Perfect X-Files Stiletto Replica (need your help, please!)

[Jacobson]

Hi Ya'll,

I need all the help I can get on this one. I tried reviving an old X-Files alien bounty hunter stiletto thread but that didn't work. Now if the mods don't mind, I am starting this new thread, because it's only about one specific replica (link below), and doesn't have to do with any previously talked about piece. It has to do with this one:

http://sites.google.com/site/aliengimlet/

It's a guy from germany who made it. I talked to him via Skype for about 10 minutes and noticed that the replica functions amazingly great, just like a regular dual action OTF would. It comes out and retracts extremely fast, only with a push of the button.

Problem: He doesn't wanna sell it for any price. He offered me a substitute which looks exactly the same... except it has a less sophisticated mechanism. It works just like the Guardfather spike... meaning that you have to manually close the blade. I was interested in that one as well, but then he told me the price ($ 2000), and I said thanks but no thanks. Honestly I just can't afford that at this moment.

Here are some questions I have for all great prop geniuses:

1.) How much (approx.) would it cost to recreate this exact piece like he has?

2.) Do you know of anyone else who made something similar? I mean this looks exactly like on the show, but I find it hard to believe that he's the only one who has this?

3.) What tools would be necessary to make it?

Very much appreciate all of your help !

 

[MattMunson]

I would say your best bet for getting this done is reaching out to someone like Rylo or Russrep.

This prop comes up every once in a while, and the bummer with it is that there's usually only two or three folks who are really interested in purchasing one. I think it's a great piece, and it's really not all that complex. Could easily be made by someone with a desktop mill/lathe and a little bit of knowledge.

hope that helps!

 

[Wrench]

Man, I would love to make those, I could hammer one out in a few hours. Bummer part is its ridiculously illegal up here in the grate white north to the tune of a 3 year mandatory minimum :'(

 

[Jacobson]

I would say your best bet for getting this done is reaching out to someone like Rylo or Russrep.

This prop comes up every once in a while, and the bummer with it is that there's usually only two or three folks who are really interested in purchasing one. I think it's a great piece, and it's really not all that complex. Could easily be made by someone with a desktop mill/lathe and a little bit of knowledge.

hope that helps!

Is there any piece that had the same exact look and functionality like the one from the website I posted? As I said, I find it hard to believe that only one guy made this... but I may be wrong.

What are your thoughts on this particular replica?

Thank you Matt.

- - - Updated - - -

Man, I would love to make those, I could hammer one out in a few hours. Bummer part is its ridiculously illegal up here in the grate white north to the tune of a 3 year mandatory minimum :'(

Its not illegal if you keep it in your home and dont carry it with you in your pocket.

Or am I wrong?

 

[MattMunson]

I have never seen a replica of this piece, outside of the one you posted a link to. I think in general, it's a very low demand/niche piece, and it's non-trivial to create it.

As I said, for someone who has basic knowledge of a lathe and mill, and knows how to do a taper, it's a no brainer. It's not hard work, but for someone to do a run of them, they'll need lots of interest and it wouldn't be cheap.

Honestly, your best bet might be to consult with a local hobbyist or retired machinist who wants a few under-the-table bucks. maybe put an ad on craiglist. I would think for a few hundred bucks you could get one made easily.

 

[Wrench]

Nope, the thing about laws in Canada is there all about who's reading them, because there are no definitions it can be determined the other way, the police here just arrest and let the crown figure out what to charge you with.

The machining and building of the peice would take 5 minutes. Its the counter spring switch that would be a pain in the ass to get to function reliably.

 

[Wreckhur]

It's something I would do. If you want it made out of SS it would probably run you $200-$300, since it would most likely be a one off. It's 230 am here and I don't feel like drawing a mechanism right now, but both ways is not something you just throw together if you want it to work more than once. As far as tooling goes, it would cost you a couple of thousand to buy the stuff to make it yourself, at the very minimum. You would need a lathe, mill, bandsaw, files, cutting tools, hand tools for the machines, sandpaper etc. A decent machinist can do this by hand, of course since I run CNC it's just a matter of putting in the dimensions and changing tools, well that and waiting on material to arrive. But this isn't something a novice is going to do.

 

[Jacobson]

Nope, the thing about laws in Canada is there all about who's reading them, because there are no definitions it can be determined the other way, the police here just arrest and let the crown figure out what to charge you with.

If you make let's say the handle from steel, and then the blade from plastic, rubber, or wood with a metal finish, as well as a very dull pointed end to render it useless as a spike... then I don't see how you could get in trouble for it? It would basically be a toy, and not a OTF weapon. You wouldn't be able to hurt anyone with it. Just like that comb switchblade looks like a switchblade until you activate it, then you see it's just a comb.

That's what this guy in germany did. The first piece was with an extremely sharp SS blade. Then he destroyed that one and made a completely new piece. This blade was a weak one with an almost round tip. Technically not a blade or spike, but just looks like it. Still looks fantastic, but in no way can it be used as a weapon. This way you get around the legalities of such a thing.

I can paste the lengthy email he wrote me about it, but since he never mentions details about the mechanism I find it useless. Whenever I ask him about the mechanism he changes subjects or ignores it. I saw several pieces he had working on Skype fully functional, and im pretty sure 99.9% there was no trickery involved. Blah

It's something I would do. If you want it made out of SS it would probably run you $200-$300, since it would most likely be a one off. It's 230 am here and I don't feel like drawing a mechanism right now, but both ways is not something you just throw together if you want it to work more than once.

1.) Are we talking fully functional for that price, or a static replica?

2.) If fully functional, would you be able to keep in mind what I said above? Basically make the "blade" not an actual blade, but something very dull that can't even pierce skin, let alone flesh or harder materials.

I dont wanna static piece, that's just boring. I also dont want anything illegal.

 

[Jacobson]

Heres the lengthy reply I recieved from him, in case someones interested:

It's good to hear from you again! Thank you for your e-mail, although I'm very well informed, and aware of all the laws. The link you got there is outdated and I should probably update that site in order to avoid confusion. The item I showed you on Skype is not available anymore. Instead I have created something slightly different, but still fabulous of course. The new item has a Stainless Steel handle as well as the exact double action mechanism from the old piece. The only difference, albeit a very important one, is that the blade is not a blade at all. It is made from plastic with a great shiny metallic finish, and an extremely dull, rounded tip. It is literally neither a blade nor a spike. It is actually so weak, dull and round that it can't be used to pierce through anything at all. Not even skin or cloth, much less something harder than that. Trying to exert more force when pushing it against something will only cause it to either slide back, or break in half, as I have tested myself. Although it looks absolutely fantastic (just like the old piece), it is not a blade, it is not a spike, it definitely cannot be used as a weapon, and therefore it's not an OTF switchblade. The handle is 304 Grade Stainless Steel, just like the old piece, and the mechanism is exactly the same.

Basically the item is as much a weapon as a "switchblade comb" that you can order on Amazon. In order words it's a toy, yet at the same time a realistic prop replica, both visually and mechanically, featuring a very sophisticated mechanism of the highest quality. The fact of the matter is that you won't be able to find a replica like this one anywhere else. It is truly a unique X-Files prop replica. I currently have three pieces. Two of them are double-action, and one is a single-action. All items are, as I thoroughly explained above, completely harmless toys. If you were to push your hand against it full force you wouldn't even get a scratch. It would either slide back, or break in half. I purposely made it as weak as possible to avoid problems. The only "dangerous" thing you can do is use the steel handle to hit someone in the face with it.

Nonetheless due to the sophisticated mechanism, the price is not cheap, and technically speaking there is no difference between the old item and the new item. I would say $ 1,500 for single-action, and $ 3,000 for double-action, is a pretty reasonable price. You have to keep in mind how many months I spent not only designing the mechanism and working on drawings, but also buying tools and materials, as well as throwing away many faulty items, and really lots of cash. If you wish to buy something from me, you would need to use PayPal, as that is the only payment method I accept. Everything has to be according to proper rules and procedures. I would need to put it on eBay so you can click on "buy now" in order to purchase it. I'll send you some pictures within the next day or two when I find some time, so you can see it really looks just as stunning as the old one.

If you are still worried about it, then do what I did, and talk to law enforcement, explaining to them all the details. From a few feet away it does looks sharp. Getting closer and closer you notice the dullness at the top. When you touch it and examine it up close, you see that it's harmless. Think about it. Let me know.

Now honestly I think that price is ridiculous. :rolleyes What do you guys think? I was planning on spending about 500 dollars max. Am I being unrealistic?

Is there really noone in the world who made a replica that functions exactly like his one?

Sorry if Im getting on someones nerves. I'm just really passionate about it, but this price just seems..... wrong.

 

[Wreckhur]

1.) Are we talking fully functional for that price, or a static replica?

2.) If fully functional, would you be able to keep in mind what I said above? Basically make the "blade" not an actual blade, but something very dull that can't even pierce skin, let alone flesh or harder materials.

I dont wanna static piece, that's just boring. I also dont want anything illegal. [/QUOTE]

Yes it would be fully functional for between $200 and $300, with a plastic "blade" and painted. I can make the blade out of any type of plastic you like and coat/paint it any color. You could even have a blade that is lit up from the inside with LED's if you want. Though that would be more expensive. :cool I can also make the handle out of any metal or plastic and can do numerous different finishes. Let me know exactly how you want it and I can give you a final price. Update: I am designing it now, will make a prototype and then wait for confirmation from you on the go ahead. We should take this to PM as well.

 

[Jacobson]

Yes it would be fully functional for between $200 and $300, with a plastic "blade" and painted.

By fully functional do you mean single or double action? The piece this guy has extends and retracts just by pushing the button. This is double action functionality.

Please let me know about that, and also tell me if u can make it look exactly like this one: http://sites.google.com/site/aliengimlet/

I'm not really sure what measurements you will be using? Where did u get them from?

Most important thing: I'm definitley not paying $200 for a single action! Im telling you that right now so you dont waste your time for something I dont want. I only want double action mechanism and nothing else.

 

[Wreckhur]

I am talking about double action as in: slide the button forward approximately 1/2" and the 4.33 inch blade pops out. Pull the button back approximately 1/2" and it will retract without you using any additional force. So you WILL NOT have to push the blade in. I am using the dimensions from the site you provided. He has conveniently used a ruler in one of the pics and by using a little photo editing and geometry I can determine the entire O.D. and taper. I am a big fan of the X-files and would love to add this to my collection. I honestly don't know why I never thought of it, guess I am just really busy. Even if you don't want this, I could easily sell it for $500 without breaking a sweat, so don't worry about me making it. I do this for fun and not the money. Of course I would like to make you this and I want to make sure it is exactly as you want it. The only issue is pushing the button INTO the handle as opposed to a slide up of half inch and slide down of half inch. From an engineering perspective pushing in is very complicated and would definitely send the price up. The reason for that is the complicated mechanics behind it. The fabrication would have to consist of at least 20 extra moving parts and the time would be more in the month long range. Like someone else posted earlier, if this were to be a production run the price of a straight push button would come down some, but that is very, very complicated.
So if the button moving a half inch either way to fully extend and retract without you applying any other force is a no-go let me know and I will look at the button being pushed straight into the handle to make it extend and retract, but I don't think it will be in your price range. Maybe I am misunderstanding how you are talking about the push button? This is definitely a very important part of the operation and I just want to be clear on this with you.

 

[Jacobson]

I am talking about double action as in: slide the button forward approximately 1/2" and the 4.33 inch blade pops out. Pull the button back approximately 1/2" and it will retract without you using any additional force. So you WILL NOT have to push the blade in. I am using the dimensions from the site you provided. He has conveniently used a ruler in one of the pics and by using a little photo editing and geometry I can determine the entire O.D. and taper.

You don't need to determine any dimensions, because i have it all saved in an e-mail from the creator himself:

Diameter of each end: 0.60 inches
Diameter of the center: 0.725 inches
Handle length: 6.0 inches
Blade length: 4.33 inches (exactly 11 cm)

Now i dont know how big the hole is where the spike comes out, but in the pics it is a little bigger than the spike.

I am a big fan of the X-files and would love to add this to my collection. I honestly don't know why I never thought of it, guess I am just really busy. Even if you don't want this, I could easily sell it for $500 without breaking a sweat, so don't worry about me making it. I do this for fun and not the money. Of course I would like to make you this and I want to make sure it is exactly as you want it.

I'm not sure youd be able to sell a replica for $500. Many X-Files fans are obsessed with actual on-screen props, which is something I never understood in the first place. Id rather pay cheaper for a perfectly executed replica than pay 10x more for a screen used prop. But then again that's just me.

The other problem is the legality. OTFs are illegal in many places, and shipping them is risking getting not only yourself in trouble, but also the buyer. The only way around this is designing something like that guy who made the replica, meaning to make the "blade" something very weak and dull.

The only issue is pushing the button INTO the handle as opposed to a slide up of half inch and slide down of half inch. From an engineering perspective pushing in is very complicated and would definitely send the price up. The reason for that is the complicated mechanics behind it. The fabrication would have to consist of at least 20 extra moving parts and the time would be more in the month long range. Like someone else posted earlier, if this were to be a production run the price of a straight push button would come down some, but that is very, very complicated. So if the button moving a half inch either way to fully extend and retract without you applying any other force is a no-go let me know and I will look at the button being pushed straight into the handle to make it extend and retract, but I don't think it will be in your price range. Maybe I am misunderstanding how you are talking about the push button? This is definitely a very important part of the operation and I just want to be clear on this with you.

This is getting complicated. Please PM me your email address, or i can PM u mine if you want. I think itd be best to discuss this further in private.

 

[Wreckhur]

Pm sent.

 

[Wreckhur]

This is just to clarify in case anyone is concerned about reading this and to answer your legal worry. There will not be any kind of blade that can harm an individual or objects, it will be thin carbon fiber that will snap with very little pressure applied at the blunt tip.

 

[RobI]

Oh boy. An iconic X-files prop. Would go nicely next to my "Trust No One" Zippo lighter.

I'm not a purist so close enough is good enough for me. Besides, no one would ever know...besides me. Only a true X-files fan would get it and even then, they'd hold it in amazement no mater how imprecise the actual action may be.

 

[breen2057]

i would love one of these but i couldn't afford a fully functionally one. how about one that is a static prop.

one that looks like this but can be displayed either with no spike or with the spike in place. the spike is a separate piece that can be manually pushed into the hole for display. much simpler to make.

how much would something like that cost for a old school x files fan who video taped x files episodes?

 

[Jon Kelley]

Breen - Actually, if you're just doing a static display, you could drive the price down considerably if it's only made as two piece - the handle and the "blade." The handle end of the blade would be threaded (whatever is convenient - I have forgotten the diameter of the blade, if it was mentioned,) and the end of the handle would be counterbored (to give the impression that the blade COULD retract!) and threaded at the bottom. The blade could then be attached or detached at will, replaced if damaged, &c. The single most difficult operation in making the thing would then be the double tapers - because any machinist who knows what he's about can do the counterbore/bore/thread operation with either a lathe or a mill in two minutes, with his eyes shut. With one hand in his pocket. When you make the base, simply include a groove in the back to rest the blade in, when it's not mounted. Easy!

 

[Jacobson]

Breen - Actually, if you're just doing a static display, you could drive the price down considerably if it's only made as two piece - the handle and the "blade." The handle end of the blade would be threaded (whatever is convenient - I have forgotten the diameter of the blade, if it was mentioned,) and the end of the handle would be counterbored (to give the impression that the blade COULD retract!) and threaded at the bottom. The blade could then be attached or detached at will, replaced if damaged, &c. The single most difficult operation in making the thing would then be the double tapers - because any machinist who knows what he's about can do the counterbore/bore/thread operation with either a lathe or a mill in two minutes, with his eyes shut. With one hand in his pocket. When you make the base, simply include a groove in the back to rest the blade in, when it's not mounted. Easy!

Gee, whats the fun in that? U cant take it to school and show off to friends.

Hey guys, look what I got! "Pfft"... "Pfft"....

Then you're thrown out of school for bringing a weapon.

 

[Jon Kelley]

Oh, don't EVEN get me started on the asininity of such policies! It reminds me of going to traffic court once years ago, and they held on to my keyring because it - gasp! - had a P38 can opener on it! Their justification? "You can't bring weapons in here." Right. So you're going to take away my keyring because it has a can opener, but the KEYS on it are more dangerous. And you let me keep my ballpoint pen (!) and I can walk about freely with my hands and feet loose - which are FAR more dangerous than the P38 can opener. And, not only was I able to freely carry a personal blade to school every day (one-half to two-thirds of us did,) but I had my first black belt at fourteen - under the current "Zero Tolerance/No Weapons" rules, I can't even STEP onto school grounds! I'm amazed TSA will even let me clear security (especially after the earful I gave them in early 2002 when they told me I was "grossly overqualified" - their words. Is it any wonder I need to be sedated in order to get through an airport these days? 2mg lorazepam usually does the job.)