Menu
History
Anatomy & Features
Guides
Boker Plus Stiletto
Published: June 10th, 2026
Long before the switchblade became associated with Hollywood gangsters and postwar pop culture, the stiletto was already centuries old. The original stiletto traces back to Medieval Italy, where the narrow, sharply pointed dagger was designed primarily for thrusting rather than cutting. Its slim blade profile made it lightweight, easy to conceal, and highly specialized compared to broader knives of the period. Over time, the word stiletto became associated not just with the dagger itself, but with the unmistakable long, slender silhouette that would eventually inspire one of the most recognizable automatic knife patterns ever produced.
By the mid-20th century, Italian automatic stilettos had become icons in their own right. Produced primarily in Maniago, Italy, these switchblades paired needle-like blades with push-button automatic actions, guards, and elongated handles that emphasized speed and dramatic presentation as much as function. Their appearance in American films, television, and popular culture cemented the stiletto as one of the defining knife designs of the modern era. The Boker Plus Stiletto series takes that classic Italian profile and reimagines it with modern materials, manufacturing, and updated proportions while staying faithful to the unmistakable design that made the original stilettos legendary.
Stiletto 3.5
Version Shown:
SMKW Exclusive Stag
The Boker Plus Stiletto 3.5, designed by SMKW CEO Tyler Pipes, takes the classic Italian switchblade profile and scales it to a practical everyday-carry automatic. Its 3.15-inch single-edge dagger blade is made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, giving the knife a clean, needle-like profile with good edge retention and corrosion resistance that feels like an upgraded version of the stilettos of decades past. At 7.68 inches overall, the Stiletto 3.5 keeps the long, slender lines that define the pattern while remaining compact enough for comfortable pocket carry. The push-button automatic action delivers the fast, authoritative deployment expected from a traditional stiletto, complete with the iconic guard and streamlined silhouette that made the design famous.
The Stiletto 3.5 comes in a variety of handle options, giving it distinctly different personalities while staying rooted in classic switchblade styling. The Ebony version leans into the traditional Italian look with dark polished wood scales and satin hardware, while the All-Black model gives the pattern a more modern and tactical appearance. SMKW’s exclusive Jigged Bone version adds old-school pocketknife character with rich texture and warm contrast against the satin and mirror-polished hardware, and the Stag exclusive brings a natural, rugged feel that harks back to the vintage European automatics carried throughout the mid-20th century. Across every version, the 4.53-inch handle keeps the knife slim, balanced, and unmistakably stiletto in hand.
Stiletto 5.0
Version Shown:
All-Black
The Boker Plus Stiletto 5.0, designed by SMKW CEO Tyler Pipes, takes the streamlined Italian automatic profile and stretches it into a full-sized statement piece. With a long 5.12-inch single-edge dagger blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, it captures the dramatic proportions that made classic stilettos legendary throughout the mid-20th century. The narrow blade profile, sweeping lines, and prominent guard give the knife an unmistakably traditional silhouette, while the modern blade steel brings dependable edge retention and corrosion resistance to a design rooted in old-world switchblade history. At 11.34 inches overall, the Stiletto 5.0 has an imposing presence in hand while still maintaining the slim, elegant feel that defines the pattern.
The extended 6.22-inch handle emphasizes the knife’s iconic proportions and gives the automatic action a satisfying snap that feels true to vintage Italian stilettos. The Ebony version leans heavily into traditional styling with dark wood scales paired against bright satin hardware, creating a refined, gentlemanly appearance despite the knife’s aggressive profile. The All-Black version shifts the design into more modern territory, using dark hardware and black Micarta handle scales to give the long stiletto a sleek tactical look without losing its classic lines. Both variations preserve the narrow, streamlined construction that has made the stiletto one of the most recognizable automatic knife patterns ever produced.
SMKW Exclusive Large Stiletto
Version Shown:
Satin
The Boker Plus SMKW Exclusive Large Stiletto, designed by SMKW CEO Tyler Pipes, pushes the classic Italian automatic pattern into truly oversized territory. At 13 inches overall with a massive 5.5-inch spear point blade, it's the largest commercially available stiletto currently on the market. The Large Stiletto keeps the instantly recognizable silhouette that made traditional stilettos famous, but scales every dimension up. Its long, narrow blade is made from 440C stainless steel and has the same dramatic lines expected from a classic switchblade, while the oversized guard and extended proportions give the knife a commanding presence. Despite its size, the profile remains remarkably streamlined, preserving the sleek look that defines the stiletto pattern.
The 7.5-inch black G-10 handle gives the Large Stiletto a more modern construction than vintage Italian examples while preserving the slim silhouette expected from a stiletto. Its push-button automatic action delivers a sharp, quick deployment that feels especially impressive at this scale. The Satin version highlights the clean lines of the blade and hardware with a more traditional look, while the All-Black version gives the oversized stiletto a striking modern look that emphasizes its aggressive proportions. Even at this size, the knife remains unmistakably rooted in the heritage of classic Italian switchblades while carving out a category almost entirely its own.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.