Latama
LATAMA stands for Latin America Import Export Company and was founded by Jacob (Jack) Polinkovsky in the postwar years. Originally, the company dealt in silk exports to South America but eventually ventured into knife trading after Jack purchased British folding knives used in World War II and sold them in Venezuela for a profit. This led to the revival of the knife industry in Maniago, Italy, where Jack established LATAMA as one of the leading automatic knife manufacturers. The company started operations by exporting British "paratrooper" knives.
LATAMA faced the problem of sourcing high-quality steel in Northern Italy after World War II. Jack solved this issue by securing a supply agreement with Austrian company Boehler. LATAMA contracted with knife companies Coricama and Teja & Rosa Knifeworks in Maniago, and Romano Matsolli's Due Cigni brand, to produce scissors, small folding knives, and stilettos. Jack saw the popularity of automatic stilettos among American soldiers and teenagers and hired Patrizio Pasquale as supervisor in Maniago to manufacture different types of knives under the LATAMA brand. Abraham Abramovits was appointed as LATAMA's representative in Maniago to handle exports. Jack owned the brand stamps during the "golden age" of automatic stilettos in Italy.
LATAMA stilettos are known for their thick ejector and locking springs, attractive horn handle material, and high-quality blade materials and finishes. While the brand name itself contributes to its popularity, LATAMA also introduced various innovations and improvements to its knives during its 9 years of switchblade production. Despite the challenges in dating specific changes and determining the production timelines of certain models, it's clear that LATAMA was a leader in developing new technologies and products.
BEAUTIFUL WALTS LATAMA 9 INCH WITH THAT ACTION YOU EXPECT OUT OF THESE KNIVES AND THAT UNMISTAKABLE SOUND WHEN YOU LAUNCH ONE OF THESE. SWIVEL BOLSTER RELEASE, NO PLAY NO PEEK TIGHT LOCK...
Item # 132042
$399.00 $425.00
Vintage/mint 1950's Latama picklock Switchblade Stiletto knife , 11inches in open position , Genuine brazilian horn handles with 2 hairline cracks on top side , D-stamped brass liners, Brass pins,...
Item # 131972
$2,000.00
Vintage 1950's Italian "Latama" Flatguard switchblade stiletto magnets i had made around 25+ years ago , these were made with permission by Sam Polk the owner of Latama at that time. magnets...
Item # 130748
$20.00
Walt,s Latama 11" classic bayonet swivel bolster. Fully lined nickel silver bolsters, thick backspring and blade, Brazilian horn scales. New with box. Check, money order or PayPal...
Item # 129004
$460.00
Walt's Latama 11" Classic Bayonet swivel bolster. Fully lined nickle silver bolsters, thick backspring and blade. new in box with velvet pouch. Purchased direct from Walt last year. Check, money...
Item # 128346
$460.00
Vintage 1950's Italian "Latama" Flatguard switchblade stiletto magnets i had made around 25+ years ago , these were made with permission by Sam Polk the owner of Latama. magnets measure 3"x4" and...
Item # 123646
$20.00
Rare 1950's Latama 9" square button stiletto. This is the actual knife pictured and featured in the book "Switchblades Of Italy" on page 31. It is in the best condition of any of the original...
Item # 123523
$13,500.00
Vintage 1950's Italian "Latama" switchblade stiletto magnets i had made around 25+ years ago , magnets measure 3"x4" , these were copied from old Latama promo book . you will receive 5...
Item # 123339
$20.00
Walt's Latama 11" Classic Bayonet Flatguard Picklock, fully lined, nickel silver bolsters, Thick back spring and blade, New condition with box. Check, money order, or paypal...
Item # 129003
$525.00
Rare early model 11" walts Latama made around 2008-2010 , Genuine Mother of Pearl handles ,solid brass pins secure handles, 1.2mm brass liners, polished stainless steel bolsters button and safety...
Item # 127481
$600.00
Latama switchblade, aboout 4 7/8" long closed. Parts or repair knife. Kris blade is 4" long, wobbles in the locked position, blade is deeply pitted.The push button does not work and the blade will...
Item # 127444
$75.00
M. Italy 13” 33cm. Everything works as it should. Fires nice with good lockup when open. Some damage to the horn back side top. ...
Item # 127073
$250.00
Vintage 1950's Italian "Latama" Flatguard switchblade stiletto magnets i had made around 25+ years ago , these were made with permission by Sam Polk the owner of Latama. magnets measure 3"x4" and...
Item # 124984
$20.00
Vintage 1950's Italian "Latama" Flatguard switchblade stiletto magnets i had made around 25+ years ago , these were made with permission by Sam Polk the owner of Latama. magnets measure 3"x4" and...
Item # 124896
$20.00
Vintage 1950's Italian "Latama" switchblade stiletto magnets i had made around 25+ years ago , magnets measure 3"x4" , these were copied from old Latama promo book . you will receive 5...
Item # 123335
$20.00
Knife is a 13” swivel bolster. Marked B Rostfrei and Stiletto Siciliano. Fires good and locks up tight. Nice Pearlex handles that have a small amount of what I’m calling damage on the...
Item # 121810
$100.00
brand new unused condition, unsharpened 9" size, buffalo horn handles locks up tight with a loud click snaps open strong and satisfying because of the 5mm spring which is the...
Item # 110532
$420.00
First things first, the tang stamp looks like "Latana" to me, not Latama, but also says Made in Italy. Not having much experience with this knife type I have no idea if that's the way it's...
Item # 107002
$400.00
