Awesome books, awesome authors

[WheelingWV]

A big thank you to Mr. Walt Halucha and Mr. Charly Cioffero for signing my copy of “The Latama Legend.” Mr. Walt was also kind enough to sign a copy of a photo from his library (a young man admiring the spring steel displayed behind a storefront window in Times Square back in the 1950s). Also pictured is my copy of “Switchblades of Italy,” signed by the authors (Tim Zinser, Dan Fuller, and Neal Punchard). I’m awaiting my signed copy of Mark Erickson’s “Antique American Switchblades.” All of these folks are not only extremely knowledgeable, but are also true gentlemen. (R.I.P. Mr. Zinser)

Thank you Walt Halucha, Charles Cioffero, Tim Zinser, Dan Fuller, Neal Punchard, and Mark Erickson, for your contributions to our obsession.

[jim d,]

Thanks for sharing. I have met all of the authors and knew Tim Zinser well, he lived in N.C. not too far from me. One of my favorite memories of Tim was at a gun and knife show in Winston Salem. This was about 12 years ago when prices for antique Italian stilettos were much higher than now. I came across a real Maniago stamped 11 inch stiletto that had a broken spring and need some care, and a price of $15!!!. I called Tim on my cell and told him he needed to meet me now. He looked at the knife and said he go the $15 and I watched in amusement as Tim tried to avoid a Quick Draw McGraw move to get his wallet out and seal the deal before it went sour. After he had the knife he asked me how his poker face looked.

Jim

[fastr19]

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I would hand out toothbrushes at Blade every year. Walt handed me this book in return. (I did pay).

[WheelingWV]

Wonderful to hear these stories. Thank you for sharing.

[whippersnapper]

You got it mostly right. Except for Charlie. He is bat shit crazy.You threaten my families life and my friends lives a and there is no forgiveness. I will never forget,

[WheelingWV]

No offense intended, Sir.

[whippersnapper]

No offense intended, Sir.

My apologies. I need to forgive and forget. Trying to work on that but fail sometimes.

[Tom19176]

Great Stories. I met Walt several times. Great guy.

[boblees812]

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I would hand out toothbrushes at Blade very year. Walt handed me this book in return. (I did pay).

Outstanding Allen!!!

[jim d,]

Here are a couple more.

Jim

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[WheelingWV]

Outstanding!

[rock-n-roll$$$$$$]

I have many book also,signed by the author,and I was gifted the Latama legend and art of the switchblade, by Neal Punchard,and he also gifted me his Boker book,Neal is a true knife gentleman,and a good friend.

[WheelingWV]

rock-n-roll$$$$$, you’re blessed.

[WheelingWV]

Great memory, Jim! Thanks for sharing.

[fastr19]

I have many book also,signed by the author,and I was gifted the Latama legend and art of the switchblade, by Neal Punchard,and he also gifted me his Boker book,Neal is a true knife gentleman,and a good friend.

Dang, I know Neal pretty well also but obviously not as well as you Eric. I'll have to have a talk with him....lol.