Oldest Auto

fearn · 25th June 2011, 04:19 PM

If one googles "Oldest switch blade," you get an ad for an italian switchblade maker. Are they the oldest, or simply the oldest still in business? I couldn't tell.

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David · 25th June 2011, 05:08 PM

From the Wiki article:

"Switchblade knives date from the mid-18th century. The earliest known examples of spring-loaded blades were constructed by craftsmen in Europe, who developed an automatic folding spike bayonet for use on flintlock pistols and coach guns.[1] Museum examples dating from the 18th century are mostly English and French origin. These exclusive pieces were produced one at a time from wrought iron and not considered mass production knives. Handmade automatic knives of this era may not have makers' marks or tang stamps and are hard to date or catalog.[1] By 1790, combination pistol/spring dirks became standard products offered by gun makers.[1]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchblade
The above info is cited to Mark Erikson's Antique American Switchblades.

25th June 2011, 04:19 PM	#1
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	If one googles "Oldest switch blade," you get an ad for an italian switchblade maker. Are they the oldest, or simply the oldest still in business? I couldn't tell. F

25th June 2011, 05:08 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	From the Wiki article: "Switchblade knives date from the mid-18th century. The earliest known examples of spring-loaded blades were constructed by craftsmen in Europe, who developed an automatic folding spike bayonet for use on flintlock pistols and coach guns.[1] Museum examples dating from the 18th century are mostly English and French origin. These exclusive pieces were produced one at a time from wrought iron and not considered mass production knives. Handmade automatic knives of this era may not have makers' marks or tang stamps and are hard to date or catalog.[1] By 1790, combination pistol/spring dirks became standard products offered by gun makers.[1]" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchblade The above info is cited to Mark Erikson's Antique American Switchblades.