AGA Campolin is a three generational company in Italy who have been making switchblade knives since the 1950s. Back then switchblades made in Italy were mostly stiletto style knives that are commonly referred to as picklocks. That term describes how the knife is closed. To open the knives you simply press the button and the blade is thrown open by a leaf style kick spring inside the blade well. The blades were locked in the open position automatically by a pin that locks into a hole in the locking tab. To close the knife you would “pick” the “lock”ing tab with a thumbnail to lift it off of the locking pin which frees the blade to be closed. Later on, around 1959 a new design emerged where the top bolster pivoted, lifting the locking tab and saving potential broken fingernails. The new design is referred to as a swivel bolster release. The knives look the same, but close differently.
In the 1990s AGA Campolin brought back the picklock design that was used between 1900 and 1958 and started production picklock switchblade knives much as they were made in the old days. They have been making picklock switchblade knives in different forms and sizes ever since.
In the old days the Italian picklocks were made in sizes ranging from 12cm open (4.5 inches) to 33cm open (13 inches) for the most part with some larger. The modern AGA Campolin picklock switchblade knives are mostly made in four sizes: 23cm , 28cm, 33cm and 37cm open. The liners are brass, the bolsters, button and safety caps are made from nickel silver and most have either buffalo horn or stag scales, though they also make knives with Abalone and Mother of Pearl scales.
The AGA Campolin picklock switchblade knives are well made, high quality and beautiful pieces of Italian automatic coltelli (knives) and surprisingly affordable, though they are sure to appreciate in value over time. Very rewarding knives to collect, display and enjoy.
Written by knife expert Mark Erickson of Apple Valley Knives.