Beltrame "B" Rostfrei Kris Bolster-Release Stiletto ~ Vintage 1960`s - 70`s
$289.99
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Beltrame "B" Rostfrei Kris Stiletto ~ Vintage 1960`s - 70`s
Vintage 13-inch "B" Rostfrei Kris Bolster-Release Stiletto is an authentic Italian automatic switchblade made by Vittorio Beltrame & Figli in Maniago, Italy, during the early 1960s to very early 1970s
Description
- The Tang Stamp ("B" ROSTFREI): The letter "B" stands for the Beltrame family. The word "Rostfrei" is German for "rust-free" (stainless steel). Italian cutlery makers often used German stamps during this era because many of these knives were produced for export to the German and broader European markets.
- The Blade (Kris Style): It features a distinct, wavy "Kris" grind (inspired by traditional Indonesian daggers). In classic Italian switchblades, these unsharpened or single-edge wavy blades were highly prized for their unique aesthetic.
- The Release Mechanism (Swivel Bolster): Rather than using a "picklock" tab, this model uses a swivel bolster release. To unlock and close the blade, you press down on the top front bolster guard, which pivots to lift the internal locking tab off the blade tang.
- The Handle (Wood Scales): The handle scales are crafted from solid wood slabs (commonly rosewood, olive wood, or bocote) pinned over brass liners with nickel-silver or stainless steel bolsters.
- The Build: At an overall length of 13 inches (approx. 33 cm), this is one of the larger, more imposing sizes produced by the old Maniago shops.
Estimated Date: Early 1960s to Early 1970s
This specific "B" stamp belongs to the old "Vittorio Beltrame & Figli" workshop. Knives featuring this precise combination—a transitional middle-placed fire button, a swivel bolster lock, and the vintage "B" stamp—were manufactured primarily in the early 1960s. Production of this specific vintage run completely phased out before the family shop formally restructured into separate companies in 1996
- Condition is near mint, vintage patina intact , not cleaned.
NKCA Grading system
MINT: A factory fresh knife, absolutely original as it came from the manufacturer, not carried or sharpened, a perfect knife.
NEAR MINT: A new knife that has seen sometimes, show some slight carry or shop wear, blades snap perfectly, handles show no cracks.
EXCELLENT: Shows no more than 10% blade wear, handles are sound, no cracks, blades snap good.
VERY GOOD: About 25% blade wear, slight cracks in handles, may have one lazy blade, stamping clearly visible to the naked eye, no blades changed or repaired.
FAIR: 50% blade wear, blades lazy, cracks and chips in handles, handles replaced with same type, blades repaired, stampings faint but readable with a glass.
POOR: Blades very worn, handles bad or missing, blades have been replaced with the same type, reading of the stamp is almost impossible, even with a glass, good mostly only for parts.
