All About Pocket Knives

an estate sale today. I can’t find anything similar with online searches. Can anyone give me any information about my knife. It has the lower case b over the word ROSTFREI on the same side of the blade that has the release button and safety. On the other side of the blade it says: PATENT 60379B. Thanks in advance.

Made in Italy by Frank Beltrame, it was their budget line of switchblades and is fairly modern.

Any idea what year range? Value? Thanks.

Wiseguy is correct.

It's from the Frank Beltrame "Switch" line. Their "economy" line, originally created to compete in the same price range as Asian-made stiletto switchblades.

The liners and bolsters are cast "Zamak", which is zinc. The silver color is plating. The Zamak is a problem, because cast zinc is highly prone to breaking, particularly when repeatedly stressed, like when you push the firing button.

The handles are ABS plastic,

Back when Frank Beltrame had a website, they actually said about the Switch line "not for those seeking quality".

As far as value, in recent years, knives from the Switch line have been sold new by vendors for around $100 or less. I have never seen anyone collect them.

A variety of Frank Beltrame "Switch" knives (not my pic).

It’s unclear from your post but you may not know “Rostfrei” is not a knife brand. It is the German word meaning “stainless” (literal translation is “rust free”). Commonly found stamped on knives of European origin made of stainless steel, regardless of manufacturer.

Ken

Thanks for all of the replies and information. I knew it wasn’t high dollar, but the price was right. I went to an estate sale and paid $5.00 for a NIB Food Saver vacuum sealer, two new in wrapper Griots polishing pads, and the guy threw the knife in on the deal for free. Thanks again to everyone.