Cheap Frank B disappointment

[johns7076]

I agree with Bill about the ending of the Italian switchblade industry. It seems every collecting field has similar occurrences. I collected antique Colt pistols up until about 5 years ago. When I would show them to younger friends, I'm 81, they would remark how they saw guns like that in movies but had no interest in owning an original Colt. They were drawn to the modern semi-auto pistols. Now I show them my switchblade collection, mix of American and Italian, mostly Italian and they say the same thing about the Italian switches. Interestingly they have never seen any of the Schrade, Presto, Press Button, etc. Just like the guns they are more interested in current Kershaw, Benchmade, etc. Rambling here, so enough from me.

[button_man]

.
Part of the reason is functionality. A revolver is limited to six rounds; many smaller models only take five rounds.
A double-stack magazine in a SA can hold up to 14 rounds.... even more with an extended magazine.
The SA is flatter, which can make it easier to carry and draw. And the SA is easier to deck out with laser sights, flashlights, and other accessories.

The SA is statistically more likely to jam; but many people fire them for years without this happening.

Modern "tactical" switchblades -- usually the expensive ones -- can be built like tanks, made of advanced materials, and utilize a coil spring.
The importance of the spring should not be underestimated -- if the blade strikes an obstacle during release, just move the knife aside and the blade will continue to fully open. This is an enormous advantage
over the leaf spring.

And both the SA pistol and the tactical switchblade are easier to jazz up with design innovations, giving the customer a wider range of choices in which to find something appealing. The wheelgun and the Italian-style stiletto are much more confined. To some, they seem dated..... even stodgy.

Finally, there is the natural lure of something modern.
In advertising, "new" is the 2nd most captivating word -- only "free" draws more attention. One aspect of this is that the newer pieces are naturally more seen, making them appear to be the norm.

I've drawn parallels between knives and coins before;
now another comes to mind. The American Silver Eagle
is a wildly popular coin. The key piece in the series is the 1995-W. In the second-highest grade (MS69) it lists for around $3,500. In the very highest grade (MS70) it's a whopping $16,750.

You could buy some dazzling GOLD coins from the 1800s for that kind of money.... coins with a far greater intrinsic value..... but nonetheless, people want what is new and popular.
.

[Jim_mi]

Spot on, johns7076. I see the same thing. I've been collecting for nearly 50 years and the field has changed several times. Some items worth serious money are now of no interest to new collectors - if you can find new collectors...

[boots]

It's going to get worse. I hope you all realize that you are witnessing the end of the Italian switchblade industry.
It may not happen immediately, but it will happen soon. There may be one or two holdouts, but it will happen. I watched it happen with Solingen

Sad but true, I saw this coming.

[Countryboy77]

I got Walt's new announcement of the 'custom Latamas' he's gotten in stock via email.
Most were sold at sixteen hundred dollars plus; speaking for myself, I couldn't justify paying that much for one.

That's crazy and I could not either. You can still buy a 1950s knife for a lot less.

I refuse to buy any New production knives when Plenty of nice Vintage knives can be had for less.

[boots]

I got Walt's new announcement of the 'custom Latamas' he's gotten in stock via email.
Most were sold at sixteen hundred dollars plus; speaking for myself, I couldn't justify paying that much for one.

That's crazy and I could not either. You can still buy a 1950s knife for a lot less.

I refuse to buy any New production knives when Plenty of nice Vintage knives can be had for less.

That's true but many classics can't compare to the newer Latama's and Frank B's.

[Countryboy77]

That's crazy and I could not either. You can still buy a 1950s knife for a lot less.

I refuse to buy any New production knives when Plenty of nice Vintage knives can be had for less.

That's true but many classics can't compare to the newer Latama's and Frank B's.

I disagree. F. Beltrame knives been getting worse and worse , dealers complaining about parts sent.Even some Latamas with issues/flaws that shouldnt be on knives of this price. for the same money I can get excellent condition transitionals, rocker sears not a sear spring as the blade catch with a cheap stamped lifter(ever see inside a frank b or latama?) Like i said i rather have d stamped rocker fired kn8ves anyday over the leaf spring tit and lifter combo going on stilettos since the early 70s. Im glad not so many people havent caught onto these jewels and invest in new pieces or the supply would dry up.