I’m writing a review of the AKC Large Tactical Leverletto.
Section 1 (as per the suggested format)
Brand: AKC Automatic Knives Company. AKC is a brand that supposedly makes their knives in Italy, and makes mostly, mid quality range replicas of traditional Italian knives, such as stilettos.
Measurements:
Measurements:
- Open Length: 9 inches
- Closed Length: 5 inches
- Blade Length: 4 inches
- Handle Width: .75 inches
- Handle Height: .5 inches
Unfortunately, AKC does not disclose what type of steel is in this knife. However, knowing the company, and after inspecting and using the knife, I would compare the steel to 440A or B, which is obviously, and unfortunately cheap and low quality steel. The knife is easy enough to sharpen, but blade retention is pour. The blade is not exceptionally stiff, but it is only ½ inch wide at its widest, and less than 1/8th inch thick at its thickest. With a stiletto, especially one at this price, this is to be expected.
Blade Grind:
The blade came with a very shallow flat grind, which again, is attributed to the characteristics of a classic stiletto knife.
Knife Geometry:
The handle begins near the blade with a rectangular shape, then near an inch before it terminates, it narrows slightly and then fans back out to its original width. The faux quillions are around an inch tall, and an inch wide. It is against these quillions that the horseshoe shaped lever used to open the knife lies, on the left side of the knife. The blade has the typical geometry of a stiletto, with a thin, narrow blade to be used primarily for stabbing. It begins to narrow from its rectangular profile around 1.5inches from the tip.
Handles: The handles on this knife are made from 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum Alloy, with a black anodized finish. The knife has rivets running through the handles, which are fairly standard for a stiletto, and are acceptable because the mechanism of the knife is complicated, and should not be taken apart in the first place. The knife was perfectly centered when I received it. The mechanism is fairly well sealed, and should not get dirty quickly.
Section 2 Manufacturers Intended uses of the Knife
Fighting
We can see by use of the word “Tactical” in the name of the knife, that it was intended to be marketed to a crowd interested in fighting knives, however I find it important to point out that this knife will not stand up to a modern tactical folder, or fixed blade knife. It is however, similar to the traditional knife that it is based on, a specialized stabbing point, small enough to sneak between ribs. I do not endorse the use of any knife for the sake of killing a human being, with the exception of military use, and I do not recommend this knife for use in a military situation.
Letter Opening
Like any knife, this one can be used for standard daily tasks such as opening envelopes, and removing packaging from packaged items. While the knife is not marketed as such, the mechanism with which it is opened makes it a fun letter opening, light use, knife, that could even be used for every day carry.
Collecting
Like many of AKC’s knives this knife appeals to collectors, and those who enjoy either Old Italian, or 50’s era American Culture. If you are a fan of movies like The Outsiders, Grease, or West Side Story, and want a knife for your fantasies, this is a great choice.
We can see by use of the word “Tactical” in the name of the knife, that it was intended to be marketed to a crowd interested in fighting knives, however I find it important to point out that this knife will not stand up to a modern tactical folder, or fixed blade knife. It is however, similar to the traditional knife that it is based on, a specialized stabbing point, small enough to sneak between ribs. I do not endorse the use of any knife for the sake of killing a human being, with the exception of military use, and I do not recommend this knife for use in a military situation.
Like any knife, this one can be used for standard daily tasks such as opening envelopes, and removing packaging from packaged items. While the knife is not marketed as such, the mechanism with which it is opened makes it a fun letter opening, light use, knife, that could even be used for every day carry.
Like many of AKC’s knives this knife appeals to collectors, and those who enjoy either Old Italian, or 50’s era American Culture. If you are a fan of movies like The Outsiders, Grease, or West Side Story, and want a knife for your fantasies, this is a great choice.
Section 3 My Intended Use of the Knife
Light Use/EDC
I bought this knife, knowing and expecting that while it is a high quality recreation of a stiletto switchblade knife, it is simply not a workhorse style of knife. When I need to have high expectations of my knife, I will carry a fixed blade knife, or a more modern folder made by a company like Gerber, Cold Steel, or Spyderco. With that said, I do carry this knife on a fairly regular basis. It is low enough profile that I can put it in my pocket with either my wallet or phone, and it is unobtrusive. The firing and locking mechanisms are more than reliable enough to fire every day for years, if the proper technique is used. The blade is a high enough quality that it will not dull or pit quickly under normal use.
Collecting
As previously stated, I am a fan of stiletto knives, and I do have a small collection of them. If a knife collector is interested n collecting stilettos or switch blades of any kind, this is a nice looking, decent quality addition to any collection, and I advise they start with a knife like this rather than with a crappy $20 knife at a gun show. They will be much more satisfied with this knife than others.
Ah- the deployment mechanism. This section really ought to be in the front, but being new here I did my best to adhere to the prescribed format. A classical automatic stiletto uses a button to deploy the blade, and either a backlock, as is the case in some of Frank Beltrame’s knives, or a quillion is slide forward to release the blade. The Leverletto uses a lever instead of this button. This is a superior design for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it allows the knife to maintain a smaller profile, which is what a stiletto is all about. Second, after the blade is deployed, the lever can be folded upward out of the way, and does not impede the grip of the knife. When the knife is in you pocket, the lever can also be folded up, removing the need for a safety, keeping the knife compact and simple. It is important to note, that this lever is depressed toward the handle to fire the knife. When firing the knife, press the button firmly into the handle , keeping your thumb beneath the hole cut from the lever. If you press the lever too lightly, or with your thumb too high, the knife will not completely fire, and the blade will not lock up all the way.
So, I think I have covered everything I wanted to cover here in my first review. Overall, I rate this knife a 9/10.
Pros:
I bought this knife, knowing and expecting that while it is a high quality recreation of a stiletto switchblade knife, it is simply not a workhorse style of knife. When I need to have high expectations of my knife, I will carry a fixed blade knife, or a more modern folder made by a company like Gerber, Cold Steel, or Spyderco. With that said, I do carry this knife on a fairly regular basis. It is low enough profile that I can put it in my pocket with either my wallet or phone, and it is unobtrusive. The firing and locking mechanisms are more than reliable enough to fire every day for years, if the proper technique is used. The blade is a high enough quality that it will not dull or pit quickly under normal use.
Collecting
As previously stated, I am a fan of stiletto knives, and I do have a small collection of them. If a knife collector is interested n collecting stilettos or switch blades of any kind, this is a nice looking, decent quality addition to any collection, and I advise they start with a knife like this rather than with a crappy $20 knife at a gun show. They will be much more satisfied with this knife than others.
Section 4. Showing you how it can be used/ Summary.
Huh. Well, as previously stated, I think that this knife can be used with a high degree of satisfaction for both collecting and light EDC situations. This is not a workhorse of a fighting knife. However, for stiletto and switchblade fans, this knife is a great relief from low quality, unusable, self condemning switch blades. This one functions, it does cut, it is reliable, and it is good looking. For $110, those are the descriptors or a great value knife. As I’m sure you know, stilettos can easily run up into the $400 range. Unfortunately, getting a switchblade stiletto that has a reliable lock and deployment mechanism is a fairly uncommon feat.
Ah- the deployment mechanism. This section really ought to be in the front, but being new here I did my best to adhere to the prescribed format. A classical automatic stiletto uses a button to deploy the blade, and either a backlock, as is the case in some of Frank Beltrame’s knives, or a quillion is slide forward to release the blade. The Leverletto uses a lever instead of this button. This is a superior design for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it allows the knife to maintain a smaller profile, which is what a stiletto is all about. Second, after the blade is deployed, the lever can be folded upward out of the way, and does not impede the grip of the knife. When the knife is in you pocket, the lever can also be folded up, removing the need for a safety, keeping the knife compact and simple. It is important to note, that this lever is depressed toward the handle to fire the knife. When firing the knife, press the button firmly into the handle , keeping your thumb beneath the hole cut from the lever. If you press the lever too lightly, or with your thumb too high, the knife will not completely fire, and the blade will not lock up all the way.
So, I think I have covered everything I wanted to cover here in my first review. Overall, I rate this knife a 9/10.
Pros:
- Look
- Fun Firing Mechanism
- Reliable for a Switchblade
- Lever System
- Solid Feeling in Hand
- Availability
Cons:
- Unidentified Steel
- Could be stiffer
- The mechanism will eventually fail
- Illegal to carry
So, what did you guys think of my first review? Do you have any suggestions for me? I’d appreciate it. Please, if you enjoyed my review, if you’re interested in this knife, please check out this video on my channel, where I discuss the knife, and show it firing, Thank you all very kindly. http://www.youtube.com/user/Hydra572
Author: Hydra572