[Veronica W.]

Hello everyone,

Could someone please tell me when the earliest instance of a stiletto with a spring blade mechanism might have been?

I'm writing a novel based in 17th century Scotland and am in search of a weapon that would have originated sometime between 1650-1700. In my understanding, the Italian stiletto didn't become widespread until after about 1650. I've also gotten the impression that some "trick" blades, or spring-loaded blades, might have also been in use. Is it feasible that a spring-loaded stiletto would have existed?

I don't need hard proof -- well-educated flights of fancy are perfectly acceptable.

Thanks much!

Veronica Wolff

[Nathan Robinson]

"Spring-loaded" weapons were found in the context of "Combination Weapons".

You can see many examples here:


Spotlight: Combination Weapons
An article by Chad Arnow

When you speak of a spring-loaded stiletto, I'm uncertain what the mechanism would be accomplishing. Are you imagining a blade that shoots out or something? I've never seen any such thing.

[Veronica W.]

Hi Nathan,

I suppose I was imagining that...something along the lines of a modern-day switchblade.

That article gave me a lot to chew on, though. Thanks!

Veronica

[Jean Thibodeau]

[Veronica W.]

Thank you, Jean! I think I was confusing the two types of "stiletto"...