Picked up a couple of Italians

[Bobby B]

I picked up a couple of Italians one is a 8" leverlock with brass bolsters and rosewood scales the blade tang is stamped rostfrei and the kissing crane symbol is etched on the blade the other one an all black Frank B 9" the handles are held on by small brass screws it could be a kit knife but I'm not sure both work great I'd love to post some pictures by my phone camera is acting up.

[Killgar]

The Frank B. sounds like one of their "Switch" line of 9" knives. They have black blades and screw-on handles. As opposed to their "Classic" line of 9" knives, with bare steel blades and pinned handles.

The "Switch" line is their "economy" line that they created to compete with lower-priced Chinese stilettos.

[Bobby B]

Yep I think you're right on the Frank B

[john]

If you can, please post photos to confirm.

[Tom19176]

Some of the Frank B switches have the normal silver blades too

[Tom19176]

https://www.myswitchblade.com/shop/9-it ... 9-bayonet/

[Tom19176]

FB Switch 1.jpg (66.89 KiB) Viewed 1186 times

[Bobby B]

It looks like those in the picture except the knife is black coated including the blade the only exception is the safety cap its stainless

[Tom19176]

Bobby click on the link I posted above.

[Killgar]

Some of the Frank B switches have the normal silver blades too

Thanks for the correction Tom, I forgot about the bare-bladed "Switch" knives. I guess the handle screws will have to be the tell-tale visible distinction between the "Switch" and the "Classic".

I see that myswitchblade.com provides a quoted description from the now defunct Frank Beltrame website. I always found it funny that the Beltrames actual describe the "Switch" line by saying "not for those seeking quality".

Owners of the "Switch" line should be aware that they do not respond well to frequent firings. Even less so than regular stiletto switchblades. This is due to the fragility of the alloy (zamak) liners, and their potential for breakage from the stress of pressing the firing button. That's the most common complaint I've seen anyway.