Vintage Black Widows

[Cragar]

Seeking information:

I have a question about the original Black Widow knives that came out of Italy. My understanding is that they weren't switchblades but were in fact, manual-opening knives. Also, when I search online for the Campolin Black Widows, while they are beautiful switchblades, they have Wasp-body handles and square buttons, which I don't think the originals had either.

Several years ago I asked Pat Havlin to make a Black Widow replica (of sorts) for me, and while it is a switchblade with a round button it does not have a Wasp body.

Trying to educate myself!

Thanks,

Craig

[Cragar]

Here are some pics of my Pat Havlin Black Widow (three pictures of a single 11" knife):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sv252nxvmjzn4 ... 1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pqxyed2363i10 ... 2.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t40g00s0hmdkp ... 3.jpg?dl=0

Cragar

[Cragar]

Here's perhaps the best-looking picture of my 11" Pat Havlin Black Widow, which is a beautiful reproduction of a Black Widow even though it improves upon the original design (IMHO):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5hbplkodqnqu9 ... 4.jpg?dl=0

[natcherly]

Believe you are confusing "Black Widow" with "Black Beauty". The BB was a true switchblade that according to their ads "Opens with Supersonic Speed". However, due to the 1958 knife law, it became a manual opener that "Closes with Lightning Speed!" I think I know which version is the more desired...

[Cragar]

Natcherly, you're absolutely right! That's what I get for staying away from these boards too long. My knowledge of switchblades is waning! The true vintage Black Beauty is much more appealing.

Cragar

[jim d,]

For many of us, the mental image of the quintessential switchblade is the Italian stiletto with black scales. Having a classic this is good - having one made by Pat - well it just doesn't get any better!

Jim

[Cragar]

Thanks Jim, and thanks Natcherly for correcting my mistake.

Craig

p.s. I got lucky with the last picture I took!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5hbplkodqnqu9 ... 4.jpg?dl=0

[NorthCarolinaDude]

Thanks Jim, and thanks Natcherly for correcting my mistake.

Craig

p.s. I got lucky with the last picture I took!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5hbplkodqnqu9 ... 4.jpg?dl=0

Wow. I sat here with my mouth hanging open for a couple minutes just admiring every pixel of that image. It was a perfect example how to model and shoot a knife. And what a looker. Congrats, and thanks for sharing!!

[john]

Hi Craig,
Your Pat Havlin is outstanding
John

[gravknife]

Craig

The Pat Havlin Black Widow is a true beauty .Wise choice to have Pat make one for you,and it looks fantastic in the images you shared.
The "Black widow "original ,is the iconic italian switchblade imho .

I love Pats work and had there been fewer problems with importing knives to Britain was discussing having a design made by him.Just couldn't risk the loss in the end .
Great knife and ,keep looking for the elusive original ,i'm sure there are some knocking about in barns ,attics and drawers etc over in the U.S. waiting to be discovered.

gravknife

.

[button_man]

.

For many of us, the mental image of the quintessential switchblade is the Italian stiletto with black scales.

One of my very first switchblades was a skinny Armando Beltrame with black plastic scales. To me, this knife is everything
that a switchblade should be. I can't understand why almost no switchblades with solid black scales are being made nowadays.
It's the classic image.... surely they would sell quite well....
.

[Peiper]

Here is my Classic 1950s Latama. Peiper

[john]

Hi Peiper,
Very cool your Latama looks awesome!

[Peiper]

Hi Peiper,
Very cool your Latama looks awesome!

Thanks, John.

Here is another one of mine that is all black. M Italy 13" picklock.

IMG_7558.jpg (268.79 KiB) Viewed 1437 times

IMG_7563.jpg (441.78 KiB) Viewed 1437 times

[NorthCarolinaDude]

Wow. That's a beauty for sure, Peiper! I love those big boys. Unfortunately, the only 13" picklock I own is the AGA flat-guard wasp I acquired from you, sir. And it's only unfortunate in that I have just the one but it's extremely fortunate to have that specific one!! Almost an exact year ago, if I recall.

Nevertheless, I continue to search for more. Seems an affliction at times. But a good one nonetheless. And it's good to feel one has a purpose!!

Scott