All About Pocket Knives

Killgar wrote: ↑Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:07 am What type of knife are you referring to?

I've seen Italian stilettos dated to the 1920's and 30's that have soldered bolsters. But soldering has been around a lot longer than that, so it wouldn't surprise me if much older knives of all different types also have soldered bolsters. I've also seen makers of Italian stilettos solder bolsters in recent years, particularly with pick locks.

As far as numbered parts, also in regards to Italian stilettos, there was a time when the men assembling the knives would take the time to carefully custom fit all parts of a particular knife to produce a high-quality knife. They would number the parts of an individual knife with the same numbers so that the parts custom fitted for that knife would not get mixed up with other parts.

One maker that I know of who continued to number parts in modern times is Renzo Pascotto.

tenntuxedo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 05, 2023 5:43 pm ... I believe any stiletto style switchblade made prior to 1950 with flat guards will have the two-piece front bolsters with the "ears" soldered on... when the one piece stamped front bolsters started in use around 1948, the "ears" have a rounded look, and were integral with the whole bolster... however,.. the step line on the guards was very clearly defined, and looks almost like the early soldered on ones... a feature unfortunately lacking in later knives... I have an old Frosolone made switchblade with two piece brass bolsters, and the silver solder line is easily seen.... post some photos of your knife.....

tenntuxedo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 05, 2023 5:43 pm ... I believe any stiletto style switchblade made prior to 1950 with flat guards will have the two-piece front bolsters with the "ears" soldered on... when the one piece stamped front bolsters started in use around 1948, the "ears" have a rounded look, and were integral with the whole bolster... however,.. the step line on the guards was very clearly defined, and looks almost like the early soldered on ones... a feature unfortunately lacking in later knives... I have an old Frosolone made switchblade with two piece brass bolsters, and the silver solder line is easily seen.... post some photos of your knife.....

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:32 pm You will have a better experience here if you learn to post photos. It’s easy - even I can do it. Go here viewforum.php?f=98. Scroll down to find instructions for your device. (There’s a lot of other useful info there also - your source for most how-to questions.

Ken

tenntuxedo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:42 pm ... HVAC,.. Great photos ....look like you have a 1950' thru 58 "D" stamped knife... yes, the bolsters are soldered on, but they are the die stamped one piece type, meaning the guards or "ears" are made into the bolster instead made separately and soldered together... it is a quality knife as the liners are full brass and covering the ears.. it looks like the button spring is missing... It is worth repairing.. are the handle scales and blade in good shape,..? ... is there a stamp or stamps on the blade,..? ... thanx...

Bill DeShivs wrote: ↑Wed Dec 06, 2023 7:24 pm The button spring us under the button.