Roy’s Italian Switchblades

[Madmarco]

That is a stunning knife Roy, congratulations! I too am a big fan of Lelle Floris, as-a-matter-of-fact, I tried to order a knife from that site last year, but the way the site is set-up was very confusing, along with a communication problem, so it never happened. Would you mind explaining the ordering process to me so I can try again? Thx! I just visited the site again, and it seems Lelle is leaning towards Bird's-Head pommels, and they look great. I also noticed quite a few models by Antonnio Contini, and that prompted me to show you one by him I got gently used from Muskratman, I hope you don't mind me posting it in this thread!

Antonnio Contini 11 1/4" oal picklock swinguard with a 5mm SS bayonet blade, white camel bone covers, exposed rocker, 1/4" thick solid SS guards, spine-mounted safety, and extensive filework on the 5mm spine! This knife is a beast! Please excuse my sub-par pictures!

[RoyS]

Hi Marco,

Thanks for that mate.

Yes, I found the site tricky too. However after choosing a knife I liked, I then clicked on the 'book now' button and filled in the information. I got an automated email saying they would be in touch but never heard anything else. After a few emails I eventually got a reply (in English) saying they had received my order but as Floris was really busy it might be a while before he gets to my knife, so a little patience may be in order.

Either way, I will of course post details when if finally gets to me.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Thanks Roy! I was editing my post when you posted your reply. That was about as far as I got, I booked the knife and got an email saying the got it, but then didn't hear anything for a long time and my emails got no reply, so I gave up. I think patience is in order there, like you said. If you'd rather I not post my pictures in this thread I'll remove it!

[RoyS]

Hi Marco,

That's a great looking knife, well done. And no problem at all posting any pics, more the merrier.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Thanks buddy! I'll only post pictures when I'm trying to do a comparison between any knives you post and any I might own that are similar or the same!

[RoyS]

This little beauty arrived in the mail today.

I normally lean toward the 28/11 size but this 23/9 caught my eye and I confess, I'm thrilled I got it.

Also shown next to it's big brother (previously posted).

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Nice Roy! I do something similar to what you do, I try to get my knives in manual along with their automatic counterpart to make a set. I'll also collect the different sizes of the same knives, just like the 2 in your post. With all these Latamas your obtaining it won't be long until you're our Latama expert, after Bill De though! lol!

[RoyS]

Thanks Marco,

Although I doubt I will like long enough to be an 'expert' on Latama, it took me over three decades to get aquatinted with the F-S Knife (note my website below).

Cheers,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Yah, I looked at your website as soon as I noticed it Roy, although I didn't know it was yours until you just told me, I missed the "My website" part completely, I thought it was just an informational link to a site you like, which I guess it is! lol! I like those F/S knives, but their high prices have kept me at bay except for an inexpensive replica I bought just so I'd have one in my collection! It's still pretty nice though, even if it's just a rep!

[RoyS]

Thanks Marco,

I'm just heading out to pick up a new battery for my Triumph and then if time (and good light) allow, I will take a nicer pic of the lovely little 23/9 Latama, I think it deserves a better pic.

Cheerio,
Roy

[RoyS]

Here's a nicer pic.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Yes sir, a knife like that definitely deserves another look Roy! What kind of Triumph are we talkin', car, bike...? Thx!

[RoyS]

Thanks Marco,

It's a highly modified 2018 Triumph motorcycle. Pic attached. A good day, got the new battery installed. More cleaning to do and some more parts to fit and she will be back on the road (weather permitting) by next week.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Thanks Roy, and that's a gorgeous bike you have there! I love the whitewalls! When I was 18 I bought a Triumph Daytona 500 with dual-carbs, and that bike could keep up with any Triumph 650 on the road! Unfortunately, I was too young and full of p*ss + vinegar so after 2 extremely close calls I sold it for what I'd paid! The bike wasn't immature though, I was!

[RoyS]

Thanks mate,

Yes, those older Triumphs are quite scarce/valuable now. I had an old Bonnie back in the 80's in England. I have to say though these newer Triumphs are superb. I've worked hard to make mine look old but it's got fuel injection, traction control ABS etc. As mine is a single seater I also have an Indian Chief Vintage, as that has a back seat to keep the wife happy.

Cheerio,
Roy

[RoyS]

Hi Gents,

You may recall my recent addition of a Lelle Floris 'hidden hole' switchblade (pictured below) by total accident I just found a video by Floris showing my exact knife, so thought I would share it here.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nughCGmcTjc


Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

That was cool Roy! I don't know if you're aware of this, but on the site(can't recall the name)where Lelle's knives are listed, after you click-on a particular knife when the page comes up it usually includes a video, although, they are on a very small screen with no option to go full screen, but they still show you the knife operating. All those videos can be found on their YouTube channel too!

[RoyS]

Thanks Marco,

Great information. I think I had seen a couple of videos but never notices one of the knife I purchased before, so pretty chuffed.

Cheers,
Roy

[RoyS]

Here is a lovely new addition,

A 28/11 Latama black horn older classic custom. I'm guessing it's around 2017 but if anyone knows for sure, would be happy to hear from you.

It has the bayonet blade grind. And I especially like how the scales have been carefully profiled.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Wow, another stunner buddy! I even like the bayonet on this knife, and I'm a dagger grind kindda guy! Congratulations and enjoy your new treasure!

[RoyS]

From the recent offerings from Walt,

I was able to grab this lovely French Horn SB custom.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

Wow! Each knife you pick-up is nicer than the last bud! This one today IMHO is the nicest yet! Is that a faux sapphire I see imbedded in the button? Simply stunning! Congratulations!

[RoyS]

Thanks mate,

Yes, it sure is a beauty, I'm thrilled with it.

Cheerio,
Roy

[RoyS]

As it's Christmas Eve,

I thought I would share something a little interesting and special (well I think so.. ).

This is a lovely recent arrival of a 2015 edition serial numbered swivel Bolster in the fabulous Abalone Shell. This is serial number 003.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Madmarco]

I've never been a big fan of Abalone, but on that knife it seems to fit it perfectly Roy, very nice! We're gonna have to start calling you "Mr. Latama"! Happy Holidays pal!