A.G.A. Campolin BIG brother original stiletto Italy Santos Wood - bayonet 45cm
Code: AGAFA-S45B-W-BRASSRelated products
Product detailed description
AGA Campolin represents one of the traditional brands associated with the production of Italian automatic knives, and this model is among the prominent representatives of its characteristic stiletto construction. Production in Maniago builds on more than six decades of experience in knife making, where traditional methods are combined with precise mechanical manufacturing. This model acts as a true "Big brother" of the Campolin series – with its striking size, long slender blade, and typical Italian appearance.
The automatic mechanism allows for rapid blade opening with the press of a button. The construction is complemented by a safety lock against accidental opening, which increases safety during carry. An interesting mechanical element is also the release via a rotating bolster, i.e., the moving part of the front metal guard. This traditional system provides the knife with a characteristic way of operation and simultaneously underscores its historical design concept.
The bayonet blade with a distinctly pointed profile follows the classic look of Italian stilettos. Manual polishing to a mirror finish creates a smooth, very striking surface that reflects light and emphasizes the long geometry of the blade. Manual mirror polishing is one of the details that gives each piece a significantly more luxurious appearance and refers to the traditional knife making of Maniago.
Metal elements, including the bolsters, button, and lock, utilize brass, which naturally creates a warm color contrast against the steel blade. During use and exposure to the environment, the brass may gradually change shade and acquire a characteristic patina. Thus, each piece may over time acquire its own unique look, resulting from the natural aging of the material.
Thanks to its striking construction, classic stiletto profile, and automatic opening, AGA Campolin represents an attractive addition for collectors of Italian automatic knives. Limited availability increases its collector's character. The model will appeal primarily to enthusiasts of traditional Italian stilettos who are looking for a striking knife with a historical design, manual craftsmanship, and mechanics typical of manufacturers from Maniago.
Knife length: 45 cm
Blade length: 21 cm
Blade thickness: 5 mm
Steel: AISI 420 Stainless Steel
Handle material: Santos Wood
Additional parameters
| Category: | OTF - Speed Assist |
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| Blade material: | stainless PLUS |
| Blade length: | 15 to 20 cm |
| Handle material: | wood |
Discussion
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Angelo Campolin Sr. was born in 1923 in Maniago, Italy. Before the Second World War, he perfected his knife-making skills and at this time he produced his first switchblades. After the war, in 1947, he founded his company and produced 30 knives with the "Angelo Campolin" label. Although it was quite far away, he used to cycle to Venice to sell them. After a few years he established a partnership with Mauro Mario, who made knives for the American market for many American importers, including Rosco, C.G. Cutlery, B. Svoboda, C.C.C Cutlery and others. Also, tourists in Venice and Trieste went crazy for this ugly toy! Angelo made instruments in 38 cm and 45 cm sizes. At first they were stilettos with a picklock and later they were redesigned in the style of a revolving bolster. Campolin were the only factory to produce this size in the post-war period. Other sizes were and are made by other manufacturers. In the 1960's they began to introduce other mechanisms including the lock back style. These were first used on switchblade hunting knives and then on some stilettos. It became the most popular release mechanism for locking hunting knives.
In the 1970s, Angelo's son Gianni started working for the company and they specialized in closing hunting knives and also in handheld closing stilettos for the Robert Klaas company in Solingen, Germany with the brand Kissing Cranes. This was the beginning of Falcon Knives, which is still in business today. In 1999, Angelo Jr. started working for the company at the age of 21. He went to the United States for the first time to a knife show in Oregon, where he brought back many quality Falcon closing knives. He also had a love for switchblades and from this show and through the internet he established relationships and friendships with many American collectors. He opened his own business specializing in automatic knives. Some were made by Angelo Sr. and some by other Maniago craftsmen under exclusive contracts. This is how his company, called AKC (Automatic Knives Creations, or Angelo Knives Campolin) was formed.
In 2002, American switchblade collectors Dan Fuller, Brad West and Tim Zinser visited Maniago and enjoyed a few glasses of wine with Angelo Jr. and Gianni at the bar. They discussed a new name for some knife projects they wanted to pursue. It was Brad West who suggested that the brand name of the tang be AGA, for Angelo, Gianni, Angelo, which would represent three generations in knife making. The Campolinos liked it and it stuck. In the beginning it was just a few pieces, but it has grown to the point that there are now 12 models and different scale variations. The goal was to offer quality switchblade knives using old techniques and traditions. Being a collector himself, Angelo Jr. knows what others like.
| Manufacturing company : | A.G.A. CAMPOLIN (Itálie/Rakousko) |
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