Found - Need Info

[TmK22105]

Hi all!

Cleaning out my dad's house and found this knife. Looks interesting. Did some basic internet research, but would love to hear what this group can tell me about it. My grandfather (dad's dad) was in WWII and passed down some knives he acquired during that time. Wondering if this knife would be from that era.

Thanks!

[JulesVane]

I see something stamped on the tang. Can you tell us what it says? Could be a U.S. importers stamp, which would mean it was likely bought in the U.S.. More than likely, a 1950’s kris blade picklock though, not pre-1945.

[fastr19]

Pin through the guard is interesting, at least I think it's a pin.Does this still work as a switchblade?

[TmK22105]

On one side, it says "Italy", on the other "CIZ".

It does still work as a switchblade.

[Killgar]

CIZ is short for "Coltellerie Italiane Zoppis" (they still exist). Made in Maniago, Italy. Zoppis was the name of a retailer, not a knife maker.

Cool knife. Does the pin go all the way through the knife (both bolsters), or is it just pinning the one guard down? Or is there a separate pin for both top bolsters?

[rithvich]

Great knife! A 13" kris CIZ is a pretty rare piece. Collectable and $$ wise it's very hurt by the edge side of the kris blade being ground down and sharpened. I've seen quite a few old knives with the extra bolster pin. It was usually done as a mod by the owner because of a loose guard.

The other end of that is I love seeing pieces like this. It was a $5-$10 knife new and more of a novelty. The owner that mod'ed it wanted it to be more of a weapon. At one point I had a small collection of old users like this. It's an amazing conversation piece when the guys come over. "Look at the crazy sh@t my grandfather used to carry back in the 50's!!" A real badass would carry a knife like that. Nice find!

[TmK22105]

Really appreciate the info given! The pin is just on the one side. Here's another pic.

Yes, the edge is ground down on the one side. It does look like someone definitely got use out of this knife!

[Bill DeShivs]

Looks like that pin goes all the way through the bolster, and is soldered on the other side.

[Fishtail Picklock]

That's a neat piece. I really like the horn and appreciate its age. Thanks for sharing.