Info Please: Schrade Presto all metal press button knife

[Kris K.]

I found this knife in my Dad's belongings and would like some info about it. It is all metal, no plastic or bone. The blade says "Presto Made in USA" on one side of the blade and "Geo. Schrade Bridgeport Conn." on the other. How old is this knife? It has a push button and thumb switch (I think that's what it's called). Was this a switchblade? The locking stuff works. I would like to know how old it is and if it has a value, thanks so much.

[msteele6]

Bernard Levine gives a date of 1925 - 1945 for the Presto brand. It was apparently manufactured by the George Schrade Company. It certainly has some value but, of course, would be even more valuable if it was in working condition. I believe that all the Presto brand knives were switchblades. George Schrade patented the most successful design for a switchblade in the early 1900's and several companies (most notably Challenge) were licensed to produce his design. In 1958 switchblades were outlawed, probably due to such movies as "Rebel without a Cause", "Blackboard Jungle", and so forth, showing the switchblade as the weapon of choice for juvenile delinquents.

[ozzie marie]

Kris,

to AAPK

I am far from an expert on these knives, but I'll try and give you some answers.

Your knife is considered a "Switch Blade"

It was produced shortly after WW2 as a civilian version of a Paratrooper Knife which was used during the war.

As far as its value, condition is everything. With that being said, if everything is working on the knife, someware around $200.00 - $250.00 I would say.

If it was my fathers, I would consider it "Priceless"

I hope this helps,

Keith

[Kris K.]

Thank you for the information, the switchblade mechanics are not functioning, can it be fixed? The blade is in great shape, and otherwise it's in good shape, and I understand that this knife is illegal to sell as a switchblade. I would like to know if it is taken apart and fixed, does this ruin the value?