Rizzuto Estileto Milano 9 inch Japanese Black swing guard switchblade Single pin

Vintage Rizzuto Estileto Milano 22cm swing guard Single pin automatic knife. These knives were used in over 100 movies from the 1960s through the 90s and are therefore very popular with switchblade & movie enthusiasts alike. This is the most common size and the most common color, black. These knives were actually made in Japan in the 1960s and 70s mostly and were inspired by Italian switchblades of the era. They were very affordable which is probably why they were often used by movie prop departments.

This is the less common (One Pin) version of the Rizzuto with only one pin holding on the scales (handles) on each side, where the more common one has 4 pins on the front and 3 on the back. This knife measures 22cm (8 11/16 inches) open and 4 13/16 inches closed with steel liners & bolsters, Brass button & safety and nickel silver decorative lanyard ring. The bayonet style blade is 100% full with original factory finish and some light scratches. The tang is stamped STAINLESS STEEL and RIZZUTO ESTILETO MILANO is stamped on the face of the blade below the spine. The black synthetic scales are in great condition and the knife works well with the blade tip seating below the liners, good snap and very good lockup with the normal hint of down movement at the tip. The safety does work. EX+ condition. Great example of a vintage "Italian style" movie prop switchblade.