Overview
The Ciabatta - (Italian for "slipper") by Pro-Tech, is not, by definition, an automatic/switchblade knife but it opens just as fast. The operation is based on a spring assist mechanism called PLUS (Pin Lock Ultra Safety) created in collaboration with knife designer Blackie Collins. The knife can only be opened with pressure applied to the blade spine, and there is a detent that keeps the blade in the closed position so that it cannot be flipped open with gravity. Very clear and concise instructions accompany each knife and after a couple of minutes of practice you get the hang of how it works, and then you are hooked. Clean, quite simple and with an additional slide safety to prevent accidental opening no matter how you carry the Ciabatta. Opened, the double ground blade locks up solid with no play. This has got to be one of the neatest and most practical knife designs to come along in quite a while. The frame is marked First Production Run, Serial Number 549, and has Blackie Collins' signature. Comes with Protech Box and papers and instructions. Has some light scuffs, otherwise excellent condition.