I just ordered an 11" (28 cm) SKM Dark Horn Flat Grind Stiletto from Grindworx.

[Fishtail Picklock]

As you can tell from the title, I bought a new SKM Dark Horn, Flat Grind Stiletto. Grindworx has them on sale right now for $69.99. I bought it before I leave for Mexico in August. (It is safer this way).

<img src="https://www.grindworx.com/imgs/knives/s ... 759-jr.jpg" alt="SKM 11&quot; Dark Horn Automatic Stiletto Knife - Satin Plain"/>

I hope that I snag a good one.

[bford1]

That does look nice. I have two similar knives from Frank Beltrame that I paid about twice that for. I wonder how they would compare.

[sammy the blade]

Luck of the draw on Italians anymore, good luck.

[Fishtail Picklock]

That does look nice. I have two similar knives from Frank Beltrame that I paid about twice that for. I wonder how they would compare.

I have a beautiful AKC Dark Horn, Fishtail Picklock (9.75" OAL) with a high-polished blade that is a beauty and two AKC Satin Blade Fishtail Picklock knives (also 9.75") with Cocobolo scales that are nice. The 9" AKC Honey Horn scaled sample with a satin ATS-34 Flat-grind blade is OUTSTANDING! (So good that it is an EDC knife).

I love the flat-grind knives so much because they can be used as well as shown.

[Fishtail Picklock]

The knife arrived this morning and the horn is extremely dark. There's a tiny streak of white in the horn on the back scale. The piece is tight and looks as if it could even be a decent carry knife (I prefer to carry my Honey Horn ATS-34 steel 9" knife because it "works like a soul inspired" when called upon for daily cutting tasks).

The flat grind is cooler than a bayonet because it serves more purposes than a "toad stabber" ever could.

[picklocksrock]

I am considering ordering a flat grind from Grindworx. I’m not too familiar with them. How is the quality?

[Fishtail Picklock]

I like it. The quality isn't what it was 60 years ago, but you can "tighten them up" a bit for pocket carry. The "holy grail" is the SKM ATS-34 blade, flat grind, picklock. (IMHO). This makes a perfect EDC because it is sharp when you need to use it. They're fantastic for larger cutting chores as well as fine work.
As an EDC, today's best bet is the Kershaw Launch 8. It is a stiletto with a usable steel blade. They can be had for about $100.00

[picklocksrock]

I like it. The quality isn't what it was 60 years ago, but you can "tighten them up" a bit for pocket carry. The "holy grail" is the SKM ATS-34 blade, flat grind, picklock. (IMHO). This makes a perfect EDC because it is sharp when you need to use it. They're fantastic for larger cutting chores as well as fine work.
As an EDC, today's best bet is the Kershaw Launch 8. It is a stiletto with a usable steel blade. They can be had for about $100.00

You’re so right about the advantages of a nice flat grind. I only have like a few of them and they really grew on me it’s crazy. In fact out of all the different blade profiles and designs, a flat grind blade in my opinion just looks the best. I don’t know what it is about it that I love so much. Also they are getting more and more difficult to find. Definitely not many 11 inch of these out there. Nice find and I’m glad you like it. Now I’m looking for a Frank B swinger with a flat grind blade. My favorite knives to collect are leverletto/lever lock as well.

[natcherly]

Looks like you got a winner! I too like the flat grind.

I am interested in the SKM attribution. That operation closed down several years ago. They used to be the main sponsors of this forum. Arthas continues supporting the forum as a labor of love. The pictured knife just says "MADE ITALY". Can you fill us in?