Interesting request: Non-auto stiletto?

D

dozer2025

Joined
Apr 17, 2013
Messages
243
First off-I already own a Ti-Lite :P

I like stiletto style knives, but I live in CA so I can't carry full-sized automatic knives. Can anyone recommend a manual or assisted stiletto? I'll even accept a "de-auto-ed" knife (I have an AK-74 with no spring) as long as it can still be opened one-handed.

My criteria is simple:

1) Decent sized blade-Lets say 3.25" or longer.

2) Locking mechanism. No slipjoints but I'm not picky-Lockbacks, liner locks, frame locks, button locks, piston, Axis/Arc...it's all good!

3) No mystery steel. 440c, Aus-8, 8cr, Sandvik, etc are all fine..Higher grade steels are cool too! I don't even have a problem with decently HTed 440A or 7cr.

4) Price: I'd like to keep it under $100 but if you have a great example over that still post, please.

Thanks for the help folks! Hopefully the crap Mall Ninja stuff isn't my only option!
 
Kissing Cranes has made this model in several different sizes. Hey, they were good enough for OJ! :eek: Mine is an older one made in Germany. I think newer ones may be produced in China.

stiletto001.jpg
 
One of the best lines of pocket stilettos I've seen is at the Arceros de Hispania website. They do ship to the U.S.
 
Last edited:
GronK said:
Kissing Cranes has made this model in several different sizes. Hey, they were good enough for OJ! :eek: Mine is an older one made in Germany. I think newer ones may be produced in China.
Click to expand...

This is an awesome suggestion. The key is to hunt for an older one, though, as is mentioned, the newer ones are not up to the same quality. The old Solingen steel is pretty impressive stuff for its time -- quite hard, and not all that quick to re-sharpen. I found an old buffalo horn one for my dad, as he used to have one years back when they were more popularly sold.
 
I wish there were more quality, manual, Italian-style folding stilettos as I like that style on knife (I have no interest in the T-lite, too "modern tactical", I'm talking about a more "old-school" design).

I have a Kissing Krane, bought it in 1986, and I handled a few others at that time. Here are my complaints with those knives based on my experience- 1. The bolsters are hollow (thin brass), and besides a single pin, they are just lightly soldered in place (not a robust design). 2. Due to the soldered bolsters and thin brass liners, the knives are weak/flimsy. 3. The lock and spring are not stainless steel and will easily rust. So why did I buy it? I was only 16 years old at the time, I thought it was cool, and it only cost me $10.

I did like the blade. Mine took a shaving sharp edge.
 
Last edited:
Falcon knives of Italy is the standard decent lower priced manual stiletto brand now a days.

Puma's Medici model was one of the premium models years ago, but a German version would be a pretty penny now. I don't have experience with the newer ones.

Kissing Crane actually never built the common stilettos, they contracted to either Beltrame or Falcon (I don't remember which), and resold them under their name.
 
Hen and Rooster also imported these from Italy for sale under their own name a few years ago, you can still find them as old stock on Ebay sometimes -

hen4.jpg
.

They weren't badly thought of for what they were.
 
I'm in the market for something like this too...been looking at the TiLites. I was surprised at how rare this style is now, especially in something quality.

I like that Hen and Rooster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top