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Italian-style stiletto switchblades have become iconic through the years because of Hollywood movies, video games, and general pop culture. Because of these things, and the use of them by criminals in the past, it has led many lawmakers all over the world to ban the sale and ownership of automatic “switchblade” knives. However, if you live in an area where these knives are legal, there are still a number of brands that make this iconic style of knife, and in many cases better than ever.
Key Takeaways
- The Best Overall Italian-style switchblade is the Pro-Tech Godfather.
- A close second place for the best Italian switchblade is the Pro-Tech Godson.
- Honorable Mention is the Kershaw Launch 8 Stiletto.
- Best Budget Italian Switchblade is the AKC World Swinguard Automatic.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Pro-Tech Godfather Automatic Jigged Aluminum
- Best Overall Runner Up: Pro-Tech Godson Tuxedo Automatic Knife Ivory Micarta
- Honorable Mention: Kershaw Launch 8 Stiletto Automatic Knife
- Honorable Mention #2: AKC World Swinguard 9” Snakewood Damascus
Know Your State Laws
When you are shopping around for automatic knives, it is absolutely necessary to know and understand your state laws concerning them. Many cities and states in the U.S. have outlawed the sale and/or the possession of so-called “switchblades” for civilians. If you live in one of these states, then you need to understand implicitly that you can face serious legal consequences if you are caught in possession of an automatic “switchblade” knife. In some places, you may be able to possess certain types of “switchblades”; 32edrothers are outlawed. Take California for instance: there you are legally allowed to own an automatic knife as long as the blade is shorter than 1.9 inches and the blade is not double-edged. States like Utah and Arizona allow the sale and possession of automatics and double-edged knives across the board. I am no legal expert, and I am not giving any legal advice on the subject in this article. It is up to you to know the laws for yourself and accept full legal responsibility for yourself.
Best Overall: Pro-Tech Godfather Automatic Jigged Aluminum
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In the modern knife market, the classic Italian Stiletto has become a somewhat antiquated style of knife, especially with the huge leap forward that knife makers have taken with engineering and the development of modern knife manufacturing. Pro-Tech saw this as a huge opportunity to take the idea of the legendary Stiletto “switchblade” and blend it seamlessly with state-of-the-art technology and materials. Meet the Pro-Tech Godfather. This full-sized automatic does exactly that. It takes the iconic 11” Stiletto knife profile and brings it into the modern age with a high-powered push button action, aircraft-grade aluminum handle scales, and an ultra-fine spear point blade made from 154cm. The Godfather is truly the modern Italian-style Stiletto. When you fold the Godfather in your hand, it feels like an artifact from the future. The sleek lines, soft edges, and wicked fast action are a testament to what Pro-Tech can do. Not only is the Godfather a great conversation piece, but it is also a fully functional tactical blade, ideal for concealed carry. If James Bond carried a knife, it would be the Pro-Tech Godfather. I chose this variant of the Godfather because it has some of the classic styling we all associate with Italian Stilettos, like the jigged bone handles (in this case aluminum) and a beautiful Mother of Pearl inlay on the push button. However, Pro-Tech regularly releases new variations of their knives, so it’s worth looking out for other styles in the future if this version doesn’t suit your style.
Best Overall Runner Up: Pro-Tech Godson Tuxedo Automatic Knife Ivory Micarta
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The Pro-Tech Godson is literally just a compact version of the Godfather, taking the 11” overall length of its parent and shrinking it down to roughly 8” OAL. You get all the great benefits you’d get from the Godfather, just in a smaller package. The Godson is more popular because of its size and comes in a plethora of different styles. I chose this version, which features ivory micarta scales and black bolsters, because it looks just like the legendary Stilettos of old. In my opinion, the Godson is the pinnacle of modern Stiletto knives. It doesn’t get any better than this. For those who are a fan of this style of knife, the Godson is a must have for your collection.
Honorable Mention: Kershaw Launch 8 Stiletto Automatic Knife
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The Kershaw Launch series has been an extremely popular line of knives for years now. Kershaw is well-known for making some great automatic knives right here in the USA for affordable prices. The Kershaw Launch 8 takes everything they’ve done well and blends it with a throwback design. The Launch 8 has a snappy automatic action, one of the best out there. And it ships with a CPM-154 steel blade, and an aluminum and carbon fiber handle. The Launch 8 is a more modernized evolution of the traditional Italian Stiletto design, while still retaining some hallmark features like the integrated bolster guard, and the sleek lines. Overall, I think the Kershaw Launch 8 is one of the best Italian Stiletto style knives on the market, certainly a candidate for best automatic stiletto knife. Although it isn't exactly a replica, it's a fantastic evolution of the famous stiletto that has all the benefits of modern American manufacturing.
Honorable Mention #2: AKC World Swinguard 9” Snakewood Damascus
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The AKC World Swinguard is a much more budget-friendly option compared to the offerings from Pro-Tech. And it features a true Swing Guard action just like the original Italian Stilettos before it. This means, when you press the button to activate the blade, the guard swings out with the blade and folds out into place to function as a finger guard. Honestly, it’s a really cool action knife. However, if you are looking for something built to last with high-quality materials and build quality, then this isn’t my top choice, to say the least. Especially when compared to the Pro-Tech knives, the AKC World Swinguard just feels cheap and poorly made. It’s quite obviously a budget knife. But maybe this doesn’t matter as much to you as it does to me? Maybe you’re just looking for something that looks just like the real thing but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to own. If that’s the case, then this offering from AKC will definitely put a smile on your face when you hit the fire button for the first time.
How To Choose The Best Italian Stiletto Knife
In today’s market, there honestly isn't a huge selection of Italian-style “switchblade” knives. Like I mentioned earlier in this article, this particular style of knife is somewhat antiquated. You can still find knives out there that look very similar to the “real thing,” but the build quality and material choice just isn't so good. You’ll find that going with a more modern take on the Italian switchblade style is probably the best option. So here's a few things to look out for.
Build Quality
Brands like Pro-Tech make extremely high-quality knives in a variety of different formats. They also happen to make simply the best switchblades on the market and appear to be the only company willing to revive the iconic stiletto design with modern materials. With that being said, you can still find other brands who make knives that look just like the “real thing,” but the quality of these knives is severely lacking. So you need to decide for yourself if you’d rather have a high-end modern version or a cheaper more “authentic-looking" design.
Material Choice
Materials matter when you are shopping for knives. Getting a knife that is made with the materials possible for the price point is crucial if you are wanting a knife that will last and hold its value. If this doesn't matter so much to you, then you can find plenty of knives that use cheap handle materials, low-quality steel, and less than ideal springs but look like an authentic switchblade.
Why Trust Us
I have worked in the knife industry full-time for four years now and have had the opportunity to handle, test, and compare thousands of knives from basically every maker. I have extensive hands-on experience with so many great and not-so-great knives, which has allowed me to develop some pretty well informed preferences and opinions on mankind's oldest tool.
FAQ
Question: Who makes the best switchblade in the world?
Answer: Pro-Tech USA makes some of the best automatic “switchblades” in the world. They use the best materials and have some of the most precise and expert machining I've ever seen on a knife. Their knives can range from as high as $15,000 and feature ornate engravings and exotic materials.
Question: Are switchblades Italian?
Answer: No. Most, if not all switchblades are made outside of Italy in the modern world for various reasons, mostly legal reasons. I believe “switchblades” and all automatic knives are illegal in Italy. Now the best automatics are produced in the USA by brands like Pro-Tech, Microtech, and Benchmade.
