Traditional Italian automatic knives consist of six main parts:
- AISI 420 MA4 steel blade / 57 HRC
- the handle
- AISI 430 steel bolsters
- brass liners
- the spring mechanism (consisting of the push button, safety lock, and lock mechanism for the blade)
- AISI MA3 stainless steel spring
These components are assembled using iron AVP pins and brass rivets.
The creation of an automatic knife requires about seventy manual steps, performed both with specialized machinery and by hand, prior to and during assembly.
The fundamental elements for a high-quality build are precision in machining the individual parts and a profound understanding of how to assemble them.
This is an item that preserves the value of traditional Italian craftsmanship and, due to the complexity of its mechanism, cannot be completely industrialized.
How to open and close an automatic knife
- Hold the knife in your right hand (left-handed users will need to use both hands, as the mechanism is not reversible).
- Keep it at a safe distance from your body.
- Disengage the safety lock.
- Press the firing button with one hand.
Avoid using your other hand to stop the blade: in addition to damaging the mechanism, you risk cutting yourself.
Once the button is pressed, the blade will deploy automatically and lock securely into place on the spine.
To close the knife:
- Push the front bolster (located between the blade and the handle) from right to left.
- The blade will unlock.
- Fold the blade back into the handle by applying gentle pressure.
After closing:
- Engage the safety lock.
- Store the knife in a secure place, out of reach of children or inexperienced individuals.
Legal notice
In Italy, an automatic knife cannot be carried outside the home; there is no “justified reason” exemption.
For international owners, we strongly recommend always checking your local laws and regulations.
Knife care: do’s and don’ts
Storage:
- Keep the knife in a cool, dry environment.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
- Do not store it in excessively dry environments (natural handle materials like horn may shrink).
Things you should NEVER do:
- Try to open the knife with the safety lock engaged.
- Squeeze the handle near the bolster to force it open.
- Use any method other than the push button to deploy the blade.
- Strike the knife against hard surfaces.
- Attempt the “table test” (firing it against a table).
- Use it as a throwing knife.
- Use it as a heavy-duty work tool.
- Use it for food preparation.
- Cut hard materials (e.g., sheet metal, paracord, etc.).
- Point it at other people.
The knife must never be used by minors.
How to maintain your automatic knife
- Wipe clean with a soft cotton cloth.
- Apply only a single small drop of food oil when necessary.
- Avoid over-oiling (excess oil will damage the internal mechanism).
- Sharpening should only be performed by a qualified professional.
- Repairs must be carried out exclusively by our company.
Warranty and support
Our knives are backed by a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase, which covers:
- defects in the mechanism;
- broken springs;
- defects in the handle.
Damage caused by improper use is strictly excluded.
For support, please contact: info@frankbeltrame.com