M. ITALY marked knife

[Richie]

Picked this up at a garage sale. When it pops open, it only opens about 2/3 and does not lock into place. Is this normal for some switchblades? Once it is locked in place, the lock is "very" tight. Any information will be appreciated regarding maker etc.

Thanks,
Richie

[knife7knut]

IMG_3113.JPG

IMG_3114.JPG

Picked this up at a garage sale. When it pops open, it only opens about 2/3 and does not lock into place. Is this normal for some switchblades? Once it is locked in place, the lock is "very" tight. Any information will be appreciated regarding maker etc.

Thanks,
Richie

A drop or two of light oil on the pivot pin should loosen it up.Nice little knife.I have a couple that are marked similarly and don't know who made them.A lot of makers in Italy in the early 50's made that pattern.Yours looks to be of that era with the cow horn scales.

[Bill DeShivs]

You do understand that you have to lift the backspring to close the knife?

[Richie]

Yes. But the spring is "really" tight to release, and I suspect that is the reason the knife does not lock in place when it is opened. The knife stops approximately in the position observed in the photo.

Richie

[Bill DeShivs]

See if the top finger guards are bent inwards-preventing the backspring from moving.

[Richie]

Not bent, blade moves freely. It appears the locking spring is too strong to permit the knife to open completely. The locking peg on the blade is wore at a 45' angle where the peg rubs against the locking spring when opening.

Richie

[Bill DeShivs]

Overly strong backsprings on picklocks are rare, but not unheard of. The pivot could also be too tight.

[Richie]

The opening spring has plenty of strength to open the blade if the locking spring is held open a little. I though of torqueing the locking spring a little, is it breakable?

[Bill DeShivs]

Very breakable!
If the pivot is loosened, the blade will probably have the momentum to overcome the backspring.

[Richie]

BINGO.. loosened the pivot pin area a little and after two bleeding fingers, no laughing please, the blade springs into position and locks. Thank you for all the information. I spread the width of the pivot area carefully with a small clamp. A small amount of pressure did it. Probably not the correct way to achieve the goal

Richie