total noob with question

[Kadmos]

didn't see anything I really liked at the gunshow but finally got one of those cheap Chinese made switchblades (the classic 50's looking thing) that I always looked at but never bought. There were some more expensive Italian ones, which now that I have fallen in love with this one, I may go back tomorrow to get.

Seeing the term "fake" here a lot..so wondering what I should be looking for.

Most of the blades just said Italy, not much more on them that I recall.

Another possibly dumb question, Seems on pretty much all that I saw the scales are not contoured into the bolsters , scales seem to stick up 1/4 inch or so...is this normal? If so why? Or is this a sign of cheap fakes?

Thanks

[Vagrant]

Another possibly dumb question, Seems on pretty much all that I saw the scales are not contoured into the bolsters , scales seem to stick up 1/4 inch or so...is this normal? If so why? Or is this a sign of cheap fakes?

Thanks

Yes it's normal and many of us don't like it
These are much better BUT, priced accordingly
http://www.duebuoi.it/bin/x.cgi/uk_usd/ ... fault.html

[thatoneguy]

In my opinion, there isnt necessarily "fakes" just less quality models. I also do not like the extra scale height, for one it looks bad, and it also makes the knife less comfortable in your pocket. I would like to buy a more quality knife, but I dont have that much money, so I will stick with the lower quality "fakes". They arent always knockoffs so I usually will get one if I can and just fix it up a little. It works fine for me

[wtfsmokey]

This is the ticket!

http://www.duebuoi.it/x/uk_usd/catalog/ ... -horn.html

[Viking45]

First of all,there are no "noobs" here,(we don't allow them) and any question concerning knives is a good question.
About the bolster/handle issue,one consideration is that the bolsters are very shallow and trimming the handle material that thin could be a problem,however it does look so much better if the material blends with the bolsters.

Everyone has thier own personal taste but for me I don't mind the handle sticking up a little if it is horn but some stag can look like crap.

If the blade says ITALY then there is a very good chance it IS Italian made.

Look around and don't just buy anything,remember you can come back here and find out some good sources for a nice Italian switchblade.

Good Luck!

[Kadmos]

Thanks, I guess fake wasn't quite the right term.

I was mostly wondering about the handle height thing and if "Italy" generally means its really made in Italy..if you know what I mean.

I was kinda thinking of getting some more of the cheap ones to possibly take apart, put different handles on, and possibly learn some file work and engraving techniques.

[j.a.c.]

Great way to learn .

[Vagrant]

Unfortunately, there are and increasing number of chinese fake marked Italy
Let price help determine
Holding a real vs fake, you can tell with one click

[alex_champ]

I don't want to sound rude or racist here but products from China will really not impress you. Even their imitation works is not impressive at all. So don't go wondering why you're knife is like that.

[tonyclifton]

I heard made in taiwaan switchblades are pretty good and pretty inexpensive like Milano brand switchblades. they are supposed to be higher quality than switchblades made in china. my friend has a milano italian style stiletto and it has a nice strong kick to it when you pop that blade out.

[natcherly]

I heard made in taiwaan switchblades are pretty good and pretty inexpensive like Milano brand switchblades. they are supposed to be higher quality than switchblades made in china. my friend has a milano italian style stiletto and it has a nice strong kick to it when you pop that blade out.

If it weren't for the US market, many Italian knife makers would be out of business. Their market share in their own country has been gobbled up by the cheaper Asian imports. We should be proud that we are supporting a traditional industry that would fade away if not for our interest. Moreover, it is nice to buy something that was not made in China....

[tonyclifton]

I heard made in taiwaan switchblades are pretty good and pretty inexpensive like Milano brand switchblades. they are supposed to be higher quality than switchblades made in china. my friend has a milano italian style stiletto and it has a nice strong kick to it when you pop that blade out.

If it weren't for the US market, many Italian knife makers would be out of business. Their market share in their own country has been gobbled up by the cheaper Asian imports. We should be proud that we are supporting a traditional industry that would fade away if not for our interest. Moreover, it is nice to buy something that was not made in China....

well if your a collector and you like to have a genuine blade obviously your going to go italian. but some people seem like they want something to fool around with, so they buy cheaper less quality stuff.

[hogwild]

ya get what ya pay for.

click...click....damn, it broke