Some of my autos!

[1967redrider]

More cool knives, Mark!

[Madmarco]

Thanks a lot John, it definitely encourages me to post more when you guys appreciate them! Keep an eye out for tomorrow's post, I'm getting closer to the quality pieces!

[Madmarco]

Well, I'm gett'n closer to my better quality knives, and it starts with today's offering! This knife was not expensive, but in terms of quality, it's a little better than what I've posted so far. This was the very 1st. auto I ever received, or even fired, so it holds a special place in my collection. I got the knife from a US seller who is willing to remove either the blade, or the spring, to accommodate shipping to import ban countries, and when they arrive in 2 separate packages, the buyer simply installs the blade if it is a model with a screw pivot, or, the leaf-spring and sex pin if it's a fixed pin model. This knife was the latter. It was very simple, since all that's involved is to slip the spring into the blade channel, and then press the sex pin through the body to hold the spring in place, and cap the pin from the opposite side. After I did this process, I closed the blade and fired the knife, and I've been hopelessly addicted to that satisfying "crack" sound one hears when firing an auto, ever since! I was so happy to have finally found a way to receive these beautiful knives that I ordered another different model immediately, but that one was seized and destroyed by Customs, because they claimed they were able to "flick" the knife open by holding down the button and flicking it open, which I didn't believe, but to fight the government over a $40. knife wasn't logical, so after that I just make sure to only order models with a screw pivot so the blades can be removed, as opposed to leaving the blades in, and needing to install the spring, seeing as, if there's no blade the knife can't be "flicked" open, PERIOD! My apologies again for my long rant, it's just that with each knife I post the memories of how I got the knife come rushing back, plus, I want you guys in the US to understand just how fortunate you are to be able to simply place your order and then sit back and wait for it to arrive, instead of constantly needing to worry if Customs will come up with some new rule allowing them to seize your knife! THE KNIFE! This one is an 8 1/2" open, all-black, swivel bolster, French Chatellerault Fishtail stiletto/SS flat-grind blade, SS fishtail bolsters, SS oval button and safety, brass liners and pins, and jet-black ebonywood scales. The safety on this knife is kindda interesting in that, it sits in a channel on the front scale, and is right up against the sides of the channel so as to help keep it in place and not become loose or sloppy. It has "Italian Milano" stamped on the front tang, and the dreaded "CHINA" stamped on the back tang. Fires hard and fast, and locks-up solid with no play! This knife would be excellent for "click therapy", since if the spring breaks it's a simple matter of popping it out, and replacing it, even with a homemade spring, but I don't use it for that since it's sortta special to me! US$24.99! Thanks for listening, Mark! P.S.-For any who don't know this, if you click once on the pics it opens in a new window, and then click a 2nd time, and it expands to see the detail!

[1967redrider]

Cool knife and story, Mark.


So when Customs seizes a knife, do they mail you something with an explanation or how do they contact you and what to they communicate? Or do they just leave you guessing? Just wondering and I hope we never have to deal with such nonsense here in the US.

John

[Madmarco]

John! It varies what Customs will do with your packages. In Canada, you can usually follow the parcel with the tracking, from the date is was mailed, to all the stops along the way, to Customs inspection/release or seizure, and all the way to your mailbox. If the package is released the tracking tells you that's what happened, but if it's seized the tracking just doesn't update, in which case you can be pretty sure it's been seized. Customs may or may not send you a nasty letter threatening fines and/or jail time, but what usually happens is they just add your knife to their personal collection, and don't send you anything. Before covid-19 they were receiving 10's of thousands of knife packages on a monthly basis, and what they were doing, and still are, was giving the parcel an initial x-ray, and if it contained a knife or a gun, it was put aside for further examination. They had an unwritten rule that you couldn't inquire about your package until 15 days after they received it, but since the virus, they are so back-logged with other packages from people ordering online instead of going to the physical store, that the 15 day rule doesn't apply, you simply get it when you get it. I got this info from calling them to see where a package was, and that was about 3 weeks ago, and they told me that they're currently working on parcels from 2019, so to not expect my package anytime soon! Surprisingly, I got the package 2 days later, but it had already been at Customs for a month! I had a package intercepted at the mail centre at our airport that contained 8 autos, and 1 manual that the seller had included as a gift, and when it arrived only the manual was in it, along with an official form stating that 8 prohibited knives had been seized from the parcel, but that was it, no nasty letter, nothing, and nothing ever came of it, other than me being out $500. Since Customs took it upon themselves to outlaw any knife that doesn't require 2 hands to open, all the collectors and enthusiasts in Canada have been ordering all the models they can get, in an attempt to get them before Customs decides to make-up some more rules on their own. The x-ray then put aside deal, is extremely unfair to us knife guys, since the fair way to do it is "first come, first served", but complaints just fall on deaf ears, and who has the money to take Customs to court for implementing rules that they just made-up, instead of them coming from parliament. The Customs Clowns are just that, clowns, but even they know how futile and money and time consuming it would be to attempt to prosecute anyone, or everyone! I've had 4 separate seizures, and not one of them did I get a nasty letter or any sort of reprimand. So, we just use the shipping "loophole" and wait patiently! I think the seller who sent the 8 and 1 may have opened a complaint case about the seizure, because I received a letter saying a 3rd party had opened a case, but it was ruled against him, although he couldn't confirm that it was him who opened the case, due to the language barrier, so I'm not sure who it was. I have heard of cases where Customs kept the prohibited items and released the legal items for delivery, such as with my case, but more often than not, they simply seize the parcel including the legal items, period. The only way I found out about the knife that they "flicked" open, was because I finally called them to see where it was, and they informed me about the "flicking" process, and that I wouldn't be receiving my package, they didn't send a letter or anything. Lazy, dimwitted government employees, what can ya do! I too hope you guys never have to deal with all this BS, thank your lucky stars that you truly live in the land of the free! Hope this answers your question! Mark.

[Madmarco]

Well, here's today's knife guys, and of course, it's story! Got this one from DHGate, and it was being offered in lots of 2, so, I ordered the white one, and, a black one. I knew going in that they were autos, so my expectations of actually receiving them weren't too high, but I was hoping. The delivery date came and went, and nothing had arrived, so I just assumed they had been seized by Customs and forgot about them. Low and behold, the package arrived a month later, and both knives were in it, but, the black one wasn't an auto, as well as being a style of knife that I already had a copy of, albeit with brown scales. Now, it's not a bad knife, it flies open fast and strong via the extended "flipper", came razor-sharp, and has nice hefty weight to it, but seeing as I already owned one, I didn't need another, so I went back to the listing to see why I had received a different knife than the one I THOUGHT I'd ordered. When I looked at the pics in the listing, sure enough, it showed the one I had received, so it was my mistake for not paying enough attention to the pictures and description. This was only my 2nd successful auto knife order, and I was so pleased with the white knife, that I immediately forgot the mix-up, and was happy to have at least received 1 more auto. I'll tell ya guys, it's a full-time job trying to successfully order automatic knives in Canada, so it's a good thing I'm retired and can devote all my efforts towards it! Now, to the knives! The auto is an AKC(Automatic Knife Company)8 3/4" swivel bolster release stiletto/SS bayonet blade, SS bolsters/button/safety and liners, brass pins, and faux MOP scales. Has "AKC" and "ITALY" etched on the front tang, but, coming out of China it could very well be a clone. Clone or not, the knife fires hard and fast, and locks-up tight with no play! US$18.99. The A/O manual is a 9" liner-lock stiletto/SS bayonet blade, SS bolsters/pivot/screws and liners, extended A/O flipper, and jet-black ebonywood scales. There are no markings on this knife, although, the other one I own with brown scales is a Krieger product, so perhaps this one is as well. It was the 2nd knife in the lot for US$18.99, so overall, 2 knives, 1 an auto and 1 a manual for $18.99 is a pretty good deal! Enjoy, and see ya tomorrow! Mark.

[Razamanaz]

Hey,
Glad to see a fellow Canadian interested in autos. Yeah, unfortunately anything that comes from DHGate is not a real Italian auto but for a cheap knife at risk of getting confiscated from CBSA...its worth the money. Luckily I've only had 2 confiscated in my 3 or so years of collecting and some nice knives from amazing Italian and German makers have made it through. Its an expensive hobbies but well worth it when you see the quality of some of these knives that just sit in display cases. Keep on collecting.

Cheers,
D

[Madmarco]

Hey D! Glad to hear from you! I don't know if you've read any of my other posts under "Some of my autos", but if you haven't, perhaps read some of them, and you can see some of the other problems I've encountered getting these knives. I've had 4 separate seizures by Customs, so in all likelihood I've been "Red-Flagged" by them, but I've found a US seller who accommodates shipping to import ban countries by removing either the spring for fixed pin models, or, the blade for screw and barrel pivot models, and sends them in a separate package, effectively turning the knife into "parts" and not illegal to import. Customs holds my packages for as long as they're allowed to, but all are eventually released. The shipping fees are kindda high, but at least they always get to me, and, I've worked out a fixed shipping price with him that is MUCH lower than if you just do it via "checkout". Lots of people don't care for this guy, but if you're straight-up and honest with him, he's a pretty good guy. We also just started using another method that I'll describe to you in a PM. Also, I'd like to hear how you received yours, and from where. I've got 15 more autos to post, and I'm doing 1-a-day, so check back daily and you'll see some gorgeous knives. Please post some of yours, I'd love to see em'! Thx, Mark!

[Razamanaz]

Hey Mark,
Yeah, I know who you're talking about, its JB from assisted knife kits...hes an ass clown and not very much liked on these forms! I started getting my knives from him and my credit card got comprised twice by him so I haven't ordered since. Another site you'd like if you're not already on it is talkblade. Everyone is amazing and willing to help. You wanna see some beautiful and expensive knives check that site out.

Cheers
Dino

[Madmarco]

Yah Dino, sounds like you've had your experiences with JB. I guess I've been lucky cuz I've never had a problem with him or my credit cards, and I've been dealing with him for close to 5 years. I've visited talkblade, but I already belong to this forum and another one, and those 2 take up a lot of my time as-it-is, so I don't want to cut myself too short. Also, don't know if you're familiar with www.knifepurveyor.com , but if you're not, check it out and you'll see some very unique and expensive knives, autos and manuals. Post some of your knives! Mark!

[1967redrider]

Cool looking Stiletto switches, Mark!

[Madmarco]

Thanks John! Both are surprisingly good knives considering they're Chinese made. Mark!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Some really nice knives you have there. Not sure I could take that kind of frustration when I order a knife. You must have the patience of Job.

[Madmarco]

Well, I don't know if that's the case Mark, but it certainly IS a job trying to successfully receive my knives! It's actually a ton-of-fun, and I don't have too much else to do anyway, so it works for me! I have some really nice ones coming up, so keep watching! Mark!

[Madmarco]

I'm posting these 2 together today because they are the only OTF's I own. And, as usual, there's a story behind them. They are both DHGate acquisitions, albeit about 6-8 months apart. When I first spotted the smaller one close to a year ago, my immediate reaction was, "wow, that's cool", so I ordered it shortly after. This is one that came in pieces, and the blade separately. When both parcels arrived, I set out to assemble it. Instant problems because, I didn't have the correct screwdrivers, and couldn't find any anywhere. So, I used what I had and this was tough, because the screws are so small that it was very difficult to get them to grip the screws and turn them. After plenty of struggling I got it together, and tried to fire it. Nothing! It was really hard to even budge the firing button, and I couldn't move it enough to fire the knife. I sat back and tried to figure out what was wrong. Suddenly it dawned on me, I had tightened the screws too tight, and all the moving parts were jammed up against each other. I loosened the screws a bit at a time until the button moved smoothly in the channel, and the blade fired and retracted properly. I added a couple of drops of Quick Release, and that maximized the action to hard and fast. After owning the knife for a couple of months I was examining it one day, and thought to myself, "this would look good as an "Icepick" model", so I ground off the bolster "ears", and presto, an Icepick! As soon as the larger version was available I ordered it. I got both knives from the same seller, and when I ordered it I told the seller I wanted the large version to compliment the smaller one I'd got from him, assuming he would know what I meant and would send me a black knife. He sent the 2nd knife "No charge" for the knife and the shipping, with his compliments for me being a good customer. Now I thought this was a hell-of-a-deal, until it arrived and saw it was blue! I foolishly was about to let this oversight bother me, but fortunately quickly realized it was a gift, and to accept it as such. The assembly of this knife went much smoother seeing as the seller had sent me an entire kit of new screwdrivers as compensation for some rather shoddy Customer Service he had previously displayed, about which I have posted in an earlier post. I've given some thought to making this one an Icepick also, but decided against it, by rationalizing it would be good to have 1 of each! Gotta love knife adventures! Now, to the specs! The top knife is a 9" unmarked OTF stiletto/SS bayonet blade, SS bolsters and screws, what appears to be cast iron frame and trigger, and black/white ABS scales. Fires hard and fast, with nearly negligible play. The bottom knife is simply the 11" version with the exact same specs as the 9", but with blue/dark blue scales. It operates just as well as it's smaller counterpart, firing fast and hard, and the tiniest amount of play which these knives are notorious for. US$29.95 and $00.00. respectively, and the online stores are charging US$69.95 and $95.95. and up! These are big, square, heavy, boxy type knives, that open and close via the exposed trigger, and are really only useful as display and conversation pieces, as well as excellent "click therapy" knives! The really good part about receiving my knives in pieces is, I learn exactly how they operate, and should one break I'd have an excellent chance of repairing it! That's it for today guys!

[1967redrider]

Nice, Mark. I really like the blue swirl in that knife.

[cody6268]

Nice collection!

In Virginia, you cannot transfer or carry them; and owning them is a legal minefield as the law is a headache. While local law enforcement has no issue with any knife as long as it's being used in a non-malicious manner, I figure it's best to stay on the safe side and not buy any. Folks are considering moving to Wyoming, and I'm now on that bandwagon. Automatic knives are perfectly legal to own and to carry in WY, and I have a long list that keeps growing of automatics (both modern and vintage) I want to get; my favorite being the Spyderco Autonomy. As soon as I move, I'll probably be buying a ton of automatics. We're buying some decent acreage there too, which means I'll need one that can be a good workhorse. And I feel the Autonomy will take what I need it to take, as well as being a good knife for horsemanship; in that, it opens quickly and is sheepsfoot tip, meaning will work great to free myself from a stirrup, for example.

[Madmarco]

Thanks John and Cody, I appreciate the comments! I too came to like the blue-swirl John, it's even nicer in person! As you can probably see, my knives are strictly for collection and enjoyment purposes, but if I were still a younger man and out-and-about like I use to be, I'd definitely be looking for an auto workhorse just like you described Cody. Sounds like you've done your research and will wind-up with a good one! Good luck with the move, I'd bet green money you'll love the wide-open spaces of Wyoming!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

I do like the looks of that one you took the “ears” off of. That makes for a much better looking knife. That blue swirl is nice.

[Madmarco]

Thanks Mark! I also really like the "Icepick" profile, and ya know, those bolsters are solid SS and took awhile to grind off with my Dremel tool, but I'm pleased with the outcome. The blue-swirl is much nicer in person, but the black-swirl on the smaller knife is kindda hard to detect unless one looks closely.

[Madmarco]

O.K., here we go! These 3 are the last of my lower-end models, but even though they're less expensive knives, they're still pretty cool! There's a much shorter story attached to these ones, cuz they arrived with no problems! I ordered the 1st one separately, using the "Low Value" shipping method, which allows for the knives to be sent fully assembled, and, it arrived quickly and without incident. As soon as that happened I ordered the 2nd and 3rd knives, and they too arrived with no fan fair! All 3 are 13" swivel bolster models/SS dagger blades, SS and brass bolsters, brass liners and pins, safeties, and ebony wood scales on the top knife, and dark horn scales on the middle and bottom knives. All 3 have the usual "AKC" and "MADE IN ITALY", "STAINLESS STEEL" etched on the front tangs, and since the etch is the official AKC etch, they might be the real-deal, and not clones. I have noticed that on the clones the AKC etch is considerably different than what it is on the original models, so that's why I make the previous statement. I may be way off base on this, cuz they come out of China, but who knows, and besides, all 3 fire hard and lock-up solid with little or no blade play! US$100. for all 3! Nice, big, heavy swords, just the way I like em'!

[Bill DeShivs]

FYI- AKC doesn't sell knives through China.

[samb1955]

Years back I saw somewhere that China were using a akc stamp and the fake and original stamp we're shown and there was a difference. If you bought it from DHGate it's a fake. Doesn't make it a POS just makes it a fake. If it is worth it to you enjoy it but just realize what it is and what it isn't. I guess for a few extra bucks they will stamp Bill DeShivs on it, or so I've heard.

[1967redrider]

Those are very formidable switches, Mark. Is the closed length 13"? I have seen a dealer selling some pretty long switches at a knife show. I can imagine there's some kick to the knife opening?

[samb1955]

I've heard the same samb, although don't know why anyone would want to!

Resale,.if you don't mind ripping someone off you could make a nice profit.