New Guy - Going to Italy

Royal Payne · Post by **Royal Payne** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 5:43 am

Hey there y'all - I've recently discovered the joys of buying switchblades online (after customs nabbed my cheap Mexican stiletto coming back from Tijuana- nothing like being told you can't have something to make you want it more!) and become one of the obsessed... haunting BA and the AB, SKM and Frank B. websites. I'm vacationing in Italy and wondering if it's worth it to look for old stilettos in junk shops or even make a side trip to Maniago to visit the shops of Frank B and the rest. I'm wondering if anyone else has made a similar pilgrimage, and if so, relied on the Italian postal service to get the booty home. Of course, my fantasy is to find a Latama in some old shop for a handful of lira... doubtful, I know, but a man can dream...

Stone Knife · Post by **Stone Knife** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 6:22 am

Per the forum rules we can't discuss shipping but I'd sure do some shopping if I was in the land of springblades!
I can't think of a better reason to go there nor a better place to go to find old classics.

Abbia un viaggio meraviglioso!

mrbigg · Post by **mrbigg** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:01 am

welcome to the forum royal payne...you are in the right place if you are looking for italian switchblade lovers.....

please take a few moments to aquaint yourself with our posting suggestions....
i know i sure would do some shopping too

i wish i had even thought to look when i was in rome in 94

DOH!!

Royal Payne · Post by **Royal Payne** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 7:29 am

woops, right you are- mea culpa to our hosts and no more talk on shipping from me...

still, I have every intention of a fruitful trip!

The Falcon · Post by **The Falcon** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 8:14 am

Royal,

What'd the Feds say when they found you in possession of the Mexican version of a WMD?

Vagrant · Post by **Vagrant** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 8:29 am

Welcome Royal Payne
While avoiding S&H matters, I will say it's my understanding the auto cutlery is not legal in it's homeland except for export. However an exploration of the shops [and small makers] may turn up an occassional treasure if you're lucky. Coltello a scatto or Coltelli a scatto [singular and plural] are the Italian terms if it helps any.

mr_edge · Post by **mr_edge** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:56 am

Please let me first say...Lucky you! Second, I am very nimble and would fit perfectly in one of your suitcases....I would be happy to help you hunt for deals!

I don't think I'd ever forgive myself if I didn't make a pilgrimage to Managio while in the neighbourhood. You should make a point of getting there. BTW, apparently Latamas were never marketed in Europe. They were all produced for export to North America. I'd footnote that fact, but everyone probably realizes I just read "Switchblades of Italy".

Pushbutton · Post by **Pushbutton** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 3:20 pm

There are numerous people on here and TSF who have made many trips over. As far as what they returned with in terms of age and rarity I'm not sure. But they all agreed that there hosts were fantastic.
PB

Vagrant · Post by **Vagrant** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 9:22 pm

I've heard Italians are about the best hosts in the world

I've read the scenery around the Maniago area is fantastic

Mountains, trout streams, beautiful valleys, trout streams, many small knife making companies, and trout streams. You might even find a place to fish

I've been told it's a "little out of the way" so rent a Ferrari and enjoy the drive

Pushbutton · Post by **Pushbutton** » Sun Mar 14, 2004 11:11 pm

I believe up in the Italian Alps which as Al said makes for some beautiful country. The only thing I'm not sure about is if they have any trout streams

PB

DISTORTION · Post by **DISTORTION** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:53 am

Good luck on your trip Mr. Payne!

Remember to bring lots of American folding-loot!
A digital camera wouldnt hurt.

Vagrant · Post by **Vagrant** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 7:16 am

Pushbutton wrote:I believe up in the Italian Alps which as Al said makes for some beautiful country. The only thing I'm not sure about is if they have any trout streams
PB

Angelo went Trout fishing when he left work early on his birthday [same as mine]. Since he didn't take the whole day off [if my memory is correct] the Stream must have been fairly close

Post by **jim d,** » Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:48 pm

Royal Payne,

Welcome to the forum. Photos of Maniago are contained in the switchblade websites. Just go to the top of this section of the forum and then to page 1 of the "Switchblade Websites" thread.

Jim