Many Italian automatic knife manufacturers made fish patterns, including Latama, Milanese Maniago, B. Svoboda, Fabico, and more recently AKC and AGA Campolin have put out special limited editions. Historically, they did not sell very well and were more of a novelty in the day. Latama did not even feature them in their catalogs. I do believe they were all picklocks, but I have come across one that was button open, button close. That is all the information I currently possess on the subject of fish knives. As I have previously stated, these did not sell well , so the history is little to non-existent. 2011 AGA Campolin fish pattern
SPECIFICATIONS
- Scale Material:Dark Buffalo Horn
Open:10"
Closed:5 1/2"
Blade length:4 1/2"
Blade Style:Clip Point
Weight: 4.8 oz
Tang Stamp: AGA Campolin Manigo-Italy 2011
I purchased mine towards the end of March for $225. I was immediately struck by how beautiful the scales were.There was a nice fissure running down the knife near the firing button. It really makes you appreciate natural authentic materials like stag, wood, or horn. The overall build quality is extremely good, everything is straight and smooth. Like most Italian knives, this one has brass liners and nickel silver bolsters. I am not sure what the blade is made out of, but I am assuming stainless steel. The safety is functioning, it stays where it is put. I have had safety trouble with almost every Frank Beltrame I own. The action is very strong and fast. It has a very loud click. This is due to the extremely stiff lock spring. In fact, I was quite surprised by how difficult it was to disengage the blade. I had to use my t-shirt in the beginning, but now I have gotten used to it and I can now close it with little effort. The blade is a mirror polished clip point., which when closed, gives an appearance of a dorsal fin of a fish. The blade is devoid of scratches and has never been sharpened. The ergonomics of the handle are ok, but in all gives a strong grip. In conclusion, I have become proud to be the owner of this particular knife. AGA Campolin did a fine job in recreating the fish pattern. As much as I love this knife, I only take it out on special occasions. I could not risk actually cutting something with this knife, it is too nice to use.