Is this a switchblade?

[MB09]

My Grandpa died in 2001, when I was 10. Since then I started collecting knives, and now I'm almost 16, so my Grandma decided to give me his old knives. He only had 2. One, that I have no idea what it is, just an old pocket knife. The other might be a switchblade, possibly a Stiletto. I doubt it is, but there's a feature on the knife that I'm curious about, but I have no idea what it does. I took some pictures so I would like it if you guys could help me out.






This is the part I was curious about, the thing that sticks out on the right. I'm sure you who have been collecting knives for a long time know what it is, but I'll tell you about it anyway. It moves in and out when I open the blade, but I also can move it by pushing it.


Here's 2 picture of the top part of the handle on a side view.

[Andrew Garrett]

It looks like a lockback to me. You say that the feature on the back moves up and down during extension. I imagine it was designed to lock into position and then require a press on that feature to release the blade for folding.

These types of knives can wear over the years and fail to lock up as they should. I'd bet money that is what happened here, or you'd be asking how to close it.

If my assertion is true, then this is not a switchblade. The thumbnail groove is another clue since switblades don't often have them. There is also no button to release the blade.

[Navaja]

Not a switch, and technicaly not a stiletto, stiletto refers to blade style, despite this knife Having a stiletto folder style handle. 70's would be my bet as to age.

[navajas5]

Looks like a cheaper stiletto-type knife - Definitely not a switchblade - But there are switchblades that are similar in form to this one, minus the back lock ((which is pressed inward to release the open blade, for closing - Those switchblades are usually Italian (Internet). The best type are those that you close by working the finger guard with your thumb - They have a button and safety - They're usually not that strong - not good for work or self-defense. Good luck, kid!