How far back do switchblades go?
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How far back do switchblades go?
I was watching a western (I don't remember which) and one of the guys had an Italian stiletto. How far back does the design go?
- Bill DeShivs
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
Late 1800s, at the earliest. The stiletto as we know it today first appeared in the early 1900s.
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
I have seen stilettos in a few westerns....The Rifleman, Magnificent Seven, and at least two others I don't remember....
- ILikeStilettos
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
That's Hollywood for you.
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
There are many historical and linguistic inaccuracies in movies.
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
And on forums....the classic looking Italian stiletto can be documented going to the 1880s.john wrote:There are many historical and linguistic inaccuracies in movies.
The Frosolone style models go back even further - mid to late 1800s.
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
I would love to see a pic of one of those early Stilettos.Bill DeShivs wrote:Late 1800s, at the earliest. The stiletto as we know it today first appeared in the early 1900s.
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Re: How far back do switchblades go?
Ask Orangboy. He's the expert.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
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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: How far back do switchblades go?
The one I remember and which help peaked my interest in these things was "Gunfight at the OK Corral". Doc Holliday played by Kirk Douglas threw 9" picklocks with deadly effect. James Coburn in the Mag 7 also threw them. These babies are not throwing knives being totally out of balance for such work. It is also unlikely that such knives were even available in the era and location that these movies took place. As noted by ILS, that's Hollywood for you.Tom19176 wrote:I have seen stilettos in a few westerns....The Rifleman, Magnificent Seven, and at least two others I don't remember....
Re: How far back do switchblades go?
Thanks for the compliment! I’m flattered!Bill DeShivs wrote:Ask Orangboy. He's the expert.
If you have the book Art Of The Switchblade you can see a variety of the earliest Maniago style stilettos. The new book from Italy has some great early pieces in there as well.
A cooperative called “Societa Cooperativa” formed in 1887 and began producing what is now the classic design.
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Italian and USA Doctorate in Cutlery Research, PHD
Italian and USA Masters in Cutlery Research, PHD
Italian and USA Masters in Cutlery Research, PHD