller meant switchblade. Welcome to talkblade.
David Snell
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Hello there. Thank you for welcoming me to this forum. I will upload photographs as soon as I can. Flick knives are not very common in South Africa, so I am pleased to find this vintage.JulesVane wrote:Hi David and welcome. You'll find lots of very knowledgeable members here on TB that love to help. I'm sure one of the first things to do, is to get some pics posted of your new knife in question. Helps so very much! Again...welcome!
David Snell
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Yes I fully agree. I have never heard of "switchback" myself.Bill DeShivs wrote:The seller had no idea what he was talking about.
There is no "switchback" terminology in cutlery.
David Snell
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
welcome David,when you have the time try to post some pix of you switchblade.Eric
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Thank you Eric. I most certainly will post photographs of my flick knife as soon as I can.
David Snell
Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
So, In South Africa there are commonly called flick knives, interesting. By the way welcome & look forward to pictures of your Flick Knife
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Thank you for the welcome and yes. Photographs will be uploaded soon.
David Snell
Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Back in the 70s/80s when I was in Europe they were called Flick Knives all over and or Spring knives....Almost never heard them called switchblades
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
A "Switchblade" to me is what most other countries refer to as a "otf/Out The Front". Different strokes for different folks.
David Snell
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
Unfortunately, I cannot upload photographs of my new flick knife. Website keeps on telling me attachment(s) too large.
Having received this flick knife only yesterday morning, let me just say it is extremely small. Almost six inches long with blade open. Blade does not appear to be stainless steel and looks to me more of a novelty letter opener. It does have "FBR ITALY" stamped on front of the blade and "INOX" stamped onto the back. This knife has no real practical value to me and would be better in the collection tray of someone else. If anyone is interested, let me know.
Having received this flick knife only yesterday morning, let me just say it is extremely small. Almost six inches long with blade open. Blade does not appear to be stainless steel and looks to me more of a novelty letter opener. It does have "FBR ITALY" stamped on front of the blade and "INOX" stamped onto the back. This knife has no real practical value to me and would be better in the collection tray of someone else. If anyone is interested, let me know.
David Snell
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Re: Query on vintage switchback stiletto knife
To bad that you don't like the knife. Didn't the seller give the length of the knife? Live and learn I guess, sometimes we learn the hard way.
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