This is one of the more rare rizzuto knives. It is known as the knuckle rizzy or finger groove rizzy for obvious reasons. This model measured about 8.75 inches open length. This particular example has the stronger, less glossy scales. It also does not have the the rizzuto estileto milano stamp on the blade, just …
An uncommon Japanese Rizzuto Estileto Milano variation is the rectangular or “coffin” bolster. This particular one is 9 inches and has the mustache guards. The scale material on this knife is denser and less glossy than that seen on later rizzutos. With that and its rectangular top bolsters, this is a 1st generation rizzuto.
The 7 inch rizzutos are a less common build. Black is the most common color and they typically had standard guards. This particular one has step bolsters and heavier scales suggesting it was earlier and made in the 1960s.
The step bolster models are after the early spine lock rizzutos and before the later rounded bolster rizzys. The material for the scales like on this 11 step bolster is the sturdier and denser bakelite. The step bolster models don’t seem to peek as much, but that certainly is not a measured statistic.
Among the many rizzuto variations is the blade stamped picklock, which are uncommon. There is also a school of thought which holds these were the first rizzuto knives given the Italians were largely making picklocks in the 1950s and then came the transitional and finally modern knives. It is also clear the Japanese were following …
