All About Pocket Knives

Hi there, im new to this forum. Ive searched the forum by the tags and did not find anyone. I am lookin for someone who own a AGA Campolin Batwing swinguard switchblade.

I am also interested to buy one, id love to buy a 13" shield button dagger with any scales.


Dave

Looks like you aren’t alone; viewtopic.php?p=946220&hilit=AGA+Campol ... ng#p946220

bestgear wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 11:42 am Looks like you aren’t alone; https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... ng#p946220

Thank you for sharing this useful information with me

A knife Many of us has looked for.When they do poo up be ready to pony out the $$.Last one i saw at the gun and knife show seller wanted $1400. Yes thats correct.one thousand four hundred. Idont know if he was scalping or not as i havent seen many on the secondmarket for sale.They have Rolex resale value i guess. Certainly a nice knife but im sure i could get somone to do a custom build for less than that.

This knife has an indented swing guard, what's so special about it?

An AGA Campolin 13" batwing swing guard with bayonet blade and shield button sold at Arizona Customs this past May for $995.

Another batwing with dagger blade and diamond button sold recently at Apple Valley Knives for $1000.

One with bayonet blade and shield button sold here at AAPK in 2021 for $650 (prices have gone up).

I remember ten years ago when you could get one new for around $400 or less. I had seriously considered buying one, but after searching the internet for owner reviews, I found too many people who had serious issues with the knives. This could have been isolated and rare occurrences, but I didn't want to gamble $400.

But they have definitely gone up in value and desirability among collectors. It doesn't look like the Campolins are making any more. I believe 2020 was the last production year.

.

Thanks for the info. A diamond button would definitely increase the value.

1967redrider wrote: ↑Thu Jul 10, 2025 7:30 pm Thanks for the info. A diamond button would definitely increase the value.

Diamond shaped button .

*Unable To Post Photos*

Why are they called a batwing? After Batman?

Killgar wrote: ↑Thu Jul 10, 2025 6:58 pm An AGA Campolin 13" batwing swing guard with bayonet blade and shield button sold at Arizona Customs this past May for $995.

Another batwing with dagger blade and diamond button sold recently at Apple Valley Knives for $1000.

One with bayonet blade and shield button sold here at AAPK in 2021 for $650 (prices have gone up).

I remember ten years ago when you could get one new for around $400 or less. I had seriously considered buying one, but after searching the internet for owner reviews, I found too many people who had serious issues with the knives. This could have been isolated and rare occurrences, but I didn't want to gamble $400.

But they have definitely gone up in value and desirability among collectors. It doesn't look like the Campolins are making any more. I believe 2020 was the last production year.

.

They were brand new but with serious issues? That’s sucks? I wonder if collectors kept track of the ones that had issues and needed repairs?

I remember many had to be taken apart because the hole around the buttons swelled and the buttons wouldn’t push properly.

When the Batwing swinguard was introduced, I was completely enamored with this large switchblade. The thickness of the swinguard was awesome. Which allowed the makers to create a angled grind around the guards themselves. It is this almost singular distinction that sold the knife. The quality of materials, size and not only a variety great of handle materials, but the different bolsters and trigger button were limited unique features. The "Schwack" when the blade was deployed was impressive and admired. The one model I acquired was in Stag handles with angled bolsters and trigger button. Within a few hours of owning it, it slowed down and stopped opening up all the way. Even if I pointed the top bolster to the ground and fired the blade to use gravity it assist the action. I then noticed fresh quarter rotational scratches on both sides of the lower blade tang indicating the brass liners and the blade were digging into one another. The blade was tight and had no wobble when open. With plenty of proper lubrication from the beginning, it would seem like the knife functioned well enough when assembled to be sold. But very tight pinning and fitting resulted in material wear and eventual failure. I traded out of it within weeks of owning it. But it was FUN while it lasted, which was about 20 - 30 blade firings. I believe enough value has jumped and desire for more, would prompt the manufacturer to tool up and release more of these beauties with increased price to offset the workmanship cost. Let's start a campaign to bring them back! ( on convince another manufacturer to go after that market!?)

BestVintageKnives wrote: ↑Sun Jan 18, 2026 1:39 pm Why are they called a batwing? After Batman?

Because of the shape of the swing guard.
I was seriously looking for one of these until I saw the issues purchasers were experiencing. Which is sad.

These were all made by Renzo Pascotto, fewer were laser etched with his own name, many were distributed and stamped A.G.A. Campolin. Renzo Pascotto has to be at very least 86 or older now. I doubt he will be making more. I only own a half dozen or so. Never an issue. Great knives. I had a friend that really loved them and had at least 50 in his collection. I can't recall him mentioning issues. But, there's always bugs in some, I'm sure, as with anything.

https://www.talkblade.info/viewtopic.ph ... ue#p305253

Here’s one example

Half a dozen threads or more about issues with these all over.

https://www.talkblade.info/viewtopic.ph ... o&start=15

This is why most vintage knife collectors are not attracted to modern knives. You’re not really getting a real Italian product when they have to be sent over in parts and then corrected by American repair guys and hacks to get it right.

But to each his / her own…

I just saw a batwing (can’t believe I said that, lol) but deerfoot shaped handle.

Must be ultra rare. Or newly a newly made run…