Roy’s Italian Switchblades

[RoyS]

Greeting fellow knife enthusiasts,

I know we all love photos and as much as my photography skills are limited, I do enjoy attempting to get a nice knife photo. With that in mind and as I’m a novice ‘switchblade’ collector, I thought I would start a dedicated thread to share my efforts such as they are - both in photography and knives collected.

Here is my Latama Walt’s Picklock custom 28cm (11”) with stag horn scales.

Cheerio & happy collecting,

Roy

[Madmarco]

That's a stunning knife Roy, you're a fortunate man! I'm really liking the 5mm spring, beautiful filework, and lovely turquoise stone inlay on the button, and that's to say nothing about the stag covers! Gorgeous!

[RoyS]

Thanks mate,

Appreciate your kind words. Yes, this one caught my eye and ticket a lot of boxes for me, so I felt it was a grand place to start.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Samb]

That's a beauty!

[RoyS]

Thanks Samb,

I was certainly one that I just couldn't resist. Mind you, stag has always been one of my favorite knife handle materials, so coupled with the other details, it was too much to resist..

Cheerio,
Roy

[QTCut5]

I'm really liking the 5mm spring

What's a "5mm spring"? (sorry for my ignorance, but I'm not too knowledgeable about switchblade lingo)

Here is my Latama Walt’s Picklock custom 28cm (11”) with stag horn scales.

Beautiful knife and photo, Roy. I, too, am a huge fan of stag scales.

[Bill DeShivs]

"5 mm" is the width of the backspring and other steel parts-thicker than other modern stilettos.

[Madmarco]

Thanks Bill!

[Madmarco]

I'm really liking the 5mm spring

What's a "5mm spring"? (sorry for my ignorance, but I'm not too knowledgeable about switchblade lingo)
It's the spring that makes up the spine of the knife ~Q~, as well as it being a 1-piece affair (usually) with an extending prong branching off of the spine section, thus being the part that propels the blade out when the button is pushed. When you close the blade, the prong is pushed back toward the spine by the tang and making your knife ready to fire again. By the unsharpened tang being used to close the knife, you don't end-up with nicks in the blade. With springs that wide the blades fire very fast and hard. Hope this helps, and you're not being ignorant in the least my friend, how else do you learn unless you ask!

Here is my Latama Walt’s Picklock custom 28cm (11”) with stag horn scales.

Beautiful knife and photo, Roy. I, too, am a huge fan of stag scales.

[QTCut5]

Mahalo for the explanation, Bill & Marco.

So, Marco, could you tell that Roy's Latama had a 5mm spring just from looking at his picture? Or did you already know it had one from previous experience with that brand?

[RoyS]

Hi Q,

I'm no expert but I believe the larger 5mm components are somewhat of a 'trademark' of Latama reflecting their quality.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Mahalo for the explanation, Bill & Marco.

So, Marco, could you tell that Roy's Latama had a 5mm spring just from looking at his picture? Or did you already know it had one from previous experience with that brand?

Both, my friend! If you look at the spine on any modern inexpensive stiletto, which is usually about 3mm, then compare it to the spine on a Latama which is usually 5mm, and it's easy to see the difference. Plus, I visit the Latama site occasionally, ( https://latama.net ) (safe site!) to drool and read the descriptions, and the info is there. They are the Rolls-Royce of automatic knives! IMHO!

[Madmarco]

Hi Q,

I'm no expert but I believe the larger 5mm components are somewhat of a 'trademark' of Latama reflecting their quality.

Cheerio,
Roy

I could be way off Roy, but I think you're right! Something is telling me Latama started the 5mm hardware and other companies copied it from them, but as I said, I might be way off! Bill will tell us for sure when he reads this!

[Bill DeShivs]

Many 1950s stilettos used thick steel.

[Madmarco]

There ya go Roy, I told you I could be way off!

[QTCut5]

If anyone would know it's Mr. Switchblade DeShivs.
That's just one of the things that makes this site so great: access to experts who are willing to share their knowledge.

[RoyS]

Thank you to all for your comments and participation,

It's very enjoyable reading everyones thoughtful and knowledgeable posts.

I'm hoping that in a day or two I will get to some more photograph to share a new addition..

Cheerio,
Roy

[RoyS]

Hi Gents,

Here is my new addition to my modest collection.

A Latama 28cm swivel bolster, white bone with skull.

Love the way the photo came out.

Enjoy,
Roy

[QTCut5]

Beautiful Latama and great photo!

[RoyS]

Thanks Q,

I thought they looked like a nice pair.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Beautiful Latama Roy, and your embossed six-shooter ain't too shabby either! If you don't mind me asking, where are you getting your Latamas, cuz they sure don't sell them moded like yours on their site? I'd also like to suggest more pictures; closed, other side, different angles, etc., cuz we LOVE pictures! Thx!

[RoyS]

Thanks for those kind words.

I got this one from PVK, they have 'two' more like it but this one spoke to me.

I will sort out some more pics too.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Thanks Roy!

[RoyS]

Here you go folks,

A few closeup pics of my first knife shown - A modern Latama 'Walt's' custom stage.

If anyone wants specific photos of any of my knives, then please ask, I'm always happy to share, it's what we are all here for..

Cheerio,
Roy

[Samb]

That's a real beauty!